PARKER GABRIEL
Lincoln Journal Star
No matter how Saturday played out on the field for Nebraska, it must have been difficult and probably more than a little bit weird for junior quarterback Adrian Martinez.
For the first time in his Nebraska career, the Fresno, California, native was healthy but didn’t play in the game. Instead, he watched redshirt freshman Luke McCaffrey get the nod as the Huskers’ starting quarterback. Watched as McCaffrey engineered three straight scoring drives to open the game and then watched as his defensive teammates stood tall down the stretch, staving off Penn State’s offense twice in the red zone to preserve a 30-23 victory.
Outside of three games he missed due to injury, Martinez had been the guy at Nebraska since coach Scott Frost arrived.
There are plenty of notable moments in the video, perhaps none more captivating than Adrian Martinez' pregame speech.
Before the game, though, the two-time Husker captain addressed his teammates in the locker room and told them what he expected.
“Don’t want you guys to forget that we’re a family,” Martinez said in a video the football program published on social media Tuesday afternoon. “We’re a family. No matter what happens, no matter who’s out there, we support each other. We’re going to keep that energy today, everyone who’s not in, who is in, we’re going to bring it. I have a great feeling.
"No matter what happens, ups and downs, keep your head up. No more head down on the sideline, none of that (expletive). We’re here for each other. That’s what this (expletive) is about, man. That’s what we’re going to remember. You feel me? Let’s do that today. I know I will be. I want to win. You feel me? I want to win.
“It’s not about me, it’s not about him (McCaffrey). It’s about us. Let’s not forget that.”
Martinez spent the game on the sideline talking with teammates and rooting them on. NU has freshman Logan Smothers and the walk-on quarterbacks on the headsets relaying calls to the field, which left Martinez essentially in cheerleader mode for the afternoon.
Frost said after the game that McCaffrey, who replaced Martinez entering the fourth quarter of Nov. 7’s 21-13 loss to Northwestern, had earned the chance to make his first start and that he provided the offense a needed spark, but that making the call was not easy.
"That decision was one of the hardest since I've ever made,” he said. “I think so much of who Adrian Martinez is as a football player and as a person. He's been through a lot with us. He certainly practiced well enough to play, so it was a tough decision.”
McCaffrey said after the game that the quarterbacks had been informed of the arrangement early in the week so that the repetitions could be divvied up accordingly during practice. At least some players didn’t know the plan until later in the week. Freshman receiver Zavier Betts, for example, said he found out Friday.
McCaffrey has been effusive in his praise of Martinez and said Saturday that the junior was integral in aiding his preparation to make his starting debut.
“He's one of the classiest people I've ever met,” McCaffrey said after the game. “Just throughout the game planning this week and throughout my whole entire career here thus far. He's been right there by my side and he's been one of the best role models, best people and best leaders that I've been able to meet.”
Two days earlier on his radio show, Frost said, “I care about Adrian Martinez as much as anybody I’ve ever coached," and added, “both of those guys are going to handle it well no matter what happens.”
That looks like an accurate prediction from the head coach, particularly as it pertains to the Husker captain who endured what almost certainly had to be a difficult week and gameday.
Photos: Huskers outlast Penn State in home opener at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson runs with the ball against Penn State on Nov. 15, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska lineman Bryce Benhart heads off the field following warmups before the Penn State game Nov. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle (7) breaks up a pass intended for Penn State's Jahan Dotson (5) in the first half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska's Damian Jackson in action against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska's Matt Farniok (71) in action against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
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Penn State quarterback Will Levis (7) gets tackled by Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and Garrett Nelson (44) in November at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Penn State quarterback Will Levis (7) gets tackled by Nebraska's JoJo Domann (13) and Will Honas (3) on Nov. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska safeties Myles Farmer (18) and Deontai Williams in action Nov. 15 against Penn State at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska's Levi Falck (88) gets tackled after a first-half reception by Penn State's Brandon Smith (12) and Lamont Wade (38) on Nov. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) looks to avoid the tackle from Penn State's Jesse Luketa (left) in the first half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (23) in action during a first-half Husker punt against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) strips the ball from Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford in the second quarter Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium. Williams recovered the fumble and scored.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Ben Stille (95) lines up against Penn State on Nov. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt (5) runs back a punt as he avoids the tackle of Penn State's Daequan Hardy in the first half Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Luke Reimer (28) eyes a tackle against Penn State quarterback Will Levis last season at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) gets the snap from center Cameron Jurgens (51) as running back Ronald Thompkins (25) and Ethan Piper look to block against Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost instructs the team during a timeout on Nov. 14, 2020, against Penn State at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost has a word with the head linesman during the Penn State game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska head coach Scott Frost during a second-half timeout against Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 15, 2020.
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Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches a replay on a video screen Nov. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska's Ty Robinson (99) tackles Penn State's Keyvone Lee (24) in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska's Caleb Tannor (left) tackles Penn State quarterback Will Levis (7) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska's Collin Miller (31) celebrates a third-quarter stop against Penn State's Will Levis (7) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Nebraska quarterbacks Logan Smothers (8) and Matt Masker (18) watch the action from the sideline during the Penn State game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (top) helps up Husker linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) after Nelson sustained a third-quarter injury against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Logan Smothers (8) cheers on his team from the sideline during the Penn State game in November at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (front) runs with the ball as Penn State's Jayson Oweh (28) goes for the tackle in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska left tackle Brenden Jaimes (76) goes against Penn State's Shaka Toney on Nov. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey audibles at the line in the fourth quarter against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (right) draws a facemask penalty from Penn State's Shaka Toney (18) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) runs away from Penn State's Jaquan Brisker (1) in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska kicker Connor Culp sends a ball through the uprights for a fourth-quarter field goal against Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) takes the snap as linemen Ethan Piper (57) and Brenden Jaimes (76) block on a fourth-quarter play against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle (7) defends against the pass to Penn State's Jahan Dotson in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium
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Nebraska's Will Honas (3) tackles Penn State's Pat Freiermuth (87) in the fourth quarter on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) walks off the field with teammate Nick Henrich (42) after the Huskers defeated Penn State 30-23 on Nov. 15 at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska's Ben Stille (95) and Ty Robinson walk off the field after the Huskers' 30-23 win over Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Ethan Piper (57) blocks for Husker quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) in the fourth quarter against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey looks for an open receiver as Penn State defenders descend on him Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska linebacker Damian Jackson lines up on the 30-yard line for kickoff against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Mike Dawson walks back to the sideline flanked by Nick Henrich (left) and Will Honas in November at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Penn State players leave the Memorial Stadium field after losing to Nebraska on Saturday
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska inside linebacker Will Honas celebrates with wide receiver Kade Warner after defeating Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska defensive lineman Ben Stille sacks Penn State quarterback Will Levis late in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffery tumbles into Penn State linebacker Ellis Brooks on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Penn State running back Devyn Ford is tackled by Nebraska safety Myles Farmer on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 30-23.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska outside linebacker Pheldarius Payne speaks to Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown after the game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 14.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
A crane used for construction of the Lied Place on Q Street flies American and Husker flags before the Nebraska football game against Penn State on Saturday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Penn State running back Devyn Ford dives for the goal line as Nebraska linebackers Will Honas and Garrett Nelson (44) hold on in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska outside linebacker JoJo Domann hits Penn State quarterback Will Levis last season at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska running back Marvin Scott tries to escape the grasp of Penn State's Jesse Luketa in the fourth quarter Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska inside linebacker Luke Reimer celebrates a fourth-quarter stop against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez walks the sideline during the second half against Penn State on Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Luke Reimer (28) tackles Penn State quarterback Will Levis (7) late in the fourth quarter as the Huskers defense attempts to hold on against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches the action as Penn State makes it within 10 yards of the end zone in the final minutes of the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Collin Miller (31) celebrates after Ben Stille (right) tackled Penn State quarterback Will Levis (left) to give the Huskers the ball on downs in the fourth quarter Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) strips the ball from Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford before recovering the fumble and returning it for a touchdown in the second quarter Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's Zavier Betts (15) scores the first touchdown of his career against Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska tight end Austin Allen extends for a pass on an incompletion while defended by Penn State's Marquis Wilson on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
For the first time in his Nebraska career, Adrian Martinez was healthy but not playing. Instead, the Huskers went with Luke McCaffrey during this Nov. 14, 2020, game against Penn State at Memorial Stadium. Even still, Martinez, a captain, encourages his team.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt (5) intercepts a ball intended for Penn State's Jahan Dotson in the first half of a Nov. 14, 2020, game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford throws under pressure from Nebraska outside linebacker Pheldarius Payne last November at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Penn State running back Caziah Holmes is pushed out of bounds by Nebraska safety Deontai Williams at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Levi Falck catches a pass against Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford is tackled by inside linebacker Will Honas on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Ed Sabata (from left), Bruce Melichar and Jeff Melichar tailgate outside Melichar 66 Sales and Service downtown before the Nov. 14, 2020, Nebraska-Penn State game.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
The Nebraska defense converges on Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) in the first half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska Cam Taylor-Britt (5) welcomes his teammates after a touchdown against Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Penn State running back Caziah Holmes breaks away from Nebraska defenders in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Zavier Betts (left) runs away from Penn State's Jayson Oweh en route to a 45-yard touchdown in the second quarter last November at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska coach Scott Frost instructs the team during a timeout in the first half against Penn State last week at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska safety Myles Farmer draws a pass interference penalty while defending Penn State wide receiver Parker Washington in the third quarter Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska safety Myles Farmer defends a pass to Penn State's Parker Washington in a Nov. 14, 2020, game at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith holds up the ball he intercepted from Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffery in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A Nebraska state trooper watches game action from the stands Saturday as Nebraska takes on Penn State at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska's Collin Miller (31) said Tuesday he will retire from football for health reasons.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson celebrates a touchdown by teammate Zavier Betts Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska safety Myles Farmer (18) gets flagged for pass interference against Penn State's Parker Washington (3) in the third quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska's Matt Farniok (71) blocks for quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) on a second-half run against Penn State on Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Penn State's Keyvone Lee scores on a third-quarter run against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska fan cutouts are a backdrop for the consecutive sellout sign on Saturday at Memorial Stadium during a Nov. 14, 2020, game against Penn State.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska coach Scott Frost walks down the sideline after Penn State scored in the third quarter Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska's defensive line tries to block a field-goal attempt by Penn State kicker Jake Pinegar on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska coach Scott Frost on the field during a second-half timeout against Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) bobbles a third-quarter snap resulting in lost yardage against Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
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Penn State running back Keyvone Lee is swarmed by Nebraska defenders in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Penn State quarterback Will Levis (7) gets pressured by Nebraska's Ben Stille on a fourth-down play, throwing an incomplete pass to turn it over to the Huskers in the final moments of the game Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Luke McCaffrey (7) and Wan’Dale Robinson (1) celebrate after the Huskers' win over Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium. McCaffrey and Robinson each entered the transfer portal following the 2020 season.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (1) celebrate after the Huskers' win over Penn State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers out onto a nearly empty stadium before taking on Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) strips the ball from Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford and recovers the fumble before running it in for a touchdown in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska tight end Austin Allen (11) pulls in a first-quarter pass against Penn State's Jesse Luketa (40) and Keaton Ellis (2) last November at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) strips the ball from Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford, recovers the fumble and scores in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) punches the ball from Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford last season. Williams has incorporated boxing into his preseason workouts to help increase his stamina in 2021.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterbacks Luke McCaffrey (right) and Adrian Martinez talk during pregame warmups before hosting Penn State on Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium.
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Husker fan cutouts fill the North Stadium stands before the team takes on Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
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