Sept. 26, 2000

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch missed his second straight practice Tuesday, but was expected to return in time for Saturday's Big 12 opener against Missouri.

Crouch said he was banged up in the No. 1 Cornhuskers' 42-13 win over Iowa on Saturday, when he threw five touchdown passes and ran for 93 yards on 12 carries. He did not dress for practice Tuesday, but didn't appear to have any trouble moving.

"I'm not hurt. It's just the fact that the game was a physical game and that I came out of there with a few bumps and bruises pretty much all over," Crouch said. "I feel pretty good right now, so it's not a case where it's anything serious."

Coach Frank Solich said Crouch was expected to return Wednesday.

"It's a little bit of a concern right now. But I think definitely we'd like to get him back out there tomorrow if he's healthy enough to do it," Solich said.

A lot is riding on Crouch's health for the 3-0 Huskers. The co-offensive player of the year in the Big 12 last season leads Nebraska with six rushing touchdowns and six more passing.