Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez takes safety late in loss at Minnesota

Nebraska’s 2021 season largely became yet another series of unfortunate events for Huskers fans as the program still looks to find its footing under head coach Scott Frost. Following a narrow home loss to Michigan in Week 6, more heartbreak came for Nebraska Saturday in a 30-23 loss at Minnesota, and it was not without some plays that made Huskers fans cringe either.

Perhaps a play made by quarterback Adrian Martinez late in the game against the Gophers epitomized what Nebraska has recently gone through. Trailing 21-16 with less than 5 minutes to spare and Nebraska sitting deep in its own territory, Martinez threw the ball away to avoid taking a sack. But it ultimately resulted in the Huskers taking a safety as Martinez’s pass out of the end zone was ruled intentional grounding.

Just like that, Minnesota extended its lead to 23-16, and the Gophers would tack on another touchdown before the dust settled. As for Nebraska, the Huskers fell to 3-5 on the year.

When looking at all five losses Nebraska has suffered in 2021, each has come with its own elements that have created plenty of anguish for the Husker faithful. A lackluster performance out of the gate resulted in Nebraska dropping its Week Zero opener at Illinois, followed by a 23-16 loss at old Big 8/Big 12 rival Oklahoma several weeks after.

Since Big Ten play kicked off, Nebraska has now lost three of four, and those losses haven’t been much different when it comes to agonizing results. Nebraska fell in overtime at Michigan State, 23-20, in Week 4 before dropping yet another three-point game to a Michigan school this time the Wolverines last Saturday in a 32-29 affair at Memorial Stadium.

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