Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
It was a career-year for Taylor Martinez of the Nebraska Cornhuskers as he posted collegiate bests in both rushing and passing yards along with 23 passing touchdowns in 2012. Cornhuskers faithful must rely on Martinez to lead them back to the Capital One Bowl and beyond. However, can he eclipse the 1,000 rushing yards mark for the second straight season?
When Nebraska was winning games in 2012, the play of Martinez was through the roof. When Martinez was not at the top of his game, the club suffered. For example, in the program’s four losses, Martinez threw nine of his 12 interceptions when his team was tied or losing. The Cornhuskers will need to buck that trend if they hope to be competitive in the Big 10 Conference in 2013.
As a hybrid type of QB, Martinez has the ability to beat you both on the ground and via the air. However, does he have the skill set necessary to rush over 1,000 yards?
Last year, he barely eclipsed the margin finishing with 1,019 yards. Now, the running game of a quarterback like Martinez is often consistent and dependent on other variables, so there is not an exact formula to his success. Cornhusker faithful will tell you that Martinez can undoubtedly rush for that and then some in 2013. However, his NCAAF career has seen him go over the 875 mark just one other time in his three year career.
One thing for certain is that Martinez has a nose for the end zone — the Nebraska QB has totaled 31 touchdowns on the ground since stepping foot in Lincoln. The debate is still up in the air. However, I think another 1,000 rushing season would solidify him as a legitimate NFL prospect.
