Featured Matchup: Morris vs. Martinez
Nebraska
Name: Taylor Martinez
Position: Quarterback
Year: Junior
Martinez has finally developed into the player Nebraska fans hoped he would become. Long known for his wizardry on the ground, which earned him the nickname “T-Magic,” he has evolved into one of the Big Ten’s best passers this season.
Martinez has posted career-best numbers across the board in this season. The junior has thrown for 2,420 yards and 21 touchdowns while completing nearly 64 percent of his passes. He’s also rushed for 792 yards and 8 touchdowns this season, including a 205-yard effort in a comeback win over Michigan State on Nov. 3.
Martinez is the driving force behind the Cornhuskers’ potent offensive attack, and he’s precisely the kind of quarterback the Iowa defense struggles to defend.
Iowa
Name: James Morris
Position: Middle linebacker
Year: Junior
It’s not been a good year for the Hawkeyes on either side of the ball, but the defense went from appearing all but invincible through the first half of the season to nearly invisible since. The road doesn’t get any easier for Iowa’s season finale against No. 14 Nebraska.
Morris will likely be charged with keeping an eye on Martinez and staying with him wherever he goes. That’s easier said than done for just about any player in college football. And Morris will have it even worse.
The junior has been playing hurt since Iowa’s loss to Purdue on Nov. 10, and he didn’t appear to be at full speed at Michigan last week. That could spell trouble for the Hawkeyes. If Morris and Company can’t contain Martinez, then the Cornhuskers will put up points in bunches on Saturday.
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