PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Adrian Martinez, a true freshman, has struggled this season, throwing for just 209 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in two appearances. However, coach Scott Frost says Martinez will be the starter going forward for Nebraska over Andrew Bunch — a choice he hopes gives the roster some continuity.
“More than anything having just one guy getting the reps with the first group,” Frost said. “Other than going into Colorado, we haven’t played a game where we have one guy getting the reps that was going to play in the game, and that only lasted for three quarters.”
–WR Stanley Morgan, a senior, has been one of the bright spots for Nebraska’s offense. Through three games, he had 13 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown. Going into this week, Scott Frost identified Morgan as one of the players truly bothered by Nebraska’s winless start to the season.
“Stanley (Morgan) on offense, he was frustrated and not in a bad way, he just wants a different result. He went out and battled,” Frost said.
–LB Luke Gifford, one of the leaders of Nebraska’s defense, has racked up 16 tackles, including five for a loss and 2.5 sacks, this season. Gifford dished out respect for Purdue quarterback David Blough and the Boilermakers’ offense.
“He’s a gamer, he plays hard. That’s their identity,” Gifford said. “They’ve got some really good playmakers on the outside, some good backs, so it will be a good challenge for us. They do a lot of different things, they’ll definitely test us.”
SERIES HISTORY: Nebraska leads Purdue 4-2. The Cornhuskers have also won the previous two meetings dating back to 2016, including last year’s 25-24 nail-biter.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I think they’re anxious for the results to change. The majority of the team I think is frustrated and wants to go to work to change it. I’m not sure it’s 100 percent, I can’t look into the minds of each kid, but judging on how they came out in practice today, I saw a bunch of guys that are fighting back to make it different.” — Scott Frost on Nebraska’s mentality.