Heisman Watch 2019: Week 1 – All eyes on superstar quarterbacks

Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez vs. South Alabama

The hype surrounding the Nebraska Cornhuskers is incredible for a team that was 4-8 in 2018. But, head coach Scott Frost worked magic in his second year at UCF, so many experts see similar success on the horizon in Lincoln.

If Nebraska can make a massive turnaround in 2019, sophomore quarterback Adrian Martinez will have to have a monster season. Martinez showed big-time flashes in his freshman year both as a passer and runner totaling over 3,200 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Most people were captivated by the freshman sensation that was Trevor Lawrence, but Martinez’s numbers were awe-inspiring too. He was just one of four quarterbacks in the entire country to average 225 passing yards and 50 rushing yards per game in 2018. Team success will be the most significant factor in Martinez’s chances at the trophy, but statistically, he should be ready for a huge step.

Think of McKenzie Milton and how he took a monster leap in his second year under Scott Frost and Martinez has all the talent to do something similar. However, when it comes to Heisman’s candidacy, Martinez has far more working in his favor than Milton did. The main one being that Martinez plays in the Big Ten and will get multiple chances to perform on big stages and create Heisman moments.

Unfortunately, those moments will have to wait a few weeks because Nebraska kicks off its season against South Alabama. The Cornhuskers should roll to a comfortable victory, but Martinez will have a chance at some stat-padding before the game gets out of hand.