Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland Football News: Draft Scout Player News

11/03/20 - QB Taulia Tagovailoa, rSr/2024, Maryland

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa looked like a different player Friday night in his home debut. He bore no resemblance to the rattled sophomore who struggled last week in the Terps' opener, instead keeping his composure and proving, in a thrilling 45-44 win over Minnesota, he is more than just the younger brother of Tua. Tagovailoa led a stunning fourth-quarter rally, bringing the Terps back from a 17-point deficit to force overtime. In the extra period, his two-yard run (and Joseph Petrino's kick) gave Maryland a seven-point lead. The Golden Gophers scored on their first overtime possession, but Brock Walker's extra point floated wide right at Capital One Field, and the Terps had their first win - and Tagovailoa's first as the team's starting quarterback. "We showed a lot of grit, a lot of fight and a lot of perseverance to come off a loss like that and for our team to just continue to fight," Tagovailoa said. "… It just shows the type of team we have. Hopefully we can build on this."

Tagovailoa played with poise and precision in the game's decisive moment. He opened the Terps' overtime drive with a 12-yard pass to Jeshaun Jones, and he closed it with the scoring run, the fifth touchdown he accounted for on the evening. Tagovailoa completed 26 of 35 passes for 394 yards with three touchdowns. He also ran eight times for 59 yards and two scores. He had an interception in the second quarter on a tipped ball but navigated pressure with ease throughout the night, playing from behind for all but the final minutes of the second half. "Last week was more of a surprise for us than what we saw this week," Maryland Coach Michael Locksley said, "because these are the same type of plays and throws and energy he has brought to the table, which is why he earned the position. It was great to see him bounce back." - Baltimore Sun

rSr/2024