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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 9 • 30 turn total against Minnesota, Mostert also had 115 rush- ing yards. He was the first Purdue player since Bryant in 2009 to hit 100-plus in two categories, ac- cording to Purdue. REST HELPS? Several defen- sive starters took the week off from practice during the bye and were lim- ited on Tuesday and Wednesday. Will it help against a physical, impressive Nebraska running game? They hope so. Sophomore nose tackle Ra'Zahn Howard says he's deal- ing with a nagging back injury but has found he can have suc- cess if he pushes through. "Going into the Minnesota week, I was really beat up, my back and stuff, I wasn't sure if I was going to go out there. But I sucked it up for my team, and I ended up making a lot of plays against Minnesota," said Howard, who had a career-high four tack- les against the Gophers. Howard's presence is crucial on Purdue's front line, consider- ing there's little depth behind him. Ryan Watson has started there once this season and backs up both Howard and Jake Replo- gle on the interior. Purdue coaches haven't played another tackle in the last two games. Michael Rouse got an unofficial 12 snaps against Illinois on Oct. 4 but likely won't play an- other snap in the near future for Purdue, having fallen deep down the depth chart because of lack of effort. So that means more contin- ued pressure on Howard, who said he tried to keep his condi- tioning up during the bye by working on the exercise bike and running during practices. "Right now, I'm playing pret- ty good. I know I could do bet- ter," he said. "I'm doing a good job of stopping the run. I want to pass run a little better. But I'm playing pretty good right now. I feel like ever since we've started in the Big Ten, I've been pretty consistent. Just want to finish the season strong and just con- tinue to get better." FEELING GOOD Coach Darrell Hazell said he doesn't expect any players to miss Saturday's game with inju- ries. Along with Howard, Frankie Williams, Landon Feichter and Ryan Russell had light weeks during the bye, but all practiced at least in a limited fashion on Tuesday and Wednesday and are expected to play. Receiver Danny Anthrop missed Wednesday's practice because of an illness but also should make the trip. Purdue still has a handful of players hobbed on the sideline Tom Campbell Sophomore defensive tackle Ra'Zahn Howard is coming off one of the most productive games of his career with four tackles against Minnesota. He spent last week's bye resting a nagging back injury. PURDUEFED.COM/VISA PURDUE PRIDE THAT PAYS. *Subject to credit approval. No annual fee. Balance transfers and cash advances not eligible for rewards points. Federally insured by NCUA. Join thousands of Purdue fans who reach for their official Purdue Alumni Association Visa ® Credit Card and get rewarded for things you pay for anyway. Redeem rewards points for unlimited cash back, gift cards or a cash donation to the John Purdue Club. Apply today. *