TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Miami quarterback Emory Williams suffered a left arm injury late in the fourth quarter of a 27-20 loss to No. 4 Florida State on Saturday and was taken to a local hospital for further testing.
Coach Mario Cristobal said after the match that the injury was “serious” and that they were waiting for more information from the hospital.
Williams was hurt in the fourth and second rounds when he extended his arm and dove for first. Several defenders collided with him, and he appeared to be in severe pain as he lay on the ground. An air cast was placed on his left arm and he was taken off the field.
Williams, a true freshman, started the game over veteran Tyler Van Dyke to try and start the offense. Van Dyke had thrown 10 interceptions in his previous four games and did not play well in the loss to N.C. State last week.
Cristobal described Williams’ performance in the loss as “fearless.” Williams finished 8 of 23 for 175 yards with two touchdown passes — including an 85-yarder by Jacolby George to cut Florida State’s lead to 27-20.
“[He] “He was a little nervous early and then settled down, made some big throws, some bold throws as well — especially the one where he got hurt,” Cristobal said. “He made an amazing throw to Jacolby and made some other key throws, some others you want to get back. Well played.”
Van Dijk came on after Williams was injured but made an interception on fourth down to end the game. Cristobal said switching midfielders was difficult but Van Dijk handled it well.
“It was a difficult period there, but I think everyone jumps to conclusions too quickly,” Cristobal said. “Tyler is a great guy. It was a very tough decision; he handled it very well. He was a great quarterback. He’s going to be a great quarterback again.”
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