Threat Assessment: 3 Cornhuskers who could be game-changers vs. Oklahoma

Oklahoma and Nebraska will play each other for the first time in a decade. Here are 3 Cornhuskers the Sooners need to beware of in the 50th anniversary of the “Game of the Century.”

Sep 4, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) looks to throw against the Fordham Rams in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Martinez, Quarterback

Just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean it isn’t true. No Cornhusker is a bigger threat to a Sooners’ win than Adrian Martinez. The veteran quarterback has been running from pass rushers and into some big offensive numbers in 2021.

His 256 rushing yards through three games leads the team and is 10th best in the conference. Martinez also ranks fourth in passing, throwing for 728 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. When given the opportunity to stay in the pocket and set his feet, Martinez has the ability to make OU’s secondary pay.

It will be up to defensive coordinator Alex Grinch to make sure that doesn’t happen. According to Pro Football Focus, Grinch should have plenty of tape to work with because Martinez is the most pressured quarterback in the entire Power Five (45.7% pressure rate).

In contrast, there isn’t an edge rusher in the country who generates more pressure than Oklahoma’s Nik Bonnitto.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4