Pavia Clashes with Fan; Manziel Flips Off Crowd

Alabama defeated No. 16 Vanderbilt 30-14 in Tuscaloosa, ending the Commodores' 5-0 start after a 14-14 halftime tie and a scoreless second half for Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who had been seen practicing a victory kneel in warmups, completed 21 of 35 passes for 198 yards with one touchdown, one interception and added 58 rushing yards. After the game Pavia engaged in a heated exchange with an Alabama fan — repeatedly shouting "I do whatever the f--- I want" — as Vanderbilt staffers also confronted the fan; the incident followed in-game taunts attributed to Pavia, including an apparent crotch gesture. Former Heisman winner Johnny Manziel was on the Vanderbilt sideline wearing a Pavia jersey and was filmed raising both middle fingers toward Alabama supporters. Alabama players and coaches downplayed the theatrics while emphasizing their confidence, and the episode recalled prior taunts Nick Saban has noted; Vanderbilt will have a bye before hosting No. 13 LSU on Oct. 18.