Nebraska's Martinez Struggles in Big Ten Championship Game
News:Taylor Martinez completed 17 of 33 passes for 184 yards and two interceptions against Wisconsin on Saturday in the Big Ten championship game.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez regressed to the passer he was last season against Wisconsin after showing improvement all year. He did salvage his day with 140 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 8-of-14 passes for 63 yards and carried the ball 16 times for 41 yards against Iowa on Friday.
Analysis: The Huskers' went rush heavy against Iowa and Taylor Martinez took a backseat. Still, Martinez improved his throwing enough to be worthy of a high pick next year of the collegiate ranks.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 21-of-29 passes against Minnesota for 308 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday. He also carried the ball eight times for 22 yards.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez has emerged as a passing threat as well this season, and as one of the top returning fantasy quarterbacks, should be selected in the early rounds next season.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 12 of 20 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown against Penn State on Saturday. He also added 104 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez managed to make up for his mediocre passing day with a hundred yard rushing outing. Martinez has an easier matchup against Minnesota next week.
Nebraska's Martinez Leads Huskers To Comeback Victory
News:Taylor Martinez completed 16 of 32 passes for 160 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions against Michigan State on Saturday. He also carried the ball 17 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez had a monster day on the ground against one of the top rushing defenses in the nation. Despite his three turnovers, he continues to be one of the top fantasy quarterbacks this season.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 14 of 26 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Michigan on Saturday. He also added 58 yards rushing on 14 carries.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez had one of his worst performances of the season but will still be a focal point of Nebraska's offense moving forward. He is too versatile, and the ability to make plays with his legs keep as a constant threat.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 27 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns against Northwestern on Saturday. He also carried the ball 18 times for 65 yards and one touchdown.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez continues to be the key to the Husker offense and a valuable fantasy quarterback. He has a tough matchup against Michigan next week, but should still put up solid fantasy numbers.
Nebraska's Martinez's Outing Rough Against Ohio State
News:Taylor Martinez completed 15 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and threw three interceptions against Ohio State on Saturday. He also added 40 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez had perhaps his toughest test of the season against Ohio State. While his passing game struggled, his two rushing touchdowns helped make up for it from a fantasy perspective.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 17 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball 13 times for 107 yards and one touchdown against Wisconsin on Saturday.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez is the focal point of the 'Husker offense and should be started every week.
Nebraska's Martinez Leads Team to Landslide Victory
News:Taylor Martinez completed nine passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the 'Huskers' win against Idaho State on Saturday.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez only played in the first half after the 'Huskers took a 45-0 lead into the half. The 'Huskers didn't need to rely on Martinez only as Idaho State had a difficult enough time containing the Nebraska run game.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 13-of-14 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the Huskers' win against Arkansas State on Saturday. He added 52 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez had another big day, accounting for three total touchdowns. He should continue to roll next week when the Huskers face FCS foe Idaho State next week.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 17 passes for 179 yards and one interception in Nebraska's loss to UCLA on Saturday. He added 111 rushing yards and one touchdown on 13 carries.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez's performance against UCLA was similar to how he played last season than to his play against Southern Miss last week, when he threw five touchdown passes. The junior ran the ball better, but his rushing yards must be taken with some scrutiny as 92 of them came on one run. Still, with his explosiveness and running ability, Martinez is a player with a lot of fantasy value to offer.
News:Taylor Martinez's ability to make plays with his feet has UCLA worried, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Despite throwing for 354 yards and five touchdowns, it is Taylor Martinez's legs that the Bruins are most concerned with stopping. In his first two seasons as the Huskers' quarterback, Martinez ran for 1,839 yards and 21 touchdowns. He only ran for 10 yards in the season opener, but when the games get tougher, the junior will undoubtably rely on his feet to escape trouble.
News:Taylor Martinez completed 26 passes for 349 yards and five touchdowns against Southern Mississippi on Saturday.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez's five touchdown passes could be a good sign that he is improving as a passer, as he threw almost half as many touchdowns Saturday as he did all of last season, when he threw 13. He only ran the ball five times, but he most likely will still take off if the situation calls for it.
News:Taylor Martinez was one of 34 quarterbacks named on the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award watch list, Huskers.com reports.
Analysis:Taylor Martinez is coming off a year in which he struggled with just a 56.3 completion percentage, but still managed to rack up 2,963 yards of total offense. He'll remain a great option due to his running skills against weaker defenses, but it's best to look for another option when the Cornhuskers face competent rushing defenses.
Steve Calhoun: 2012 Martinez An Improved Passer for Nebraska
News:Taylor Martinez is going to be a better passing quarterback than he was in 2011, with "[his completion percentage] definitely going to be higher" due to increased balance "at the top of his throw," Steve Calhoun tells the Lincoln Journal Star.
Analysis: Says Calhoun, considered an expert on quarterback development, "If you think back to last season, whenever [Taylor Martinez] was throwing the ball, everything was off his back foot. That's been a major change [in the off-season]." Calhoun continues: "...there'll be more balance at the top of his throw," something which directly "translates into accuracy." That seems a particularly promising thing for Martinez, especially as head coach Bo Pelini has stated previously he expects to throw the ball more in 2012.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez was just nine of 23 passing and was held to 171 total yards and just one score against Michigan.
Analysis: Martinez has had a very disappointing second half of the season. He has just five total touchdowns over the last five games, and hasn't rushed for a score since 10/8 against Ohio State.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez had 342 yards of offense with two touchdown passes in the loss to Northwestern.
Analysis: Martinez has generated just four touchdowns in his past three games, and it's been a month since his last rushing score.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez had just 109 yards of offense with a touchdown pass and an interception in the win over Michigan State.
Analysis: Hopefully you read my advice earlier in the week. The Michigan State defense is just nasty to opposing quarterbacks.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez faces a stingy Michigan State defense, making him a questionable fantasy start.
Analysis: The Spartans rank among the elite defensively. Aside from being 2nd overall in total defense, there isn't much difference trying to rush (8th nationally) or pass (2nd) against them.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez had just 214 yards of total offense and one touchdown in the win over Minnesota.
Analysis: It was just the second time this season Martinez was held to under two touchdowns. Owners were expecting much more against a struggling Gopher squad.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez had 291 yards of offense (102 rush) and three total touchdowns in the win over Ohio State.
Analysis: All of the touchdowns came in the second half, as Martinez led a huge comeback after trailing by 21 in the third quarter. Fan's let Martinez hear it at halftime, but his play after that may have finally won a few of them over.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez had 237 yards of total offense with a rushing touchdown, but he was intercepted three times in the loss to Wisconsin.
Analysis: Martinez was never going to beat anyone with his arm, and he was forced to throw when Nebraska fell behind. The results were not good.
News: Nebraska's talented redshirt freshman Kenny Bell scored his first career touchdown on a 4th quarter strike from Taylor Martinez.
Analysis: Bell will likely celebrate many more scores over the course of his career.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez accounted for 238 yards of offense with three touchdowns against Washington on Saturday.
Analysis: It was the first time in three games Martinez didn't rush for over 100 yards, but the fantasy numbers were respectable.
News: Fresno State utilized a lot of blitz pressure against Cal last week, and that could once again be the Bulldogs' game plan to slow down Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez.
Analysis: If the defense focuses on Martinez too hard, they could be susceptible to Rex Burkhead out of the backfield or on draw plays. He's a solid RB2 this weekend.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez piled up 251 yards of total offense with three touchdowns (all rushing) as Nebraska officially began playing as a member of the Big Ten.
Analysis: Martinez did most of his damage on the ground, rushing for 135 yards with his three scores. If there was anything negative, it would be his 50 percent completion percentage against a much weaker opponent.
News: Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez has hit the weights hard this offseason and teammates have noticed. “He’s huge now,” defensive tackle Jard Crick said. Coach Bo Pelini also praised Martinez for taking on a leadership role this summer.
Analysis: The added bulk should help him last through the rigors of a Big Ten season. But I can't help but wait in bated anticipation for the next Pelini / Martinez blowup.
News: This spring the guy who stood out throughout the Huskers' practice was converted quarterback Jamal Turner. Turner displayed a quick conversion to receiver and the playmaking speed and agility that the receiving corps needs now that Niles Paul is gone.
Analysis: Turner should be used as a speedy possession receiver in the mold of Russell Shepard for LSU. His presence should be a huge boost as quarterback Taylor Martinez grows as a passer.
News: A bit more good news has come up on Nebraska quarterback Bubba Starling as it has been confirmed that the talented signal caller is currently enrolled in summer classes. For those who have not been following, Starling was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the MLB Draft and he has been mulling over whether or not to stay a Husker or go pro in baseball.
Analysis: This is a good sign for Husker Nation as they could certainly use his skill set to backup Taylor Martinez. With all the running that Martinez does, it may be only a matter of time until he is knocked out for some period, and that is when they could use the strong-armed Starling to fill in.
News: Husker Nation got a bit of good news recently as it appears star quarterback recruit Bubba Starling will attend the summer conditioning program on campus this Monday. The question is whether or not he will stay on there. Starling says, "We’ve come a few steps closer to making a decision but I haven’t made a final choice yet."
Analysis: With Cody Green transferring and Kody Spano quitting football, the Huskers could certainly use Starling's presence to bolster depth and push Taylor Martinez.
News: When talking about sophomore signal caller Taylor Martinez, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini had nothing but good things to say including "People tend to forget he was only a freshman last year. He had so much success early that some of those expectations were ludicrous. He's continuing to get better. He's way ahead of the curve, he's getting better and he's poised to have a great year, I'm excited for him."
Analysis: Martinez and Pelini have had an ongoing soap opera behind the scenes but it appears that Martinez is ready to turn the corner and build off of last year's success.
News: In a list of the top tight ends in the Big Ten, newcomer to the league Nebraska occupied the top spot with Kyler Reed. Last year Reed averaged a staggering 18 yards per catch as he finished with 22 grabs for 395 yards and eight scores.
Analysis: Quarterback Taylor Martinez is no longer a secret so teams will be sure to slow down his legs but if he can make strides as a passer, Reed will still get his targets.
News: ESPN's Adam Rittenberg ranks the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten and four of his top five all have outstanding rushing ability.
Analysis: Michigan's Denard Robinson, Northwestern's Dan Persa, Illinois' Nathan Scheelhaase and Nebraska's Taylor Martinez might form the most talented group of rushing quarterbacks in a single conference in the modern era. When is the last time we've seen this many top rushing quarterbacks in one conference?
QB Martinez Will Have More Responsibility in 2011 Offense
News: Martinez tells the Journal-Star that he'll have more responsibility under center in 2011 running a no-huddle offense that is "about 50-50 between run and pass" and that will have feature audibles "all the time."
Analysis: Says Martinez, "Whatever pretty much the defenses is doing, that's what we're going to do [on offense]. We'll go pretty much where they're not." Martinez continues, "Last year pretty much every single practice we repped no huddle, but we never really showed it in a game. So we pretty much know [how to implement it on a full-time basis]."
News: Martinez (ankle) is reportedly looking healthy in Nebraska practices, the Omaha World-Herald reports.
Analysis: If Martinez is really over his turf toe and ankle issues, then things are looking very, very bleak for Washington.
News: Nebraska assistant head coach Ted Gilmore said Martinez (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday, the Lincoln Journal Star reports.
Analysis: Something doesn't add up here. Martinez left the practice with a boot on his left foot, and Gilmore implied that Martinez will be a game-time decision for Saturday's game against Oklahoma. Given the boot on his left foot, we'd have to imagine Martinez wasn't really a full participant, or Nebraska simply didn't have a particularly rigorous practice. At this point, it's looking like Martinez will be limited at best for Saturday's game, leaving Nebraska in quite a pickle.
Nebraska's Martinez (Ankle) Questionable For Saturday
News: Martinez (ankle/toe) is day-to-day for Saturday's Big 12 Championship Game against Oklahoma, the Tulsa World reports.
Analysis: It doesn't sound that great for Nebraska, as Martinez is dealing with a sprained right ankle as well as turf toe on his left foot. For a quarterback who gets by mostly as a runner, that's a recipe for trouble. Hopefully Martinez is well enough to play Saturday, because this game won't be nearly as entertaining if Cody Green is expected to beat Oklahoma.
News: Cody Green will start at quarterback Friday against Colorado, the Omaha WOWT-TV reports. Matinez (ankle) will not be able to play.
Analysis: There are other media reports saying Martinez may be available off the bench, but he can't be counted on for fantasy purposes given that he's been hurt the past two weeks.
News: Martinez (leg) was ineffective in Saturday's loss to Texas A&M, completing 11-of-17 pass attempts for 107 yards and a pick. He only rushed for 17 yards on 11 carries and had to leave the game due to a leg injury, but he returned in the second half.
Analysis: This is terrible news for Martinez owners because most, if not all, of his value comes from his ability to use his legs to put up big rushing numbers. Martinez may have helped get you to the playoffs, but it is time to find another option.
News: Martinez (leg) returned during the third quarter of Saturday's game against Texas A&M.
Analysis: He threw an interception not long afterward. It's looking like the injury might be affecting him.
News: Martinez left Saturday's game against Texas A&M after suffering an apparent leg injury in the first quarter.
Analysis: Cody Green is in, and it seems like this is the same leg that has had Martinez's troublesome ankle injury. There's no word yet on his status going forward.
News: Martinez (ankle) returned to action completing 14-of-26 pass attempts for 167 yards and an interception, also adding 74 yards on 12 carries in Saturday's win over Kansas.
Analysis: While this wasn't a great performance, it was relieving for Martinez's owners to see that he was able to run with a decent amount of success after coming back from an ankle injury. Monitor his progress this week, but it looks as if he is safe to deploy once again.
Nebraska's Martinez (Ankle) Expected to Start Against Kansas
News: Martinez (ankle) is expected to start this week against Kansas, the National Football Post reports.
Analysis: After sitting out of their last game against Iowa State, he should be close to full strength. Considering Martinez does most of his damage on the ground, not through the air, monitor his status throughout the week to make sure he doesn't have any setbacks with the ankle.
News: Martinez (ankle) has practiced the past three days, but will be a game-time decision this week against Iowa State. "He's getting better each day," head coach Bo Pelini told ESPN. "It will be probably a game-time decision, but he's getting better every day."
Analysis: It looks like Martinez will play, but he's a risk to get benched if he has any kind of setback or if Nebraska gets a large lead.
News: Martinez is day-to-day with a sprained ankle, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Though Martinez was originally diagnosed with a leg bruise, the injury is to his ankle instead. Martinez may be a bit limited earlier this week, but he is expected to be ready for Saturday's game against Iowa St. Monitor Martinez's status this week if he is part of your fantasy team.
News: Martinez left Saturday's win over Nebraska in the first half and did not return. He suffered a bone bruise on his right leg and X-rays were negative, the Omaha World Herald reports.
Analysis: Luckily it looks like this injury is minor as Martinez said he could have returned to the game. Still, watch his status closely in practice this week.
Nebraska’s Martinez Bounces Back in Unlikely Fashion
News: Martinez threw for a whopping five touchdowns and 312 yards on 22-of-34 passing attempts in Nebraska's 51-41 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday. He also ran for 111 yards on 21 carries.
Analysis: Martinez bounced back from his poor performance last week in a big way. He showed poise in the pocket and played like a Heisman winner in an important ranked game. What was more surprising was that he scored all five of his touchdowns by passing, after only throwing for three touchdowns all season. He definitely has reinserted himself in to the Heisman talks, and has also restored his status as a "must start" fantasy quarterback.
News: Martinez only completed four of his 13 pass attempts for 63 yards in Saturday's 20-13 loss to rival Texas. He was also contained on the ground, rushing 11 times for only 34 yards and no touchdowns.
Analysis: Martinez had a terrible day against Texas failing to eclipse 100 all-purpose yards. His receivers did not help him either, dropping three passes in the endzone. Martinez was eventually benched in the third quarter for Zac Lee. Lee did not fare any better than Martinez, so expect Martinez to start next week and have a bounce back game against Oklahoma State.
News: Martinez completed 5-of-7 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown while running for 241 yards and four touchdowns on 15 carries against Kansas State Thursday.
Analysis: Absolutely nuts. Martinez is obviously a must-start in all weeks going forward.
News: Martinez only completed six of his 14 passing attempts in the Cornhuskers' win against South Dakota State on Saturday; totaling 142 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Martinez also ran for 76 yards on 14 carries.
Analysis: Martinez looked like a freshman for the first time all season, throwing two interceptions and fumbling a snap. He did manage to salvage his owners' days by rushing for 76 yards. These underwhelming games can be expected from the redshirt freshman occasionally, look for Martinez to rebound after Nebraska's bye week.
News: Martinez completed seven of his 11 pass attempts for 150 yards and a touchdown on Saturday. He also added 139 yards on 19 carries, scoring three touchdowns in the process.
Analysis: Martinez had another monster game on the ground, accompanied by an efficient passing game. What was even more impressive was that this was the rookie's first start on the road. Martinez outperformed Heisman candidate Jake Locker on Saturday and should be picked up immediately if he is available on waivers.
News: Martinez completed 12-of-17 passes for 106 yards and also rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries on Saturday.
Analysis: Martinez was impressive on the ground yet again. He even had a third rushing touchdown nullified by a holding penalty. While his passing skills are fairly average, his athleticism makes him a dynamic weapon. He should be picked up in all leagues and could end up being one of the top fantasy quarterbacks by the end of the season.
News: In his first career start, Martinez completed 9-of-15 passes for 136 yards. More importantly, he rushed for 127 yards and scored three touchdowns for Nebraska on Saturday.
Analysis: Martinez, a redshirt freshman who was just named the starter earlier this week, took the job and ran with it. He exhibited great quickness and explosion from the quarterback position. What was even more impressive about his performance is that he gained those 127 yards on just seven carries. With Martinez's upside, he should be picked up in all formats.
News: Martinez has been named Nebraska's starting quarterback, the Omaha World-Herald reports.
Analysis: Martinez had quietly taken the lead in the competition recently, so this news isn't exactly blindsiding. Nebraska takes on Western Kentucky this week, so Martinez better play well if he wants to hold onto the spot.
News: Martinez is said to be gaining ground on Zac Lee in the race to become Nebraska's starting quarterback for 2010, the Lincoln Journal-Star reports.
Analysis: Martinez showed great potential in Nebraska's spring game, particularly in terms of providing the Cornhuskers with a mobile playmaker under center, so to hear that he might seriously be in the mix to start at quarterback in 2010 doesn't come as a surprise. Logic, of course, maintains that familiarity with Bo Pellini's offense plays in the favor of incumbent Zac Lee. And that very well may end up the case. But says the Lincoln Journal-Star, sources close to the program suggest that Martinez has had strong outings over the last several days, making Nebraska's quarterback competition one that by no means ensures that Lee will retain the job heading into this fall.
