Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa had a mistake-filled game against Charlotte. Tagovailoa threw for 287 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions as the Terrapins rallied from a 14-0 deficit to defeat the 49ers 38-20.
Throughout the game, Tagovailoa made some big plays through the air to move Maryland up the field. Yet, he struggled through three quarterbacks to get the Terps in the end zone.
Maryland’s offense got saved by its running game. The Terps’ rushing attack led the charge for Maryland to score 38 unanswered points.
Sophomore running back Roman Hemby rushed for a game-high 162 yards and a touchdown while adding 55 receiving yards. Junior running back Colby McDonald also broke a 23-yard touchdown that helped Maryland gain full control of the game.
The Charlotte defense fooled Tagovailoa at times. His first pass of the game got picked off by 49ers linebacker Demetrius Knight for a 16-yard pick-six. Tagovailoa thought Knight would stay with tight end Preston Howard going up the field. However, Knight baited Taulia, dropping off his coverage to jump the pass for the interception.
That miscue capped off a disastrous 10-second span that led Maryland down 14-0.
Tagovailoa did have a good moment negated by a penalty. On Maryland’s last first-half possession, Taulia dropped a back-shoulder pass to wide receiver Kaden Prather for what should have been a 32-yard touchdown to give Maryland its first lead.
Instead, Prather got called for a questionable offensive pass interference that negated the score. Maryland settled for its third field goal and trailed 14-9 at halftime.
Ultimately, Maryland turned its offense into other hands
The Terrapins eventually took the lead on its opening drive of the third quarter. Backup quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. scored on a 4th-and-goal QB sneak from the one.
Maryland had an opportunity to extend its lead, but Tagovailoa threw his second interception in the end zone. He was looking to hit Prather in the end zone, but when he released the ball, 49ers safety DeAndre Hollins covered ground to intercept the pass.
Fortunately, the Terrapins’ defense remained stout and returned the football to the offense. Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis leaned heavily on the run game, calling eight run plays on Maryland’s next 10-play drive, ending with McDonald’s touchdown.
Later in the fourth quarter, Tagovailoa did throw a touchdown, hitting Prather for a 40-yard score to seal another Maryland victory.
Tagovailoa didn’t play his best game. There was a margin for error playing Charlotte, despite the 49ers’ pesky start. There may be some room for mistakes Friday against Virginia.
However, Taulia Tagovailoa must play better for Maryland to have a chance to beat Ohio State, Penn State, or national champion contender Michigan.
Maryland got saved by its defense and a superb run game led by Hemby against Charlotte. They’ll need to get more from its quarterback and passing game to compete with the Big Ten.
