Deigo Pavia became an overnight sensation after leading Vanderbilt to its biggest win in school history last weekend.
In case you live under a rock, Pavia is the starting quarterback for the Commodores, and last Saturday, he led his team to a 40-35 win over top-ranked Alabama.
The Tide were fresh off a statement win over Georgia, and marched into Nashville, Tennessee, as a 22.5-point favorite over Vandy.
However, a perfectly executed gameplan from the Commodores — and one heck of a performance from their quarterback — gave Vanderbilt its first-ever win over an AP top-five team, and its first win over Alabama in 40 years.
Pavia was 16 of 20 for 252 yards and two touchdowns on the night, and also avoided a single turnover or sack against the Crimson Tide. He was also pivotal for Vanderbilt as a ball carrier, churning out 56 yards on 20 carries.
After his Herculean performance, Pavia appeared on an episode of College Football Live on ESPN Wednesday.
During the show, Pavia explained why he feels his game compares to former Texas A&M Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.
“I think we bring the same electric mentality to the football game, to the football field,” Pavia said. “We both are big believers in ourself. I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to Johnny but we’re both wired different. We’ll do whatever it takes to win. I feel like we have a lot of the same playstyle.”
Unbeknownst to him, Pavia was actually about to get that chance to talk with Manziel, as ESPN surprised the Vanderbilt star with a parting conversation with the former Aggie great.
“What an awesome game, so fun to watch,” Manziel said to Pavia. “Couldn’t be happier for you. Sitting there and watching the whole thing play out has to feel like 2012 for me. But appreciate you showing me a lot of love, hope I get the chance to come on here and show you the same thing.”
It was a very cool moment between two “electric” SEC quarterbacks, and something that Pavia will likely never forget. He and Manziel also have one other thing in common — they are two of just four quarterbacks who have ever beaten No. 1 Alabama as an unranked team.
That’s the stuff of legend.
Pavia and the Commodores are on the road at Kentucky this week, where they’re currently listed as 13.5-point underdogs.
