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After a forgettable performance a week ago against Northwestern, Taulia Tagovailoa was ready to put last Saturday out of his mind and prove why he can be a big-time starting quarterback in the B1G. He did exactly that on Friday night.
Tagovailoa led Maryland to a 45-44 overtime win over Minnesota on Friday, kicking off Week 2 in the B1G. The Alabama transfer started the game off hot, leading the Terrapins to touchdowns on each of their first three possessions and building a 21-7 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.
Tagovailoa completed 13-of-17 pass attempts for 210 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception in the first half. He also totaled 73 yards and a touchdowns on 5 carries. His one TD run was a 39-yard scamper in the opening quarter.
Maryland got into a rut offensively in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, but Tagovailoa led the Terps back in a big way in the final 15 minutes. He threw a touchdown pass and helped get the Terrapins in scoring position on two additional drives when trailing 38-21. The furious comeback forced the game into overtime.
On the 4th play of Maryland’s first possession, Tagovailoa scored on a 2-yard run and Joseph Petrino added the extra point. Minnesota was able to get into the end zone, but missed its PAT try, lifting Maryland to the win.
Tagovailoa ended the game completed 26-of-35 passes for 394 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 64 yards and two additional scores, including the game winner.
Below are the highlights and other stats from Tagovailoa’s huge night in College Park:
Shining bright under the Friday night lights ✨🔥
Watch all 5 of @tauliaa12's TDs in @TerpsFootball's big win over Minnesota ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/omOdTxI4GX
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 31, 2020
WELCOME TAULIA TAGOVAILOA 🔥
In his second career start, the sophomore lit up the field and led Maryland to a 17-point second-half comeback. pic.twitter.com/QuyAQD8Ncl
— ESPN (@espn) October 31, 2020
The Tagovailoa brothers in their second career college starts 👀 @Tua @tauliaa12 pic.twitter.com/9MuDYOCcQX
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 31, 2020
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB