Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa skips Music City Bowl; opportunity for backups Edwards Jr. & Edge to vie for 2024 starting spot. (USATSI)
Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the Big Ten's leading passer, won't play in the Dec. 30 Music City Bowl versus Auburn, as confirmed by coach Mike Locksley. Tagovailoa, sibling to NFL star Tua Tagovailoa, wraps up with 11,356 passing yards, combining 90 touchdowns through passing and rushing.
Consistently surpassing 3,000 passing yards over the last three seasons, Tagovailoa notably achieved 3,377 yards, 25 touchdown passes, and 11 interceptions in 2023, propelling Maryland to a 7-5 record. His standout performance against Indiana, completing 70.6% of passes for 352 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions, earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Another recognition followed his 361-yard, three-touchdown display in the win against Rutgers.
In his junior year (2022), Tagovailoa amassed 3,008 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, guiding the Terrapins to an 8-5 record and victory in the Dukes Mayo Bowl.
Despite a lower NFL Draft projection compared to his brother, the potential risk of injury during postseason games has impacted players' draft preparations.
With Tagovailoa absent from the Music City Bowl, opportunities arise for sophomore Billy Edwards Jr. and freshman Cameron Edge to compete for the starting quarterback role in 2024. Edwards had limited playtime this season, while Edge made a single appearance with minimal passing stats.
Additionally, the commitment of former NC State quarterback MJ Morris to Locksley's team adds another contender for the 2024 quarterback position.
