Nebraska Football: Throwback Adrian Martinez appeared on Saturday
Martinez took charge for Nebraska Football.
For the first time in quite a while, Nebraska Football quarterback Adrian Martinez looked like himself again on Saturday. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but I saw glimpses of what made Martinez so special as a freshman last year.
On the day, he completed 13-of-23 passes for 220 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Recording a 56.5 completion percentage, he averaged 9.6 yards per pass. A 36-yard pass was his longest on the afternoon. Although he did make some mistakes, I saw some things I really liked.
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First, his decision-making was much better than in previous games. If he wanted to run with the football, he ran with it. If he wanted to pass the football, he made quick reads. If he had to get the football away, he threw it away. There wasn’t much hesitation when he threw or if he decided to run. He just went and did it. That quick decision-making was certainly a refreshing change from the past couple of games where he has hesitated.
The interception that he threw on the day wasn’t really his fault. His target was Kanawai Noa and it was a nice play by Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn. However, it changed the complexion of the game, as Wisconsin was able to score a touchdown as a result of the interception. Even with the interception, Martinez continued to fight hard throughout the course of the game. His quick release with the football is something I really enjoyed watching. He had a nice spiral on the ball, and that made it easier for intended receivers to catch.
He also had a great day running the football. He carried the ball 16 times for 89 yards and a touchdown. Averaging 5.6 yards per carry, a 45-yard dash was his longest of the afternoon. In that respect, he looked like the play-making Martinez from last year. No hesitation was evident on his part. He found the hole, and used his speed to make game-changing plays. I was pleased to see him run so well. If only he was able to show this level of play for the entirety of the season.
Next. Mills rumbles for big day. dark
How he played on Saturday will need to be a blueprint for the next couple of games. This Adrian Martinez is dangerous and what we expected out of him for the entirety of this year. He did make some mistakes today, but for the most part I like what I saw. He was confident, calm, and in-charge. It was a nice change of pace to say the least.