LINCOLN — Too much is being made of Nebraska's search for a suitable backup behind junior I-back Roy Helu, NU's head coach has said.

Bo Pelini isn't concerned about how the Huskers will replace Rex Burkhead, who is out indefinitely with a broken right foot. Pelini said there are capable candidates.

“(It's) not as big an issue as you guys are making it out to be,'' Pelini told reporters after practice Thursday.

Redshirt freshmen Lester Ward and Collins Okafor, sophomores Austin Jones and Marcus Mendoza, and true freshman Dontrayevous Robinson are all in the mix to share carries with Helu.

None of those players emerged significantly during the week of practice, but several of them will have a chance to contribute against Texas Tech on Saturday, Pelini said.

“You'll see a committee of guys,'' Pelini said. “We got a lot of guys reps this week. We feel good about that group.''

Defense's toughness earns praise

Nebraska's defense hasn't allowed points on possessions directly following an NU turnover, a credit to the players' mental toughness more than anything else, defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said.

The Husker offense has turned the ball over five times, but opponents haven't been able to use the momentum and capitalize with a score.

Last week, Missouri recovered two NU fumbles and began two drives inside the Nebraska 35-yard line. The Tigers failed to score both times. The Husker defense didn't even allow a first down.

“That's just good character by our guys. That's a mind-set,'' Pelini said. “That's a tribute to our guys. You can talk about it, but they still have to go out and do it. It's on them.''

Defensive linemen may get more breaks

Nebraska's defensive line starters showed little signs of wear and tear late in last week's game against Missouri, but that doesn't necessarily mean they couldn't use more rest.

Carl Pelini said he'd like to substitute more often up front so his first-team linemen can get some breaks once in a while.

“I don't make those decisions going in, but I do know probably the best thing for our guys is that I establish more of a rotation as we go,'' Pelini said.

The four starters — tackles Ndamukong Suh and Jared Crick and ends Barry Turner and Pierre Allen — played every second-half snap until Nebraska sealed the win with Helu's late touchdown run.

They played well, Pelini said, so much so that he didn't want to disrupt their rhythm by inserting defensive end Cameron Meredith or tackle Baker Steinkuhler.

“When it's working, I hate to upset the chemistry of what's going on,'' Pelini said. “I tend to go with the hot hand.''

Helu ranks No. 13 nationally in rushing

Helu, the Big 12's leading rusher at 110.4 yards per game, ranks 13th in the nation.

The junior has rushed for 552 yards on 91 carries and has scored six touchdowns. He has been held under 83 rushing yards only once this season, when Arkansas State limited him to 60 yards on 14 carries.

The Huskers' Alex Henery also is among national leaders. He's 19th in field goals per game at 1.60 and 24th in scoring at 9.20 points per game. He's 8 for 9 in field-goal attempt this season and has converted on all 22 of his extra-point kicks.

Suh is tied for sixth nationally with Texas safety Earl Thomas with 1.60 passes broken up per game. The nation's leader is Oklahoma State cornerback Perrish Cox at 2.25 per game.

NU ranks No. 2 in scoring defense

Nebraska has the No. 2 scoring defense in the nation behind defending national champion Florida.

The Huskers are giving up eight points a game and trail the Gators, who are surrendering 6.4 points a game (two touchdowns and six field goals). Nebraska has given up 40 points on four touchdowns, four field goals, two extra points and a safety.

Nebraska is also No. 13 in total yards allowed (273.4), No. 14 in passing yards allowed (162.6) and No. 33 in rushing yards allowed (110.8). In turnover margin, NU is No. 15 nationally at +1.00.

Offensively, Nebraska is No. 15 in scoring at 36.8 points a game, No. 29 in passing efficiency at 144.26, No. 40 in total yards at 404.6, No. 43 in rushing yards at 168 and No. 44 in passing yards at 236.6.

— Jon Nyatawa

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