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Backup nose guard Ra'Zahn Howard is questionable for Penn State after missing two practices this week while battling a stomach virus. Coach Darrell Hazell says Howard's had trouble keeping down food, but was hopeful the freshman could return to practice on Thursday and be ready make the trip to Happy Valley on Friday. "He's a good player inside for us and we need him," Hazell said Wednesday. If Howard can't play, Michael Rouse III will be the No. 2 nose guard. Ryan Isaac is expected to start, even though he also didn't practiced much Tuesday or Wednesday. Purdue is banged up across its defensive front. Howard and Isaac were out of practice, as were Bruce Gaston, Ryan Watson and Jalani Phillips. Hazell said Gaston will play Saturday. Watson, who has a leg injury, is doubtful, and Phillips (shoulder) is likely out. Two Get Academic Awards Tom Campbell Ra'Zahn Howard is questionable this week due to a recent stomach virius. He is one of several questions on the defensive line. ber and potentially a new role. The redshirt freshman backup right tackle could get some snaps at tight end, depending on the health of starter Justin Sinz. The junior has been limited, although practicing, after suffering bruised ribs against Iowa on Saturday. "We're going to use him in some packages, limitedly," Hazell said of Prince. Prince In? Prince, who has appeared J.J. Prince has a new num- Sophomores Robert Kugler and Shane Mikesky have been voted Academic All-District V, making them eligible for Academic All-America honors. Kugler, who has made 15 consecutive starts dating back to last season, is a political science major, with a 3.83 cumulative GPA in his third year at Purdue. Mikesky, who has made six starts at receiver this season, is a movement and sports sciences major, with a 3.80 cumulative GPA. — Gold and Black Staff Cody Webster is one of 10 semifinalists for the 2013 Ray Guy Award, narrowing a field of 85 candidates for the honor, which recognizes the most outstanding punter in college football. Webster is currently ninth nationally and first in the Big Ten in punting average (44.6), and the Boilermaker punt unit is second in the FBS in net punting (42.5). The candidates were evaluated on their overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis was placed on the punter's net average, percentage of total punts in- GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS Injuries Deplete D-Line Webster A Semifinal For Punter Award CERAMIC • ENGINEERED HARDWOOD LAMINATES • MARBLE CARPETING Specializing in • Homes • Churches • Businesses • Schools Where Contractors Buy Their Flooring Builders! Call our Contract Department and ask for our Contract Specialist 3437 State Road 26 E. 765-447-9393 800-403-6889 FAX 765-448-9978 Across from the Post Office GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS in only a couple games this season, was wearing No. 94 at practice this week, a number that would make him eligible to catch passes on Saturday. But the redshirt freshman's main role, if he plays more significantly vs. Penn State, could be as a blocker. "If Sinz is not available, we'll use him in some situations where he could line up as a tight end and help in the run game as well as the pass game," Hazell said. GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS GO BOILERMAKERS news and notes GoldanDBlack express • volume 24, express 10 • 27