LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - An underwhelming win against South Dakota State, a fourth-quarter meltdown against Rice and a closer-than-expected loss to No. 17 TCU have left Kansas looking for a spark.

James Sims could provide it.

The Jayhawks' top returning rusher is back from a three-game suspension for violating team rules - he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in April - and will join a mostly successful backfield of Tony Pierson and Taylor Cox when Kansas (1-2) visits Northern Illinois (2-1) on Saturday.

Sims has led the program in rushing the past two seasons, and started all 12 games under Turner Gill last year, rushing for 727 yards and nine touchdowns. However, the past several weeks, he's been restricted to a seat in the stands for games and the scout team at practice.