BREAKING: Florida State Loses Starting Center To Injury In Second Quarter

The Seminoles may have to play the remainder of the contest without one of their top offensive linemen.

Florida State has been locked up in a thrilling contest with Miami during the first half of their annual rivalry game. The Seminoles jumped out to a 10-0 advantage and it looked like they might run away with the contest. Instead, the Hurricanes responded with a run of their own to tie things up at the half with an opportunity to possess the ball first in the third quarter.

READ MORE: Both Of Florida State's Star Wide Receivers To Return Against Miami Hurricanes

Unfortunately for FSU, the offense may be forced to play the remainder of the contest without one of their top offensive linemen. Starting center Maurice Smith was visibly hampered late in the second quarter with the Seminoles backed up against their own goal line. Smith ended up finishing the drive but redshirt junior Darius Washington started to take some warm-up snaps on the sideline.

A short time later, Smith departed from the field to head back to the locker room alongside a trainer. It's unclear if he'll be able to return to the game and what the exact nature of the injury is. However, Smith has been playing at less than 100% for the majority of the 2023 season.

Quarterback Jordan Travis complimented Smith for his ability to grind through pain while speaking after Florida State's win over Duke. Smith was unable to suit up for the Seminoles earlier this season, missing the home opening victory against Southern Miss and a road win at Boston College. At the time, he was spotted with a boot on his foot.

It would certainly be a hit to Florida State's offense if Smith can't continue in this contest. He's started 28 games at center for the Seminoles over the last three seasons. Washington will work at the position in his place after manning the center spot when Smith was unavailable earlier in the year.

NoleGameday will continue to provide updates as they are necessary.

UPDATE 5:26 PM: Maurice Smith is in full pads and comes out of the locker room with the team. However, he went right over to the sidelines and isn't stretching out with the remainder of the Seminoles.

UPDATE 6:00 PM: Smith was able to return to the game and remains at his center spot. Good news for the Seminoles.

---

READ MORE: Florida State Seminoles Release Uniform Combination For Rivalry Matchup With Miami Hurricanes

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook