Heading into the Nebraska football game against Buffalo on Saturday, one player I will be watching closely is quarterback Adrian Martinez. After a solid game last Saturday against Fordham, he will face a challenge against Buffalo.
Statistically speaking, Martinez went 17-of-23 on the afternoon, throwing for 254 yards and a touchdown. A 33-yard pass was his longest of the afternoon. After struggling early on, Martinez really seemed to get into a groove. I mentioned last week that I really liked the playcalling Nebraska employed. It helped Martinez immensely.
He took what the defense gave him, and that allowed the receivers to make things happen after the catch. He didn’t try to force too many footballs to receivers, he ran the offense as it came to him. He looked extremely comfortable, and it showed.
For what it’s worth, Martinez also got things done on the ground. He ran the ball eight times for 33 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He was the best version of Adrian Martinez on Saturday. Now, it’s up to him to keep it going.
Brian Christopherson of 247Sports wrote a stock report on Thursday. Detailing whose stock went up and down over the course of the past week, he indicated that Martinez improved his stock. I agree, as he had an overall great game. Here is what Christopherson had to say.
I get it. It’s Fordham. He was erratic in Week Zero. Blah, blah, blah. He played well on Saturday and that’s what this column tracks — the previous weekend. Martinez made some nice throws. Piled up some touchdowns, piled up some yards and protected the ball. You still complaining? That’s on you.
If this version of Martinez exists against Buffalo the Huskers are going to be in great shape, but there’s the rub. You simply can’t trust him from week to week, and the last two represent the elevator that has been quarterback play in Lincoln. Still when he’s good it’s easy to see what works. It’s just so fleeting that it has driven a fan base mad.
I agree with everything Christopherson said about Martinez. He did have a big game. It was against Fordham Both things can be true. Even still, I am encouraged by what he did last Saturday. Buffalo will be tougher, but I think Martinez can handle it.
Last Saturday was the best version of Adrian Martinez. Against a tough Buffalo defense, he will certainly have his work cut out for him. In what should be a difficult game, Martinez is making strides in the meantime. This is the perfect time for him to hit his stride.
