Horrific injury: CFB player breaks arm, takes kick to head trying to stop touchdown

Owen Scheihing was only trying to stop a touchdown. Instead, the Towson punter’s last-ditch tackle attempt became the most distressing moment of the Tigers ’ 45-9 loss to South Carolina on Saturday night.

The play unfolded on a punt return after Gamecocks returner Vicari Swain broke through Towson ’s coverage and raced toward the end zone. Scheihing was the final defender in his path and committed himself to the tackle near the goal line.

Swain tried to hurdle him. His leg struck Scheihing around the helmet area during the leap before he came down heavily on the freshman punter. Scheihing ’s arm appeared to buckle awkwardly beneath the impact, immediately prompting officials to stop play and summon medical personnel.

He remained on the turf while being treated before being placed on a medical cart and driven from the field. Scheihing was able to sit upright as he left, offering at least one encouraging sight after an otherwise alarming sequence.

Pete Shinnick gives concerning update

Towson coach Pete Shinnick didn't attempt to minimize what he had seen. “It didn’t look good,” Shinnick told reporters afterward.

Scheihing was expected to undergo further evaluation once the team returned to campus, with the Tigers anticipating that he would need a cast and could face an extended absence.

The injury overshadowed what had already become a difficult evening for Towson . South Carolina controlled much of the game and piled up more than 500 yards of offense, with quarterback LaNorris Sellers and running back Matt Fuller doing significant damage on the ground.

Sellers rushed for 119 yards, while Fuller added 125 and broke free for a 55-yard touchdown.

Weather delay adds to difficult night

The game was also interrupted by severe weather. Torrential rain forced a 74-minute delay early in the third quarter, adding another disruption to a night in which the Tigers were already struggling to find any offensive rhythm.

Towson briefly showed signs of life after the restart. Quarterback Andrew Indorf found Aaron Enterline for a 23-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit and giving the Tigers a momentary opening. South Carolina quickly shut the door.

The Gamecocks pulled away again and finished with a comfortable 45-9 victory, but the scoreline became secondary once Scheihing went down. His injury wasn't the result of a reckless play by the punter.

It came from a pure effort to prevent a touchdown, with Scheihing putting his body in the way as the last defender. That effort ended in one of the most painful-looking injuries of the college football weekend.

Towson will now wait for a full medical evaluation to determine the extent of the damage and how long Scheihing could be sidelined.