Nebraska played the second half without coach Bo Pelini, who went to the hospital via ambulance at halftime after complaining of flu-like symptoms.

With senior Rex Burkhead missing his second straight game with a knee injury, Abdullah continued to shine. The sophomore recorded his second straight 100-yard game, including a career-best 45-yard run, and scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards.

In a brief on-camera interview at the end of the first half, Pelini said he didn't feel well. The coach did not return to the sideline with the Huskers after halftime, and defensive coordinator John Papuchis served as the acting head coach.

Papuchis' defense, which was torched for 653 total yards in last week's loss to UCLA, rebounded for a strong effort, holding coach Gus Malzahn's potent Arkansas State offense to 286 total yards. The Red Wolves' lone touchdown came from the defense as Shervarius Jackson sacked Martinez and forced a fumble that Qushaun Lee recovered in the end zone.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Martinez became the 25th player in NCAA history with 4,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards in his career, joining fellow Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch on the list. … Nebraska improved to 11-0 all-time against the Sun Belt Conference and has scored at least 30 points in all 11 games. … Martinez has passed for seven touchdowns and rushed for two through three games.