Nebraska Football: Why Fans Shouldn't Worry About Taylor Martinez

Worrying about Taylor Martinez has been a cottage industry for Nebraska fans since the middle of the 2010 season. And for good reason, as Martinez has given Nebraska moments of brilliance and moments of horror.

But too much worry isn't healthy. So, here's five ways the Children of the Corn can learn to stop worrying and love the T-Magic.

He Won't Be the Focus of the Offense

At the start of last year, Martinez was still the lynchpin of Nebraska's offense. But as the season developed, Rex Burkhead emerged as NU's primary weapon, transforming T-Magic into T-Manager.

With those roles defined more clearly going in to 2012, Martinez should benefit from being a more complimentary role in Nebraska's offense.

He Will Know the Offense Better

It's tempting to discount the change in offensive coordinators as an excuse for Martinez's struggles. But Martinez should benefit from having a second year in Tim Beck's offense (as well as Beck no longer being a rookie offensive coordinator).

That experience can do nothing but help Martinez.

His Receivers Will Be Better

Last year, Nebraska's two most productive receivers were freshmen. Both Jamal Turner and Kenny Bell will improve with experience, and the increased depth at the position with the addition of Taariq Allen and Jordan Westerkamp should push the whole receiving corps to improve on last year's struggles.

And a better receiving corps should mean a better Martinez.

He Is a Year More Mature

In 2012, Taylor Martinez will be a redshift junior—his fourth year in the Nebraska program.

He's no longer a young quarterback, and that experience should improve his decision making and cut down on his cringe-worthy moments, which have cost Nebraska possessions, field position and ultimately games.

The Defense Will Be Better

Yes, Nebraska's offense struggled last year. But Nebraska's defense last year was a far cry from the Blackshirts we've come to expect from Bo Pelini.

At least some of those struggles were the result of early season injuries to Jared Crick and Alfonzo Dennard, which forced Pelini to scramble on the defensive line and in the secondary. If Nebraska can avoid such catastrophic injury luck, the defense should improve. And a better defensive performance should take some of the pressure of Martinez's shoulders. 

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