Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel didn’t want to talk to the media.
After the 28-21 loss to Missouri, Manziel slunk into the locker room and remained quiet. The loss might have been his final Southeastern Conference game. The redshirt sophomore is rumored to enter the NFL Draft next season.
Throughout the game, Manziel seemed hobbled. The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner limped to the sidelines after several plays, requiring both ankles to be taped up after the second half. He entered the game with a thumb injury, which looked like it limited his passing ability, missing open wide receiver Derel Walker in the first quarter.
“If he wasn’t healthy to play, then he wouldn’t have played,” A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said.
Missouri’s defense didn’t make it easier on Manziel. From the beginning of the game, the Tigers established its presence when junior defensive lineman Kony Ealy slapped Manziel on the helmet after a first quarter play. The line combined for two sacks on the evening and broke up a pass.
Even when Manziel tried to escape on his feet, the line thumped Manziel, only letting him run a mere 21 yards on 11 carries. In the second quarter, he was stopped short of a first down on a run after getting creamed in a high-low hit.
Senior linebacker Andrew Wilson nearly suplexed Manziel after a short run in the third quarter.
Manziel was cut short from celebrating his 32-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter when Lombardi Award finalist Michael Sam pummeled him to the turf after the pass.
“Well we were relentless in the effort,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “Our defensive line wanted a piece of him every chance they got.”
Pinkel said Manziel’s notoriety motivated the defense even more to stop him. The quarterback went 24 for 35 and threw for 195 yards with 1 touchdown. His 216 total yards was a career collegiate low for Manziel. In his first start against Florida, Manziel combined for 233 yards.
In comparison, Missouri quarterback James Franklin went 18 for 28 and threw for 233 yards on 2 touchdowns.
Pinkel, who compared Manziel to NFL legend John Elway, said the team practiced covering receivers all week and believed Missouri stopped Manziel on the run. With a few minutes left in the fourth quarter, Manziel couldn’t locate receivers effectively to tie up the game.
“He looked real frustrated on those last few drives,” Pinkel said.
Although Manziel refused to talk to the media, A&M players and coaches commented on his mood after the game. Missouri fans rained down “Go to hell, Manziel” cheers on the A&M media tent situated under a ramp near the visitor’s locker room.
“He obviously takes (the loss) tough,” wide receiver Travis Labhart said. “A lot of time he takes it tough because he takes it on himself. But we’re a team and everyone plays a part.”