Here are the final snap counts and grades for Nebraska’s offense against Illinois, courtesy of PFF.

Here are the final snap counts and grades for Nebraska’s offense against Illinois, courtesy of PFF.

HOL take: Quarterback Adrian Martinez led NU in rushing, but most of it came on broken plays. He had two zone and two gap runs for 15 yards, while he had eight scramble runs for 133 yards on broken pass plays. Nothing came easy for Martinez, who was pressured 17 times on 47 pass plays. Martinez did throw the ball 20+ yards seven times, finishing 3-of-7 for 101 yards on those plays. He was 0-of-4 on throws 10 to 20 yards on the left side.

HOL take: 19 carries for 54 yards from the running backs is not going to get it done in the Big Ten. The long run of the day from the running backs was just 11 yards. Both Markese Stepp (9.1) and Gabe Ervin (31.2) were not graded well in pass protection, which is why Rahmir Johnson came into the game late once the Huskers got down.

HOL take: The biggest question I have is why did Zavier Betts not see one snap on Saturday? He played on special teams. Samori Toure, Oliver Martin and Wyatt Liewer got the start, while Omar Manning also worked in. 85.4 percent of Toure’s snaps came in the slot. Martin had by far his biggest game as a Husker with six catches for 103 yards. Five of his six catches were converted for first downs. His 43-yard catch was the longest downfield throw Adrian Martinez has completed since 2019.

HOL take: Just two tight ends played on Saturday. I think maybe the biggest surprise was Austin Allen didn’t have his first catch until late in the second half. Junior Travis Volkolek did not travel to Champaign.

HOL take: After 14 plays Turner Corcoran replaced Brant Banks at left tackle after Banks gave up four pressures on nine total pass block plays. Bryce Benahrt had the best grade on the offensive line and he was still charged with three QB hurries. These grades reflect what we saw on the field. Nothing came easy for the Huskers on offense and it started with the play upfront on the offensive line.