Husker head coach Bo Pelini said Thursday that freshman running back Rex Burkhead is expected to play Saturday night against Kansas State.  More in this news release from UNL Sports Information:

With the North Division title on the line in two days, the Nebraska football team completed a spirited two-hour practice Thursday afternoon at Memorial Stadium, wrapping up final preparations for Saturday’s game against the Kansas State Wildcats.

“I thought it was a good day, good practice. It was good tempo. I thought we had a good week of practice,” Head Coach Bo Pelini said. “We’ve still got a few details to iron out, but I liked the week. I like the focus.”

Things appear to be on the upswing for the Huskers on the injury front. Mike McNeill, who suffered a hit to the ribs in last week’s game against Kansas, is expected to play on Saturday, Pelini said. McNeill practiced Thursday and played well, according to Pelini.

In addition, freshman running back Rex Burkhead, who has been out since Oct. 13 with a broken bone in his foot, practiced well on Thursday and Pelini said it looks like he is going to play on Saturday, and won’t be limited to a certain number of carries.

“If he can play, he can play,” Pelini said. “Let it all hang out.”

The Huskers and Wildcats kick off at 6:45 p.m. Saturday, with television coverage provided by ESPN.

“We’re ready to go. Our kids are excited. They’re looking forward to it,” Pelini said. “They really have got a lot of respect for this football team (KSU) and the way they play. We know we’re going to have to play good football to win this football game.”