Miami (FL) quarterback D’Eriq King suffered a right leg injury late in the second quarter of the Cheez-It Bowl fight against Oklahoma State in Orlando on Tuesday night. King shot to the right in the first for Oklahoma State’s 14-yard line goal and, while trying to hit a defender in space, injured his knee by planting him on the ground. He dived forward and was approached on the Cowboys’ 9-yard line.
King, a 5-foot, 11- and 100-pound senior, stayed on the floor for several minutes before being helped by two coaches to the injury tent. He was then escorted by the coaches to the locker room while clearly favoring his right knee. The ESPN broadcast reported shortly after the start of the second half that King would not return to the game and will be assessed later on the team’s return to Miami. He returned to the field at the end of the third quarter in normal clothes. He was on crutches and had a knee brace on his right knee.
King, who moved from Houston earlier this season, announced this week that he will take advantage of the free year of eligibility and return to Miami for his sixth season of college football, instead of opting for the NFL. He had 2,573 passing yards, 520 running yards, 22 passing touchdowns and four running touchdowns in his first season with the ‘Canes.
N’Kosi Perry took King’s place and finished a shot that resulted in a field goal that reduced the Cowboys’ lead to 21-10. before the break.