Michigan Football: 3 Keys to Beating Nebraska Cornhuskers
By Josh LaFond
1. Make Adrian Martinez Beat You Through the Air
Hear me out.
Yes, Adrian Martinez is having his most consistent passing year statistically. Since their season-opening loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini, Martinez passing statistics tell a different story.
In the last five games, Martinez has thrown for an average near 250ypg, posting a completion percentage knocking on the door of 70%, and only throwing 2 interceptions.
Impressive. Here’s what’s not, though.
Adrian Martinez has been sacked 18 times this year. Yikes!
Keep him in the pocket, don’t let him use his wheels which have seen him rush for 9 touchdowns this year. Make him beat you passing.
Even though those aforementioned passing numbers look intimidating, when you give up 18 sacks then you’re going to get pressure. Especially from a defensive line as talented as the one Michigan football has.
By limiting Martinez in the run game, forcing him to throw, the pressure will be able to get home to the quarterback and take away his biggest strength with his legs.