Adrian Martinez reflects on close goal-line call, missed FG attempt during disappointing loss to Minnesota

Nebraska had a great chance to take a lead in the 3rd quarter against Minnesota Saturday afternoon.

But the Cornhuskers were stuffed at the goal line twice, including a QB sneak by Adrian Martinez. It was close, but the officials ruled him short. He thought he had it, though.

Adrian Martinez believed he scored on third down play before the 4th-and-1 slip.

"When my feet were across the line, I figured I was in there but can't control that." #huskers

— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) October 16, 2021

However, the biggest play of the day came at the start of the 4th quarter on 4th and 4 on the Minnesota 9-yard line. The Cornhuskers were trailing 21-16, and Frost decided to bring out the field goal unit. Martinez headed to the sideline, where he watched Connor Culp miss the 21-yard attempt.

Martinez was asked about the decision after the game and had an interesting answer.

Martinez on the 4th down inside Minnesota 10:

"It's not my choice, right? Obviously the players always feel like they can make plays, and that's no matter the circumstance. Either way, we had confidence in Culp to make the kick, confidence in ourselves to get that 4th down."

— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) October 16, 2021

The Cornhuskers turned it over on downs on their next drive, then Martinez threw it out of bounds from the end zone — which was intentional grounding and, therefore, a safety. Minnesota ended up winning 30-23, handing Nebraska yet another one-possession loss — its fifth such loss this season. Fans were left wondering what could’ve been if Frost went for it instead of kicked on that pivotal 4th down.