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Martinez or Moore? BTN analysts debate which freshman has been most impressive

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Adrian Martinez and Rondale Moore have been the most impressive freshmen in the B1G this season. That’s not an opinion, it’s a statement of fact.

But which has been the most impressive this season? That’s a conversation worth having. And that’s the discussion a few BTN analysts debated.

Actually, it wasn’t much of a debate. Both Glen Mason and Brian Hamilton agreed that the Purdue receiver is having a better year than the Nebraska quarterback. That doesn’t diminish what Martinez has accomplished, but speaks to how special Moore has been.

“I just think that Rondale Moore is the most exciting offensive player in the entire Big Ten Conference,” Mason said.

Moore was spectacular in the Boilermakers’ upset win over Ohio State, hauling in 12 receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the game with 252 all-purpose yards.

Fittingly, Martinez had one of his best outings of the year last week as well. He threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns and added 125 yards and a score on the ground. Nebraska defeated Minnesota 53-28.

Still, it wasn’t enough to push him ahead of Moore.

“Rondale Moore is second in the nation in all-purpose yards,” Hamilton said. “He’s in the fringes of the Heisman Trophy conversation. Fringes, on a 4-3 team. It’s Rondale Moore for sure.”

Moore leads the B1G in receiving yardage with 728 yards on 57 catches. His seven touchdown receptions ranks second-best in the conference. He also leads the conference in all-purpose yards with 1,259.

Martinez and Moore were both named B1G co-Freshmen of the Week following Week 8 performances.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB