More: Without key starters, defense eager for challenge | Looking for pieces to improve run game | Coordinator's Corner: Tony Levine | Opponent View: Minnesota ($)

Analysis ($): Vs.: Which loss is bigger, Bentley or Thieneman?

Nick Holt's defense was able to rest some key pieces over the bye week, but it's not injuries that will prevent two starters from being on the field in the first half Saturday against Minnesota.

Ja'Whaun Bentley and Jacob Thieneman were ejected for targeting in Purdue's last game, meaning Holt will have some adjusting to do early against the Gophers. He expects the backups to step in without a letdown, but they'll also be tested against Minnesota's run-heavy approach.