Nebraska football is off and running in 2019.

Sophomore quarterback Adrian Martinez is expected to take a step forward this fall, and he’s off to a fast start. On Nebraska’s first drive against South Alabama on Saturday, Martinez found tight end Jack Stoll for a 42-yard reception.

On the play, Martinez elected to keep the ball in the pass-option and found Stoll wide open down the seam.

South Alabama tackled Stoll a few years shy of the goal line, but the big play setup first-and-goal. Two plays later, running back Dedrick Mills scored from the 1-yard line.

Starting as a freshman last year, Martinez posted 2,617 passing yards and 17 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

Even though Nebraska is expected to roll against South Alabama, a victory to open this season would be huge for Martinez and the Cornhuskers. Nebraska began last year with a loss against Colorado and started the season 0-6 before winning four of its final six contests.