The long-anticipated debut of redshirt freshman Doug Martin happened on Wednesday night, and suffice to say, we pictured it differently.

For those of you who don't know about Martin, he was named scout team player of the year last season, and several of the Broncos claimed that Martin was the toughest running back they faced all year. He joined Boise State's running back rotation in the spring and fall, but he suffered an injury that kept him out of the Broncos' first three games. Every coach on the Bronco staff has raved about him, and he is expected to join the long line of great Bronco running backs.

Oh, and he has a pretty good stiff arm.

So with Martin's untapped potential and the legend he had already built after just one year on the team, we expected great things from him the moment he touched the ball. Perhaps our expectations were a bit high.

Here is how Martin's night went:

• Three-yard carry.


• Three-yard carry.


• No gain.


• Three-yard carry.

Here is how we pictured things going:

• 80-yard touchdown.


• 80-yard touchdown.


• No gain.


• 80-yard touchdown.

But you know what's strange? We weren't disappointed in Martin's performance one bit. He ran hard and determined every time he touched the ball. He broke a tackle or two. He almost scored a touchdown. We saw nothing from him on Wednesday that has made us expect anything less than greatness from him over the rest of his Bronco career.

He'll get his 80-yard touchdown next week. Of this, we are sure.

Let's talk: Feeling any less excited about the Doug Martin era? Not really sure who Doug Martin was? Let's take the discussion to the comments.