Taulia Tagovailoa Airing It Out This Season

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By James West | Last updated 7/29/22

Taulia Tagovailoa and the Maryland Terrapins look to be airing it out this season. Tagovailoa will enter his third season with Maryland and his second year as the full-time starter. Last season, Taulia showcased his gunslinging approach in the BIG Ten ranking 2nd in passing yards.

When you hear the name Tagovailoa, it reminds you of Taulia’s older brother, Tua. There is no hesitation that when Tua was the starter at the University of Alabama, he was electric. I remember going to the Duke v. Alabama game and seeing the Tagovailoa brothers warming up. I thought for a split second that Alabama would run five years with a Tagovailoa under center.

Well, my friends that did not happen as Taulia went to the transfer portal and followed former Alabama OC, Michael Locksley, to Maryland.

BIG Ten Media Day

A couple of days ago, HC Michael Locksley made a captivating comment about his QB. He said, “I don’t think there’s a more underrated player in the country than Taulia Tagovailoa”. Locksley mentioned this after Taulia broke numerous passing records at Maryland in one season.

But is the Terrapins QB underrated?

I look at the rankings by Athlon Sports, and they have Tagovailoa in the 3rd slot as best QB in the BIG ten. If you ask me, I have Taulia the 2nd best QB. I also know I will not be pulling hair out (I’m bald) because he is third.

I think most are cautious on the younger Tagovailoa because of the game last season against Iowa. Taulia as a young gunslinger QB, threw five interceptions to the Hawkeyes in their blowout loss 51-14. There are no excuses for his performance, but I know was a fluke because he only threw 6 INT’s in the other 12 games.

Terrapins Season Preview

Sept. 3 vs. Buffalo
Sept. 10 at Charlotte
Sept. 17 vs. SMU
Sept. 24 at Michigan
Oct. 1 vs. Purdue
Oct. 8 at Indiana
Oct. 15 at Wisconsin
Oct. 22 vs. Northwestern
Oct. 29 vs. Rutgers
Nov. 12 at Penn State
Nov. 19 vs. Ohio State
Nov. 26 vs. Michigan State

Can Taulia and the Terrapins keep airing it out this season?

I have no doubt the offense can score with the best in the BIG Ten. Currently, the O/U for the Terps is set at 5.5 or 6 and the schedule looks tough. I have the SMU game circled for fireworks with both airing it out left and right. The road games between Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin will be tough, but the Terps can put pressure on all three.

I think Taulia is the 2nd best QB in the BIG Ten, so his gunslinging presence can be a potential Heisman hopeful candidate. Look for the Terps and Taulia to make better decisions in game and pull-out victories overwhelming folks in the BIG Ten.