LINCOLN — Rex Burkhead is apparently back.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said Thursday that the freshman I-back looks set to play Saturday night against Kansas State.

Burkhead has missed five games since he suffered a broken bone in his right foot in practice Oct. 12. He returned to practice this week.

“Rex is doing really good,” Pelini said.

Would NU limit him as a precaution?

“(If) he can play, he can play,” Pelini said. “We'll let it all hang out.”

Burkhead won the job as Roy Helu's top backup in preseason camp and has rushed for 118 yards on 23 carries. Burkhead has caught eight passes for 66 yards and returned four punts for 73 yards.

Pelini said tight end Mike McNeill and defensive end Pierre Allen also would play.

Suh a finalist

Pelini said he supports Nebraska's effort to promote defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for several national honors with the unveiling of a Web site, www.suh93.com.

“I think that's part of the deal,” Pelini said. “I know there's no Bo Pelini site, so that's a good thing.”

Suh was named Thursday among five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented Dec. 7 to the nation's top defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America. Other finalists include Tennessee safety Eric Berry, Alabama tackle Terrence Cody, TCU end Jerry Hughes and linebacker Pat Angerer of Iowa.

Suh is also a finalist for the Lombardi Award and a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Lott Trophy.

“I think he's earned it,” Pelini said. “To me, he's in position to win a lot of honors and be recognized the way he should be. But you know how that goes. There's a lot of politics involved.”

Respect for Banks

If Nebraska has any problem with Kansas State kick returner Brandon Banks, it won't be because Banks sneaked up on the Huskers.

The 5-foot-7, 150-pounder had a 98-yard kickoff return last year against Nebraska. This season, the senior has returned four kicks for touchdowns.

“Hopefully the wind is blowing about 60 miles an hour behind us and Adi (Kunalic) can kick it into about the eighth row,'' Pelini said. “We obviously have a lot of respect for Banks and what he's able to do, and we'll have some things prepared depending on what the weather conditions are and that type of thing.''

Not only does Banks lead the Big 12 in kick returns (29.9-yard average), he also averages 8.5 yards on punt returns and leads the Wildcats with 51 receptions. Banks tied Darren Sproles' school record with 351 all-purpose yards against Oklahoma (195 yards in kickoff returns, 156 receiving).

Toy collection

The annual U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Drive will be part of Saturday night's game.

Fans coming to Memorial Stadium are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys. Cash donations for the cause also will be taken at the gates.

— Rich Kaipust and Mitch Sherman

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