The Maryland Terrapins picked up a huge season-opening win, edging West Virginia 30-24. After trailing 21-20 at halftime, Maryland’s defense shut the door on the Mountaineers’ offense. Meanwhile the Terps’ offense rode on the back of quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa’s three-touchdown performance.
Maryland’s offense amassed 496 yards. The defense in return forced four turnovers. There were three plays that highlighted the effort on both sides of the ball and sealed their first win of the season.
1. Huge interception in the end zone
Following a forced fumble by its defense, Maryland regained the lead at 23-21 on a Joseph Petrino 26-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. However, West Virginia responded with a 48-yard kickoff return by Winston Wright Jr.
A 39-yard pass by quarterback Jarrett Doege set the Mountaineers up for a huge scoring opportunity. However, just when it appeared West Virginia was set to regain the lead, Maryland’s defense stepped up. Cornerback Jakorian Bennett made a game-changing interception in the corner of the end zone to preserve the Terrapins’ lead.
2. Taulia Tagovailoa connects with Rakim Jarrett for 60-yard TD
Maryland’s offense turned Bennett’s interception into a touchdown. Tagovailoa found wide receiver Rakim Jarrett for a 60-yard touchdown.
Tagovailoa’s strike to Jarrett extended the Terps lead to 30-21 with 6:25 remaining in the fourth quarter. Turning their lead to two possessions proved to be huge.
3. Tayon Fleet-Davis seals game with big run
West Virginia answered with a field goal, but they were up against time.
With 2:47 remaining on the clock, Maryland turned to its run game to chew out the clock. On the fifth play of the drive, running back Tayon Fleet-Davis broke through his blocking for 53 yards. The run to the nine-yard line sealed Maryland’s win.
Fleet-Davis finished with 123 yards on the ground. Tagovailoa threw for 332 yards on top of three scores. Jarrett finished the game with six catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.
