Nebraska Spring Game: Taylor Martinez's Development Will Be Key for Cornhuskers

On and off the field, no player sparks more controversy for the Nebraska football program than quarterback Taylor Martinez.

To say the junior-to-be has had a tumultuous past two seasons would be an understatement. He burst into the spotlight in his first season taking snaps for Nebraska in 2010, showing great promise early on, but tanked in the final four games, including an ugly affair against Texas A&M that saw head coach Bo Pelini get in his face.

Last season, he had a three-interception disaster against Wisconsin, only to lead the Cornhuskers to the biggest comeback in team history against Ohio State the following week. Then, he struggled against Michigan and in the Capital One Bowl.

But the reality is Nebraska needs Martinez with no legitimate threat among the backups, and Martinez has shown he has the ability to win football games for the Cornhuskers.

This spring, Martinez worked with QB guru Steve Calhoun on his mechanics.

Martinez said, via ESPN:

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"At first, if I took the left foot back, my body would lean back. That's what caused me to maybe throw an awkward way. Now if I take my right foot back, my shoulders are more even, the way they're supposed to be.

"I feel a lot different. A lot more balanced."

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Balance is exactly what Martinez needs, both physically and mentally. He truly holds Nebraska's success in his hands and he seems to have realized that by now. He said in early April that anything short of a national championship next season would be a disappointment, per ESPN.

The Cornhuskers have the pieces to contend for a BCS bowl next season, but they are going to need Martinez to come along for the ride. His inconsistency has been troubling the past two seasons, but perhaps realigning his mechanics will make him more consistent moving forward.

Martinez can't just marginally improve in 2012. He needs to make significant strides for Nebraska to make a BCS bowl. He knows this better than anyone.

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