What A First Impression!

All I can say is 'WOW'!

Taylor Martinez gets the start at quarterback for the opening game as a freshman. That doesn't happen very often. In fact, it hasn't ever happened before. And the way he looked in the opening drive, you can tell that he has earned that spot.

On the third play of the day for the Huskers, Martinez keeps the ball and makes a 46 yard run for the end zone to get his first of 3 touchdowns of the night. He has an explosiveness that is impressive. Before you know it, he's past the defensive line and is shaking a linebacker or two.

Here's is line AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN PLAYING IN HIS FIRST COLLEGIATE GAME EVER:

7 runs for 127 yards and 3 TD's. 9-15 passing for 136 yards. That's 263 of total offense.

But, it's more than the numbers. He just looked like a big time college quarterback out there. He showed confidence. He showed poise. He looked like a leader on the offense. Taking nothing from Zac Lee and what he did with the team last year, but Martinez looked like he fit the roll of starting quarterback better than Zac.

Keep in mind that this is all against Western Kentucky. This is all in game one. This is a long season. We've got a long way to go. But 85,555 plus a pay-per-view audience may have just took a peek at the future of Nebraska football. That is a lot to put on one kid, but the future does look good at the quarterback position.

The Good:

• Yeeaaahhh, that's a no brainer. Taylor Martinez.
• Rex Burkhead looked good with 5 rushes for 57 yards and a TD.
• The offensive looked like it was well balanced and it was clicking in the air and on the ground (for game #1 against Western Kentucky). 536 total yards with 289 yards coming on the ground and 247 yards coming in the air. Not bad. In the post game interview room, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson looked as happy as could be.

The Bad (or rather things that need some work):

• The defense wasn't bad, but they're weren't the best and head coach Bo Pelini agreed with that in his post game press conference. Western Kentucky was able to rack up 299 of total offense with 5 foot 8 inch running back Bobby Rainey counting 155 yards of that. The backfield got beat on a few plays. Overall, not the best and not Cosgrove-like. But they will sure hear it from Bo next week. Suh is gone (he as actually on the sidelines for this game), but Crick showed signs of being the beast that takes his place!

This was Western Kentucky. They've got a lot of work to do until Texas comes rolling into Lincoln. Bo Pelini said that this is not the polished product, yet. Next week comes Idaho and then you get your first real test of the season with a road trip to Washington. Taylor Martinez was able to shine in front 85,000+ friendly patrons, but what about 70,000+ people against you. That's the next measuring stick.

But, one thing is for sure . . . after watching the first game of the year, screw the Big Ten (for now) . . . let's play some football this year!!!!