Sean Maguire injures leg in Peach Bowl

Sean Maguire injured himself during the first half of Thursday’s Peach Bowl against Houston.

Update

Maguire has returned from the locker room and re-entered the game midway through the second quarter.

Original

Florida State was dealt a tough blow when quarterback Sean Maguire left Thursday’s Peach Bowl contest against Houston late in the first quarter.

Maguire was hit while scrambling to his right and throwing the ball away. He released the ball while on the run and in the air, and when he landed his left leg came down awkwardly. Following the hit, Maguire was unable to put much, if any, pressure on his leg. He was carted to the locker room for further evaluation.

As of post, Maguire has vaguely been diagnosed with a “lower leg injury,” and his return to the game is questionable.

If he cannot return, this injury is a sad and unfortunate ending to a trying season for the junior quarterback. After backing up Heisman Trophy winner, and eventual No. 1-overall pick in the NFL Draft, Jameis Winston last year, Maguire entered spring camps as the favorite to take the reins of Florida State’s offense in 2015. However, a transfer from former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson down to Tallahassee changed the entire season’s dynamic. Once again Maguire was relegated to the backup role in favor of a more highly touted player.

Nevertheless, Maguire has remained the consummate team player and, despite stating his desire to play, has done his part to help the team succeed. With Golson not making the trip to Atlanta – his season and college career completed – Maguire got the call to start in the bowl game. It’s unfortunate to watch a good soldier go down with an injury when he finally had some time in the sun, especially one who has been as patient as Maguire.

J.J. Cosentino, Florida State’s third string quarterback, took over in place of Maguire. He entered the game with the Seminoles trailing, 7-3.