LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska's Eric Martin has become one of the most disruptive defensive players in the Big Ten.

With defensive lineman Baker Steinkuhler out because of injury, the No. 14 Cornhuskers will be counting on Martin even more in Saturday night's Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis.

Martin has gone from backup the first two games of the season to an All-Big Ten first-team pick by the media. He's racked up 8 1/2 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.

Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said Martin is "a guy that we need to take care of."

AP-WF-11-28-12 1855GMT