MINNEAPOLIS -- The University of Minnesota football team earned its first Big Ten win last weekend by topping Northwestern on the road. The victory improved the Gophers' record to 5-2 overall, just one win shy of a bowl game berth. That sixth win could be tough to come by this Saturday when Minnesota hosts 5-1 Nebraska. Regardless, the Gophers have plenty of confidence after last weekend's road win. Here are five things to watch for as the Cornhuskers travel to TCF Bank Stadium this weekend. 1. Will Taylor Martinez take the field for Nebraska?Martinez, the Huskers' senior quarterback, has missed Nebraska's last three games due to a turf toe injury -- an injury that often times can be worse than it sounds. While the Huskers have gone 3-0 with two different quarterbacks in Martinez's absence, there's no doubt Nebraska is better with its senior under center. All signs point to Martinez returning to action Saturday against the Gophers, although the latest reports are that he will be a game-time decision. If Martinez does play, he'll give Minnesota's defense a handful as he's a threat not only in the passing game but also with his legs. He torched the Gophers' defense for 308 yards and two touchdowns in last year's Huskers victory in Lincoln. Minnesota is preparing as if Martinez is playing, but the Gophers don't feel that Nebraska's offense changes much with either backup in. Still, Minnesota would rather not see Martinez on Saturday, but it looks like that will probably be the case. 2. Can David Cobb make the most of his opportunity as a starter?Cobb began the season as Minnesota's third-string running back behind Donnell Kirkwood and Rodrick Williams. Due to a hobbled Kirkwood and off-the-field issues for Williams, Cobb got the start last weekend against Northwestern and surpassed the 100-yard mark to help the Gophers beat the Wildcats on the road. After his strong performance, Cobb gets another chance to start. He was listed as Minnesota's starting tailback in Thursday's depth chart, ahead of both Kirkwood and Williams (who is listed as questionable with a foot injury). Nebraska's rushing defense has been below-average this season as the Huskers have surrendered 157.5 yards per game on the ground. Meanwhile, Minnesota's rushing offense has been one of the better ground games in the Big Ten, gaining 210.1 yards per game. It's likely that the carries will at least be shared between Cobb and Kirkwood (and Williams, if he plays), but this is another opportunity for Cobb -- who had just one carry as a sophomore last season -- to make a name for himself. 3. How much can Minnesota carry last week's win into Saturday?There's little doubt that last weekend's win at Northwestern was the biggest of Minnesota's five victories so far this year. It was not only the Gophers' first Big Ten win after starting 0-2 in conference play, but it was also an upset as Minnesota beat the previously-ranked Wildcats on the road. Much of the credit should be given to the Gophers' defense, as they scored a touchdown on an interception return and held Northwestern to 98 yards rushing. We've now learned that the Wildcats probably aren't as good as they appeared in non-conference play as Minnesota was the third straight Big Ten team to beat Northwestern. The old cliche is that teams take things one game at a time, meaning last week is not on Minnesota's mind this weekend. At the same time, winning breeds confidence, and the Gophers finally have a reason to feel confident again after two rough conference losses. 4. Slowing down Ameer Abdullah -- can it be done?Minnesota has yet to face a running back like Abdullah, who is currently second in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (136.0) and leads the conference in all-purpose yards per game (158.8). In Nebraska's six games this year, Abdullah has surpassed 100 yards in five of them. The lone outlier was a 98-yard effort in the Huskers' loss to UCLA (he also caught three passes for 50 yards in that game). Abdullah rushed for a season-high 225 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Illinois and has found the end zone in each of his last three games. Seemingly no team has been able to slow down the speedy Abdullah, who gained 79 yards on 18 carries last year against Minnesota. The Gophers give up 123.4 rushing yards per game, but they've yet to face a running back of Abdullah's caliber this season. If Minnesota can successfully slow down Abdullah on Saturday, it would make Nebraska's offense one-dimensional and give the Gophers a chance to keep pace with the Huskers. 5. Will Jerry Kill's presence be felt Saturday?Kill, the Gophers' third-year head coach, is currently taking time to focus on treatment for his epilepsy, leaving the head coaching duties up to defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys. But Kill surprised everyone by showing up in Evanston last weekend and addressing the team at halftime, helping inspire the Gophers to a strong second half. Kill has also been around the team's football facility this week, including a stop at practice. Minnesota is expecting Kill to be at Saturday's game against Nebraska, although he'll likely be watching from the press box. Still, it's possible he'll again address the team at halftime. As Kill continues to tackle his epilepsy, his players have drawn inspiration from it. Such was the case in last weekend's win, and Minnesota hopes to win for Kill again this Saturday.
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