Grading Maryland’s position groups after its loss to Illinois

Maryland football had a great chance to gain bowl eligibility Saturday when it took on a 2-4 Illinois team at home. Instead, it suffered a disappointing and disheartening 27-24 loss.

Inexplicable mistakes plagued the Terps as they dropped to 5-2 on the season.

Here’s how each of Maryland’s position groups performed in the game.

Quarterback

Taulia Tagovailoa was average. Not great, not bad, but he didn’t bounce back how he wanted to after the Ohio State game. Two of the Terps’ first five drives ended in a touchdown, and their final drive of the half, which should’ve resulted in points and a two-score lead, was cut short after a fumble by Kaden Prather.

Tagovailoa took care of the football and had a solid game, and was not to blame for the loss, but a lack of big plays in the passing game — he went 1 of 7 on passes over 20 yards — hurt Maryland.

Grade: B-

Running back

For the first time in three games, Roman Hemby got involved in both the rushing and receiving game….