When Alabama has lost games over the last nearly two decades, it often starts with an electrifying once-in-a-lifetime performance from that opposing team's quarterback. The most recent one was Diego Pavia's performance, leading to one of the biggest college football upsets in my lifetime. The win not only made Pavia a household name but also helped transform Vanderbilt into a legitimate SEC contender in 2025.
One of the most comparable wins was Texas A&M's upset of Alabama during the 2012 season, when the entire world became familiar with Johnny Manziel. That iconic performance not only helped Manzeil win the Heisman but changed the culture in College Station.
Another interesting similarity between these quarterbacks is now Diego Pavia gets the opportunity to beat the Tide for a second straight season on Saturday, just like Manziel did in 2013. We know the Aggies came up a little short that Fall Saturday, but it was no fault of the quarterback, who had an even better performance than he did in 2012. Alabama has had a fantastic record in revenge games, but often the next season doesn't involve the same quarterback, which makes this week's game in Tuscaloosa that much more interesting.
Diego Pavia has the confidence and on-field charisma that Johnny Manziel possessed. Even if the Tide does get their much-anticipated revenge against the Commodores, it is unlikely going to be due to a bad performance from the guy in the number two jersey.
In no other year would an Alabama-Vanderbilt game get College Game Day to come to town other than the star power Pavia has created. The media gravitates to his every move and comment just like they did with Johnny Manziel. Their electric personalities are once in a lifetime, and the reason why the former Texas A&M quarterback will be in town rooting on this decade's version of himself Saturday afternoon.