Maryland throws shade at West Virginia after 30-24 win
The Maryland Terrapins‘ 2021 season started with a bang on Saturday, as the 2.5-point underdogs overcame the odds to defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers, 30-24, in its Week 1 matchup.
Maryland had not faced West Virginia since Sept. 26, 2015, when the Mountaineers dominated the Terrapins to the tune of a 45-6 victory, which is largely an indication of the series’ recent history: West Virginia has won nine of the past ten matchups, but Maryland finally got its revenge in 2021.
And then, it got more revenge on Twitter.
The Terrapins social department teased the Mountaineers after the victory, referencing the cover art of Drake’s new album, “Certified Lover Boy.” They tweeted an image of the album cover, cropping West Virginia helmets on the characters in the picture, with the caption “Certified Loser Boys.”
Shortly after the first tweet, Maryland posted another shot at West Virginia. This time, the “W” in WVU was crossed out with an L, and the Terrapins poked fun at the famous John Denver song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
The game was far from a blowout, though, and Maryland was forced to execute some late-game heroics in order to start its season 1-0. With the Mountaineers threatening in the fourth quarter, trailing the Terrapins by just two, quarterback Jarret Doege heaved a pass to the end zone, looking to send West Virginia back in front. But Maryland cornerback Jakorian Bennett tracked the ball, hauling it in for a momentum-changing interception.
A mere few days later, Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the brother of Alabama product and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, found wide receiver Rakim Jarrett in the open field for a 60-yard catch, ultimately securing Maryland’s 30-24 win.
Tavoailoa had an excellent game for the Terrapins, completing 26 of 36 pass attempts for a total of 332 passing yards and three interceptions. He did not throw any interceptions, either, as Maryland’s offense was nearly mistake-free on Saturday, throwing no interceptions and not surrendering any fumbles. Tagovailoa had the help of some excellent receiving on Saturday, too, as senior Dontay Demus Jr. and Jarrett both had excellent season-opening performances. Demus Jr. had six catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, his longest reception going for 66 yards, and Jarrett had six receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown, with his longest going 60 yards.
Maryland’s rushing attack also gave Tagovailoa another crutch to lean on under center. Led by Tayon Fleet-Davis, who had 18 carries for 123 yards, Maryland’s two-top backs combined for 173 rushing yards on the day.