Cyclones could be at full strength for Okie State

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AMES (MCT) — Austen Arnaud wore an unsightly, inch-long scar on his throwing hand. Reggie Stephens recalled the fairly gory details of his recent appendectomy.

Yet, both Cyclone stars also wore smiles Monday, providing a strong indication they’ll return to the playing field this week.

According to Iowa State, a return to full strength could return the Cyclones to the win column this Saturday.

“I definitely think it’ll be a boost to production,” receiver Darius Darks said of Iowa State’s improved overall health. “I think it’ll be a different feel out at practice this week. It’ll give the entire team more confidence.”

The Cyclones (5-4) scored a combined 19 points the last two games with Arnaud, Stephens and star tailback Alexander Robinson often on the sideline.

Arnaud failed to start either game due to a swollen right hand, Stephens sat out last Saturday’s 35-10 loss at Texas A&M, and Robinson missed a contest at Nebraska on Oct. 24.

This week, all three are listed as starters on the depth chart leading up to a home showdown with No. 18 Oklahoma State (6-2).

First-year Cyclone head coach Paul Rhoads spent much of Monday’s press conference singing the praises of his three brightest offensive stars.

“A-Rob’s a difference-maker,” Rhoads said of Robinson, who rushed for 76 yards against Texas A&M despite compromised conditioning in the wake of a groin injury.

The coach also called Stephens tough. And, he called Arnaud his offense’s unquestioned leader.

Arnaud, said Rhoads “was close to full strength (at Texas A&M) but the velocity still wasn’t there (on passes). But the velocity will be there by this Saturday, based on the improvement he’s made in the last two weeks. You’ve gotta be able to throw the ball in this league with good ball-speed; you’re not gonna sneak balls past people.”

Redshirt freshman backup Jerome Tiller passed for 257 total yards and went 27-for-46 the last two weeks, all the while displaying athleticism on rollouts and bootlegs.

Yet, the Cyclone contingent said Arnaud’s composure is an invaluable asset.

“Austen is the starter for a reason,” Rhoads said. “He’s got a better grasp of everything. Having that back, and the command that goes with that, will be important.”

Said Darks, “Austen, he’s older, so definitely I think he probably has a better feel for the offense at this point.

“He’s one of our leaders, and the games have shown that we’ve played better when Austen’s playing quarterback.”

One of Iowa State’s main highlights at College Station, Texas, was running back Bo Williams.

On his first carry as a Cyclone, the University of Florida transfer ripped off a 44-yard run, appeasing an Iowa State fan base that had long clamored for his on-field arrival.

On Monday, Williams moved to No. 2 on the depth chart.

“There’s still things he’s got to improve on,” Rhoads said of Williams, a 6-foot, 220-pound sophomore. “He’s always been capable of providing the explosive plays.”

What the Cyclones need now is consistency from every possible outlet. Upperclassmen like Arnaud plan to show the way.

“It’s key for us (captains) to lead vocally,” Arnaud said. “And I’m kinda hoarse, after yelling on Saturday.”

• Extra points: Iowa State doesn’t have a bye week this season. Rhoads likes the continuity that allows, yet he admitted Monday that recruiting is also adversely affected. “You get 42 evaluation days to get out in the fall, and we have to use those during the course of a preparation week — that becomes taxing on coaches,” he said ... True freshman Josh Lenz is now a No. 1 receiver after hauling in seven catches at Texas A&M. “We need weapons,” Rhoads said. “We thought he could be a vertical factor, and he’s proven that.” ... Iowa State’s home game Nov. 14 against Colorado will kick off at 1 p.m. and will not be televised.

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