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Nebraska Football: Quarterback competition is a must in 2020

By Danny Jaillet

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers passes against linebacker Kristian Welch #34 of the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers passes against linebacker Kristian Welch #34 of the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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Nebraska Football needs to assess the quarterback room in 2020.

Friday’s Nebraska Football game was a tough one. They had several chances to win the game, but just fell short. In a game that epitomized the entire season, they had chances to win, but just could not get the job done.

For his part, Adrian Martinez had a decent game. There is no doubt that he made some questionable decisions, but he played decently for all things considered. Now that the 2019 football season is over, Nebraska Football has to take stock of who they have in the quarterback room. They have a very good dual-threat quarterback in Logan Smothers coming in. He should be able to provide the Cornhuskers with help down the road. For now, it should be a battle between Martinez and Luke McCaffrey for the starting job.

Just take Friday’s game for example. One Frost put McCaffrey in, he electrified the offense and the crowd. On the day, McCaffrey finished with  a completion of 39 yards that went for a touchdown. For his part, Martinez finished 10-of-18 for 50 yards and an interception. It was certainly not his best game, but the Iowa defense is tough.

This year, Martinez did not look like himself. He second-guessed himself way too much, and it he got into his own head. For a freshman, McCaffrey looked composed and ready to play every time he got the opportunity. There is no doubt that McCaffrey possesses tremendous mobility and very good accuracy. As a freshman, he is still very raw. However, there is no doubt that he has talent and skills.

For the sake of the program, there should be an open competition between the two quarterbacks heading into spring ball. I get the idea that Frost loves Martinez. However, there is no denying that McCaffrey has the skills to be a starter. With  Smothers in the fold, this is going to be a very crowded quarterback room. Hopefully, Frost will make the correct decision, which I believe to be starting McCaffrey. Martinez didn’t show me enough this year that would warrant him being the unquestioned starter for 2020.

This off-season is pivotal for Nebraska Football. They need to make some sound decisions both in terms of personnel and how to be better as coaches. Quarterback is the top priority in my estimation. They need to decide who they are going with, and they need to stick to their decision. If they were smart, they would consider McCaffrey for 2020.

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