Regardless of what issues may exist between the head coach and the quarterback, all signs are pointing to Taylor Martinez being under center for Nebraska for tonight’s Big 12 title game.
Just who will start for the Cornhuskers against Oklahoma has been shrouded in mystery throughout the week, with Bo Pelini refusing to give an indication as to whether it will be Martinez or Cody Green who will get the initial crack at the Sooners’ defense.
Despite Pelini’s reticence in declaring a starter ahead of the game, it’s been thought the last couple of days that Martinez would get the call. The pair of injuries the redshirt freshman has been suffering from -- an ankle issue as well as turf toe -- have reportedly improved a great deal since last Saturday, although it was still being called a game-time decision throughout the week.
The Lincoln Journal Star wrote earlier this afternoon that they “feel very confident saying Taylor Martinez will start for the Huskers at quarterback tonight”, adding that "[a] very good source confirmed this morning what I’d been hearing the past 48 hours or so.”
If the Cornhuskers can get Martinez back and he’s anywhere near the form he displayed earlier in the season when he was on the periphery of the Heisman discussion -- wow, that was a long time ago -- it will go a long way in improving Nebraska’s chances of coming away with the conference championship in their final season in the Big 12. And setting up what should prove to be a tremendously awkward trophy presentation.