In a battle for bowl game placement between two 6-5 teams in the Big Ten, the Terrapins defeated the Scarlet Knights 42-24 behind 361 yards and four touchdowns from Taulia Tagovailoa.
The senior quarterback came into the game just 268 yards shy of the lead on the All-Time Big Ten Passing Yards list. Tagovailoa reached that mark in the first half after leading the offense to touchdowns in each of their first four drives.
Following a fast start on the road that gave the Terps an early 28-3 lead, Gavin Wimsatt and the Knights ended the half with 14 unanswered points to head into the locker room down just 11. With momentum swinging in Rutgers’ favor and the ball to start the third quarter, a huge series awaited both teams.
Although Wimsatt and co. did put together some productive drives in the second quarter, they were unable to generate anything to start the half and gave the Terps a chance to extend the lead.
Although Maryland struggled to put points on the board following the fast start, they were able to take advantage after forcing a three and out to open the second half.
Tagovailoa and the Terrapins capitalized on the defensive stand, going 66 yards in just under five minutes to take an 18-point lead and practically seal the win. Both offenses looked stagnant for the remainder of the game, adding two garbage time touchdowns before running out the clock.
Roman Hemby added 127 total yards on 20 touches to go along with a trip to the endzone to lead Maryland’s backfield, while Tai Felton hauled in five catches for 140 yards and a score.
Backup quarterback Billy Edwards also stood out, using his infamous ‘tush push’ to add two touchdowns on the ground. Edwards has five rushing touchdowns in the last two games dating back to last week against Michigan.
The win stamped Maryland’s third consecutive year with seven or more wins, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 2003.
The Terps will turn their attention to December 3rd, where their bowl location and opponent will be announced. Head Coach Mike Locksley will look to lead his team to its third straight win in a bowl game for the first time in program history.
