When Cam Newton led Auburn to a national title they were often criticized for injuring opposing quarterbacks. Saturday they took out the biggest name in the game in Johnny Manziel in a game Newton predicted Auburn would win on al.com. Ladarius Owens drove him into the ground, injuring his right shoulder to send him to the sideline. Like a boxer, he came back but was taken down with three more hits on the final drive of the game including a long sack by Dee Ford to secure Auburn’s upset win.
On the first injury, Manziel scrambled out of pressure toward the end zone, but was hit inside the five-yard line by defensive back Ryan White, allowing defensive end Ladarius Owens to catch up and drive his right shoulder into the ground. Manziel fell to the ground as he tried to walk away, and initially could not throw on the sideline before having some work done as Auburn scored to pull the game to within a touchdown.
In Newton’s big year teams complained about Nick Fairley’s apparent targeting of opposing quarterbacks.
Manziel returned with 9:06 to play favoring his shoulder but completed a pass immediately.