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Maryland Football: A Milestone Big 10 Test awaits Friday

By Herbert Seward III

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Michael Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins talks with Taulia Tagovailoa #3 during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 7, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Michael Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins talks with Taulia Tagovailoa #3 during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 7, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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Sep 4, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (5) catches a pass and runs for extra yards during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (5) catches a pass and runs for extra yards during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Tagliovia’s Growth

As Taulia Tagliovia goes, so goes the offense. His command of the offense and increased poise within the scheme have transformed potential into production for OC  DanEnos and the Terps attack. In four games, he’s hit the 300-yard passing milestone 3 times. More importantly, he’s only generated one interception (via deflection). With the array of talent in the backfield, at wide receiver and tight end, he’s been able to distribute the football with point guard-like efficiency. If the offensive line can give him the same level of protection that he’s received early in the season, the Hawkeyes are going to have some issues dealing with the likes of Dontay Demus Jr, Rakim Jarrett, and the rest of what’s becoming one of the better receiving corps in College Football this season.

Running Back By Committee

Maryland Football has seen some pretty explosive playmakers at the running back position in recent years, but this year’s crop of backs are getting the job done in a myriad of ways. Tayon Fleet-Davis has been the most effective of the backs in between the tackles and in the ever-developing passing game. His ability to be a versatile weapon out of the backfield adds yet another layer of potency to the Terrapin offensive attack. Peny Boone, Isaiah Jacobs, Challen Faamatau, and freshmen Colby McDonald and Roman Hemby have all gotten touches. McDonald and Hemby, in particular, have shown glimpses of developing into the game-breaking homerun threats that haven’t been here since the likes of Anthony McFarland and Javon Leake were wreaking havoc on Big Ten defenses. Their collective effectiveness on Friday night could give the Hawkeye defense one more variable to think about.

Mistake-Free Football

It’s pretty self-explanatory. Play smart and LIMIT penalties and turnovers. The Hawkeye defense doesn’t do anything exotic scheme-wise, but they’re about as fundamentally sound as the terrapin offense is gonna see this year. They don’t beat themselves. They don’t commit much in the way of penalties. They’re great at managing the field position game. If the Terrapin Offensive attack is going to remain as effective as it’s been in the first four games this season, sustaining drives and limiting mental mistakes will be paramount.

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