Despite all the mistakes, missed opportunities and odds stacked against it, Maryland football needed 99 yards to redefine its season. It took two plays to erase the Terps’ upset bid and seal Saturday’s result — a 31-24 loss to No. 3 Michigan.
Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa dropped back, looking to cement his legacy with a heroic game-winning drive in his final home game. Instead, facing pressure, he hurriedly panned to his right and dispensed of the ball. The pass fell 10 yards short of Tagovailoa’s target, and after a brief meeting with his colleagues, the referee did exactly what the Terps sideline was begging him not to: throw a flag.