Maryland is 4-0 for the first time since 2016 and just the fifth time since 1980. The Terrapins stayed undefeated after pulling away from Kent State for a 37-16 win. They also have their first undefeated non-conference slate since that 2016 season.
While Maryland got off to a slow start offensively, they ultimately picked up the pace. The offense amassed 526 yards behind 384 through the air from quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
Once the offense got going, the romp was on. Maryland built a 37-9 lead through three quarters.
1. Taulia Tagovailoa’s efficiency continues
He threw his first interception of the season on Maryland’s second offensive drive. But, Tagovailoa settled down and picked apart the Flashes defense. He completed 31-of-41 passes for 384 yards, three touchdowns and the one pick.
For the season, Tagovailoa has tossed 10 touchdowns against one interception. He’s completed 75.5% of his passes for 1,340 yards. Those numbers dwarf his four-game 2020 season.
There are a good share of skilled players on the offense. But, Tagovailoa is the key that starts the engine. His efficiency has made Maryland’s offense nearly unstoppable. They’ve averaged 519 yards and 37.3 points per game thus far this season.
As the schedule gets tougher in the Big Ten, Maryland’s chances of success rides on Tagovailoa’s efficiency.
2. Heisman candidacy brewing?
As high-profile quarterbacks like Sam Howell and Spencer Rattler stumble, Tagovailoa’s name rises up the ladder of voters’ minds. The 20211 Heisman Trophy winner and voter Robert Griffin III has Taulia fourth as his favorites entering this week. With more impressive outings he is sure to rise.
There’s a good way to go and he will be tested with the Big Ten schedule. But, Tagovailoa’s candidacy for the Heisman is brewing hotter by the week. In a season that is sure not to have anyone run away, don’t overlook the Maryland QB.
3. Dontay Demus keeps performing like a first-team All-Big Ten receiver
Dontay Demus Jr. has been the best Big Ten wide receiver in 2021. He tacked on four catches for 108 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown. He leads the conference with 446 receiving yards on 24 catches with three touchdowns.
Maryland has a formidable trio at wide receiver with Demus, Rakim Jarrett and Jeshaun Jones. But it is Demus who has risen to the head of the pack. In the process he is stating his case for many accolades being the favorite target of Tagovailoa.
4. Maryland defense bent but didn’t break
Kent State was able to move the ball on Maryland’s defense. They chalked up 458 yards. However, when it mattered, the Terrapins were able to shut the door on them in the red zone. The bend but don’t break mentality kept the Flashes out of the end zone until a garbage time score in the fourth quarter.
It’s been West Virginia, Howard, Illinois and Kent State, but the defense of Mike Locksley enters conference play feeling good about themselves. They’ve yielded a meager 14.3 points per game.
5. Just how good is Maryland at 4-0?
Maryland took care of business in their non-conference slate. They also mixed in a conference win beating Illinois last week. Their hot start will be put to test this coming Friday when they host Iowa.
The Hawkeyes are considered one of the nation’s top-5 teams. Thus, Iowa is by far the best team on the Terrapins’ slate this far into the season. The Hawkeyes present a new level of challenges with their physicality. Maryland should come into the game with a national ranking as well. But the barometer of their season will be measured next week.
