Washington vs Nebraska: 6 Things We Learned from Saturday's Final Score

Today's game in Lincoln, Nebraska had the visiting Washington Huskies keep the game close, but in the end couldn't keep up with the high-powered Nebraska offense. 

There were something that we learned, saw, and took away from this game. 

Like for example, could Washington take away what they did successful against Nebraska in their Bowl Game. If they could, would it result in an upset victory for the Huskies? 

What is the Nebraska offense like if a defense can take out the offensive weapon that is Nebraska's quarterback Taylor Martinez? 

You'll just have to click through the slides and find out what we took away from today's Nebraska Washington game. 

Taylor Martinez Is the Nebraska Offense

Coming into the season everyone knew that the best offensive player on Nebraska was Taylor Martinez. He was the key to the offense last year and was the key to today's victory against Washington. 

He won't beat you with his passing; as today he went 10-for-21 only throwing for 155 yards and two touchdowns. But if you put pressure on Taylor he will run out of the pocket and hurt you with his quickness. 

Today he rushed for 83 yards on 17 attempts for a touchdown. 

What happens if a defense, like Texas last year, can stop the run forcing Nebraska to win with their passing game? 

Washington Has a Good Running Back in Chris Polk

The Washington offense was able to move the ball on the Nebraska defense today. They threw four touchdown passes and had 274 yards through the air. 

But it was the running of Chris Polk that really stood out today. Unlike a lot of teams in college football, or even the pro's, teams like to share carriers. Today, Polk took almost every carry for Washington, rushing 22 times. 

He was successful against a very good Nebraska defensive line gaining 130 yards and scoring once. 

Turnovers Was the Key to Victory for Nebraska Today

Across the stat sheet the numbers look very close. In total yards Washington finished with 420, Nebraska with 464. Washington had 20 first downs compared to Nebraska's 22. But where they differed was the turnovers.

Specifically one where Washington fumbled the kick off leading to a Nebraska touchdown run in the following play.

Washington had three turnovers on the day compared to Nebraska's one.   

Washington's Quarterback Keith Price Maybe Better Than Jake Locker

Keith Price is just a sophomore but today he played like a fifth year senior. In fact it was this time last year, except in Washington, where a senior played his way out of a Heisman Trophy. Washington quarterback Jake Locker had a horrible game against this same Nebraska defense last year. 

This year current Washington quarterback Keith Price threw for four touchdown passes and 278 yards. And this year it was on the road in Nebraska. 

Look for two more really good years from Price. 

Can Rex Burkhead Carry This Team If Something Happens to Martinez?

We discussed earlier in this slide show about what happens if Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez goes down with an injury. And I'm not trying to wish or predict an injury, but, with a QB that likes to scramble and takes a lot of hits during a game and season it's logical to think that he is going to go down.

So with the day that Rex Burkhead had today against Washington, 22 carries 120 yards two touchdowns, can he carry the rushing game the way that Taylor does?

Where Does Washington's Season Go After This Loss?

Last year Washington was blown out by Nebraska at home. This year the score was lopsided, but not as bad as what the final score shows. But after the loss last year they still went onto a bowl game in the postseason.

Now after today's loss to Nebraska they sit at 2-1 on the season. Washington opens their Pac-12 season next week with a home game against Cal. 

They have as good of an offense as they did last year. They just have to get the defense to match the success of the offense. If they can then there isn't a reason why they won't make a bowl game again this year. 

Follow me on Twitter: @tjmcaloon