Miami (Ohio) starting quarterback Brett Gabbert will miss the remainder of the 2023 season after undergoing surgery on his right leg, RedHawks coach Chuck Martin said. The fifth-year signal-caller injured his right leg during Miami's 21-17 home loss to Toledo in Week 8, leaving the stadium in an ambulance as the RedHawks suffered their first loss of MAC play and saw a six-game winning streak come to an end.
Gabbert's injury occurred late in the third quarter when Miami had the ball near the Toledo goal line. Gabbert collided with Rockets tackle Judge Culpepper short of the end zone, and players on both teams quickly motioned for medical help. Gabbert was subsequently carted off and transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The younger brother of NFL quarterback and former Missouri star Blaine Gabbert was 14 of 29 passing for 179 yards with an interception in the contest before exiting. He was replaced by sophomore Aveon Smith, who ended the game 3 of 7 passing for 23 yards as Miami's comeback effort fell short. The RedHawks trailed 21-3 at halftime before scoring 14 unanswered points to end the game, ultimately losing by four.
Gabbert ends his season with 1,634 yards passing and 14 touchdowns with five interceptions. He has started every game since arriving in 2019 -- 38 in all -- and passed for more than 7,000 yards in his NCAA career.
The RedHawks now continue their pursuit of a MAC title down their starting quarterback as they prepare for a Week 9 road trip to Ohio. The Bobcats, along with Buffalo, are tied atop the MAC standings with Miami, as all three school sit 3-1 in league play.
