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Johnny Manziel knows a thing or two about pulling off a primetime upset against a top-ranked Alabama team, having done so back in 2012 during his time at Texas A&M.
So it was only fitting that Manziel surprised Diego Pavia—who helped orchestrate Vanderbilt’s shocking defeat of Alabama this past weekend—during an appearance on ESPN’s College Football Live Wednesday:
“Man, what an awesome game,” Manziel said. “So fun to watch, bro. Couldn’t be happier for you. Sitting there watching the whole thing play out, has to feel like maybe 2012 for me. Appreciate you showing me a lot of love, hope I get the chance to come on here and show you the same thing.”
Pavia threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in the win, adding 56 yards rushing on the ground. Those numbers were eerily similar to Manziel’s stat line in his own win against Alabama—253 yards and two touchdowns through the air, 92 yards on the ground.
“I’m gonna try to make it out and come see you guys in Nashville for sure, man,” Manziel said when Pavia told him he hoped to see him at a Vandy game this season. “You guys have been on heck of a run this season. Hopefully you’re able to continue that on.”