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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 9 • 1 Purdue (3-5, 1-3) will counter with a rising offense led by a developing young QB and solid run game and a defense that is struggling to stop anyone right now. But Coach Darrell Hazell called Wednesday's practice the "best practice in a long time" in terms of players' energy, competitiveness and focus. "That's what it's going to be like on Sat- urday, exchanging blows one after the oth- er," Hazell said. Bodies may be rejuvenated to take on the blows, but just as important, the Boiler- BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@GoldandBlack.com M uch has been made of Purdue's bye last week allowing the Boil- ermakers to rest their physically worn- down bodies. Purdue, after all, was the only team in the Big Ten that waited so long for its first week off, playing eight consecutive games before getting the break. And players said having a lighter week — the three practices were only about an hour apiece — helped get their legs back, allowed bruises and aches to fade and generally spurred a more-refreshed feeling this week. They'll desperately need those crisper, refreshed bodies to compete Saturday. No. 17 Nebraska (7-1 overall, 3-1 in the Big Ten) has one of the nation's best offenses led by Heisman candi - date Ameer Abduallah and a defense that's hard-nosed, plays downhill and has a disruptive front four. Tom Campbell Senior tight end Justin Sinz is confident that the Boilermakers can make a late season run after getting a chance to reload after the bye week. 3 Purdue's consecutive streak of 30- plus points games. If Purdue gets at least 30 vs. Nebraska, it would be four straight in league play, the best streak since 1980. 9-11-1 The Boilermakers' record after a bye week, dating back to 1980. 438 Wins by Nebraska since 1970, 26 more than any school in the FBS. 1995 The last season Nebras- ka had a better offensive output through eight games than it is enjoying in 2014. THE NUMBERS VOLUME 25, EX 9 • OCT. 30, 2014 Inside | Minnesota preview 9-13 Offense surges 17-19 | Football notes 29-34 Men's, women's hoops notebooks 37-39 Refreshed, Refocused; Ready?