Following Maryland’s win over Michigan State last week, Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley alluded to quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa struggling to get focused for the game. Tagovailoa’s brother and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua got stretchered off the field after a violent hit during "Thursday Night Football" against the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, Taulia spoke with Tua Friday evening, which pushed the Maryland QB’s energy back toward the game. On Tuesday, Taulia admitted he didn’t want to play against Michigan State before talking to Tua.
“Friday, I didn’t want to play the game. Friday night, I was excited to play the game just because my brother called me and said he wants to see us win,” Tagovailoa said, per Emily Giambalvo of the Washington Post.
No one questions Tagovailoa for not wanting to play in a football game. He watched his brother lay motionless after a devastating hit.
Taulia was set to be on the field for a game less than 48 hours after the scary scene. Fortunately, Tua is healthy enough to able to call his younger brother to encourage him to play. More importantly, Tua settled down Taulia’s emotions.
Taulia took the field and played one of the best games of his collegiate career. Tagovailoa completed 32-of-41 passes for 314 yards and a touchdown. He also surpassed Boomer Esiason for third on Maryland’s all-time passing list with 6,287 yards.
Maryland dominated Michigan State for a 27-13 win to improve to 4-1 on the season and 1-1 in Big Ten conference play.
Tagovailoa flew down to Florida to see Tua after Saturday’s game. Considering the circumstances, it was a great ending to a tumultuous week for Taulia and his family.
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