LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Foolish as it might seem, Nebraska plans to cut down on Rex Burkhead's carries.

Seems as if it is going with the less-is-more theory for the senior, who is positioned to finish his career as the Cornhuskers' No. 2 all-time rusher.

The belief is that Burkhead can be just as productive, maybe more, if he is fresher. A year ago a lack of proven depth required Burkhead to run 26 times or more in four games, including 38 against Iowa. By November, he had nagging injuries that limited his explosiveness.

This year, the No. 17 Cornhuskers have potential playmakers in backups Ameer Abdullah, Braylon Heard and freshman Imani Cross.

Burkhead will join the school's top-10 rushing list with 90 yards in Saturday's opener against Southern Mississippi.

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