The Taulia Tagovailoa era is officially over as the star Maryland quarterback has opted out of the Music City Bowl vs. Auburn, head coach Mike Locksley announced on Tuesday. Taulia Tagovailoa said following the Rutgers win that he expected to play in Maryland's bowl game, but uncertainty grew about his ultimate status over the last two weeks once bowl practices began as the offense turns to Billy Edwards Jr. and Cam Edge to lead them in Nashville. "We certainly thank Taulia and his family for all he's given this program over the last four years. Like all positions, it's next man up," head coach Mike Locksley said on Tuesday. Taulia Tagovailoa ends his Maryland career not only as the Big Ten's all-time passing leader, but a pivotal figure in the Mike Locksley era after rewriting the record books and holding nearly every single-season and career passing record in Maryland history. Taulia Tagvailoa transferred to Maryland ahead of the 2020 season and became a four-year starter for Maryland, throwing for three consecutive 3,000-yard seasons. Now, Maryland could turn to Edwards Jr. for his second career start as a Terp. "You just think back to two years ago. Billy came in Indiana with an injury and all he did was bring it back to help us with a very important game on the road against Indiana a couple of years ago and then get us bowl-eligible against Northwestern as a starter in his first year in our program." "He still has a bunch of weapons available to the outside...Jeshaun Jones, running game and the line is pretty much intact so we have enough weapons I think that will allow him to operate ourselves." Kickoff is set for 2 PM on December 30 in Nashville. Related Links
Latest buzz around Maryland football heading into early signing period (+) Maryland vs. Nicholls: TV, radio & game previewMaryland football film breakdown: QB MJ MorrisWhere Maryland football recruiting stands heading into early signing period (+) Four-star local linebacker talks latest visit to Maryland (+)ACC cornerback returns to Maryland for official visit, talks timeline (+)