Last Look at Southern Miss - News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, NE; KLKNTV.com

Posted by: Matt Lothrop

mlothrop@klkntv.com

Early indications show the Husker offense should be more balanced, and more explosive.

"Just exciting just cause we can finally go out there and show what type of offense we are," junior quarterback Taylor Martinez said. "I think the offense this year is different than what it was last year."

In a 49-20 win against Southern Miss Martinez orchestrated an offense that amassed 632 yards of offense the most in the Bo Pelini era.

Maybe even more impressive is the Huskers did that with little help from Rex Burkhead. The senior running back ripped off a 57-yard touchdown run, but took just two additional carries prior to suffering a sprained MCL.
 
"When he comes back from injury, he comes back with a bang cause he's a mature enough guy to mentally stay with it," running backs coach Ron Brown said. "He doesn't let himself drift. He will be tenacious in the film room. He'll do everything he can to stay in shape."

Burkhead's replacement filled in nicely taking 29 carries for 179 yards.

Through the air Martinez put his off season improvements on display. He completed 76 percent of passes while spreading the ball to weapons all over the field, including 10 difference players catching a pass.
 
"He's improved a lot," sophomore receiver Jamal Turner said. "He's only getting better every day. He knows the offense, we know the offense. Our coaches, we got a great coaching staff, coach Tim Beck calls the right plays at the right time, puts us in the best positions. Makes us look good when it's really him upstairs."

That man upstairs isn't getting over confident. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck realizes the Southern Miss win is just one game.

That one game did however give an accurate glimpse of what Beck's Offense Version 2.0 can offer.

A closer balance of 50-50 run/pass.

Up tempo play calling that wears out the opposing defense.

An offensive line that allows just one sack.

An aerial assault that completes better than 70 percent of passes.

And a solid ground game that should only improve when Burkhead returns to action.