OLSON: Martinez, Paul, Watson silence critics with win over Cowboys

STILLWATER, Okla. — Taylor Martinez can't throw. Niles Paul can't catch. Shawn Watson can't call plays.

You might've thought it over the past week. Probably said it to some friends or classmates or coworkers.

You may have even posted it on a message board or, if you're really ballsy, furiously typed it in a message to Paul's Facebook account.

The Cornhusker quarterback, receiver and offensive coordinator form a talented trio that has become a weekly lightning rod for discussion across the state this fall.

But against Oklahoma State, if only for one game, Martinez, Paul and Watson quieted their doubters.

Martinez, NU's still-maturing redshirt freshman phenomenon, earned a stinging but not entirely unfair label from national pundits following that Texas loss: ‘One-dimensional.'

Yet in NU's 51-41 win in Stillwater, Martinez was everything he wasn't against the Longhorns: a patient passer who fired off bullets and bombs with ease; a good decision-maker in the zone read; a potent dual-threat talent on play-action passes; and a poised leader on third downs.

"Taylor knows what he can do," Paul said. "Taylor knows he can make plays with his arm as well as his legs. Saying something like that about Taylor isn't going to hurt his feelings."

Say what you want about Paul — and good or bad, fans tend to have a lot to say when his name comes up — but he's heard you loud and clear lately.

He made amends for last week's errors by hauling in a career-best nine passes for 131 yards. And that 100-yard kick return touchdown didn't hurt either.

Paul wasn't gaffe-free, but he's never looked as dangerous and reliable as he did against the Cowboys' soft secondary.

"I wasn't trying to send a message," he said. "I was out there trying to be a playmaker for my team."

Like Paul, Watson's critics were back with a vengeance after the Texas loss. They blamed him because a talented defense that had two weeks to prepare figured out a way to stop the bread-and-butter zone read play.

It's funny how three dropped scores can affect the perceived competence of a coordinator.

Watson admits that for all the reasons he loves his job, one thing he's really starting to dislike is the fact Husker fans tend to either unconditionally love or passionately hate his offense on a week-to-week basis.

"I tell you what, it's unfortunate that people do that. It really is," he said. "You've got a redshirt quarterback, and he's growing. You've got talented playmakers. And everyone starts getting down on you.

"There are a lot of things going on, man. It's just not one thing. … If you're going to be a fan, be a fan. Hang with us. We need you."

But that's just how things are these days in college football. Instant analysis reigns supreme, and avid fans love to keep their jump-to-conclusions mats handy.

This week, there's a good chance Missouri's 36-27 win over BCS No. 1 Oklahoma will inspire some to expect Martinez, Paul and Watson will be humbled again.

That skepticism doesn't bother NU's oft-scrutinized offensive trio. They've shushed their doubters before. They'll be ready to do it again.

Max Olson is a junior news-editorial major. Reach him at maxolson@

dailynebraskan.com