Sports

Nebraska goes into 2nd bye week in a month hoping Martinez heals up for key November stretch

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Nebraska's Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) crosses into the end zone to score against Purdue during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler) (The Associated Press)

Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini watches a replay on the stadium's screen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, in West Lafayette, Ind. Nebraska won 44-7. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler) (The Associated Press)

Nebraska is entering its second bye week in a month, and no one in the Cornhuskers' camp is complaining about the extra time off.

The Huskers did what they were supposed to do Saturday against the Big Ten's weakest team, winning 44-7 at Purdue. If nothing else, the game showed they really could use injured quarterback Taylor Martinez healthy for the challenging November stretch that will determine whether the Huskers return to the Big Ten championship game.

Nebraska (5-1, 2-0) is tied with Michigan State for first in the Legends Division after Michigan's loss at Penn State.

Tommy Armstrong Jr., making his first road start after two at home, threw three interceptions and completed only 6 of 18 passes against Purdue.