Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa has gotten off to a rough start to open the 2020 season, throwing interceptions on back-to-back drives in the first quarter against Northwestern.
The Alabama-transfer was named the Terrapins starting quarterback, beating out redshirt freshman Lance LeGendre.
Tagovailoa led Maryland to an opening-drive field goal. But from there, his struggles began highlighted by a pair of turnovers.
On the first interception, Tagovailoa threw behind five-star freshman wide receiver Rakim Jarrett into the hands of Northwestern defensive back AJ Hampton.
Northwestern would answer with a touchdown to extend their lead to 14-3.
On the ensuing Maryland possession, Tagovailoa overthrew wide receiver Dontay Demus in tight coverage. Northwestern defensive back JR Pace came away with Tagovailoa’s second interception of the game.
Tagovailoa transferred to Maryland from Alabama in May as he fell behind Mac Jones and Bryce Young on the depth chart. Tagovailoa, the younger brother of former Alabama star QB Tua Tagovailoa, had attempted a mere 12 passes in college prior to Saturday’s game.
After going 6-of-7 on the opening drive, Tagovailoa was 4-of-11 the rest of the first half.
His inaccuracy and turnovers have helped Maryland fall into a 30-3 hole to Northwestern at halftime. Maryland head coach Mike Locksley previously said his starter won’t be looking over his shoulder. Yet, if Tagovailoa continues to struggle, will Locksley change his mind and turn to LeGendre?
