Sophomore Quarterback Adrian Martinez Quotes - 9/2

Nebraska Football
Weekly Press Conference
Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Neb.)
Monday, Sept. 2, 2019
Pre-Colorado

On specifics he noticed in watching the game film
“I would just say the lack of execution on my part and on the offense as a whole. I think that responsibility falls on me, [we] didn’t have the best week of practice and it showed on the field on Saturday.”

On his feeling going into the Colorado game
“I am pretty much, after last week, I am focused on getting our offense better, and myself, and really focusing day by day. I am not really too concerned about the result of last year. I am excited that we get another opportunity to get better and to have a better showing offensively. That is where my focus is at.”

On if there are specific things that didn’t work against South Alabama
“No, I wouldn’t say so.”

On his injury in the Colorado game last year
“There really isn’t too much to remember about it for me. It is football, I think injuries are a part of the game and it is what it is. I moved on after that, and I have moved on since and [I’m] just really ready to go.”

On having played a game before playing Colorado this year
“I think it is a big deal. It is good for our team and it was good for us to learn a lesson offensively I think in that first game- use it moving forward instead of not having that opportunity to get better and maybe shake off some of the rust as you would call it, or whatever the case may be. I think it was good for us and good for our team in general.”

On redshirt freshman center Cam Jurgens
“I think he was really excited to get out there. I am proud of his efforts. I don’t think anywhere on the offensive side it was because of a lack of effort,  I think it was more that all of us need to focus in, hammer in those details and Cam is included in that, and myself. He is a force out there, and I think he did a good job.”

On where the execution lacked the most
“I probably just have to point that back to myself again. I think it starts with me there, and I don’t think I did my job well enough last week. That is on me. I have to hold people to that standard. Like I said, I’ll take that responsibility because my teammates deserve better out of me, and I have to be able to bring it at a higher level.”

On what he noticed in watching film of the South Alabama ga,e
“Like I said after that game and upon looking at the film, there are a few throws I could have made and a few reads that I missed. A couple of simple things here and there that I could have done better that I think would have made a big difference offensively, and I think that is something I have to do. I am quarterback of this team and Coach [Verduzco] has done a good job coaching me up and it is on me at that point. I didn’t go out there and execute the way that I should have.”

On the level of motivation at practice
“I would say very motivated. We were a lot more intense today, a lot more focused. Mondays, I think sometimes with the new install and what not, we might not have our best day execution-wise but we are going to keep on getting better, keep on building up on that and I think it was a lot better than last week.”

On freshman wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson
“No question I think he is very versatile. He could play outside, inside, running back, wherever for us. I think if we would have had a few more opportunities on offense he would have probably had more chances to showcase just how special he is. I am looking forward to seeing what else he can do in this offense here in the next couple of games.”

On his running game
“That is not even something I have really thought about to be honest with you. I am pretty tuned in to whatever our game plan is and whatever Coach Frost wants me to go out there and execute, whether that be running the ball or throwing the ball. However he feels, I am on the same page as him. It is my job to go out there and execute regardless of the environment. Regardless of if I run the ball at all. I have to go out there and execute.”

On Colorado’s defense
“They are a talented team. Obviously they have a new coach, a new system defensively scheme-wise and they did a good job. They played a good game and it will be a fight on Saturday, and I know our team is looking forward to it.”

On running back Dedrick Mills' growth in the first game
“I think a ton. I think it’s definitely a process. It was his first home game here at Memorial Stadium. He is constantly learning I think like the rest of the guys on the offense. We are going to keep on getting each other better. I think Dedrick is only going to go up from the first game.”
 
On the absence of Stanley Morgan Jr.
“We all miss Stan as a person and as a football player, but I’m pumped about the guys we have here. I think they are more than adequate out there, making plays and doing everything that we need them to do. I wouldn’t say we missed him in that regard, no.”
 
On Martinez’s biggest lesson from the road games last year
“It’s us versus everybody. Just to know that you and your teammates are in there and in there to do one job, accomplish the mission and win the game. Last year, I don’t think we did that one time, so something to strive for this year. We have an early test.”
 
On what was impressive from South Alabama
“I think they prepared really well. They made some good adjustments from last season to this season. They did a good job executing what they wanted to. Props to them.”
 
On how the team is preparing for the altitude in Colorado
“I think just our practice style has helped us with conditioning. We practice so fast all the time. I think all the guys are in great shape, and we are not really concerned about the altitude. At least, I am not and I don’t think our offense is. We want to play fast and I think in the summer, and everything we have been doing, has prepared us for that.”
 
On if the altitude difference has been addressed by coaches
“Not yet, I am sure it will be a topic of discussion this afternoon during meetings. Either way, it’s not necessarily something I will be thinking about over there. There are other things to be focused on.”
 
On the history between Colorado and Nebraska
“It’s a long history. I think the fans are really excited about it. For me, we have another opportunity. Just like I said earlier, looking forward to having this chance for the offense to get better next week. We have another chance thankfully, and we are pumped up about playing this game. We are just going to take it game by game.”
 
On field position average and the play-calling standpoint
“I wouldn’t say there was a change in play calling, but I think it helps an offense anytime you can get better field position. I wouldn’t say it necessarily changes the mindset or anything else.”
 
On the importance of special teams playing well
“It’s very important. It’s a huge part of the game. I think we put an emphasis on that this offseason and I think the guys responded really well to that.”

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