Architect of A&M Victory over Bama to Have Season Ending Surgery

After a shakier than expected start to the Crimson Tide's 2022 campaign for a national championship, Alabama fans can rest easier knowing that the architect of last year's loss in College Station won't be taking the field for Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl.

Zach Calzada has elected to undergo season-ending surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. With the play of quarterbacks TJ Finley and Robbie Ashford leaving something to be desired by fans in the Plains, it is likely the Texas A&M transfer would have wound up seeing noteworthy playing time this season, possibly even against Alabama.

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Calzada engineered a 41-38 victory over the Tide at Kyle Field last season. The loss was the lone blemish on Alabama's resume heading into the College Football Playoff and was the first time coach Nick Saban had lost to one of his former assistants, Jimbo Fisher.

In that game, Calzada completed 21-of-31 passes for 285 yards while notching three touchdowns and throwing an interception.

Calzada is expected to apply for a medical redshirt with the NCAA. If granted, this would be his second redshirt season.

There is a touch of irony for the Tigers in this. This is Calzada's second surgery on this shoulder and the previous one left him unavailable for spring practice. The initial injury that necessitate the surgeries occurred when Calzada was playing for Texas A&M against Auburn. Smoke Monday dislocated Calzada's shoulder as the quarterback attempted to pick up yardage on the ground.