 "Photo: J.D. Swiger")
Iowa State Head Coach Paul Rhoads anticipates having his star players back on the field for the Cyclones' game at Texas A&M on Saturday.
Quarterback Austen Arnaud and running back Alexander Robinson did not play in Iowa State's 9-7 upset of Nebraska in Lincoln this past week because of injuries but are expected to play against the Aggies.
A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman is not too focused on the return of Arnaud, who passed for more than 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns in the Cyclones' first seven games.
Arnaud's backup Jerome Tiller led Iowa State to the win at Nebraska with 102 passing yards and a touchdown.
"They run their scheme regardless of who is playing quarterback," Sherman said. "They run what they run, like most college teams do. We are anticipating [Arnaud] to be back, but we also realize we can face either one of them."
Robinson on the other hand has Sherman's attention.
The Cyclones lead the Big 12 in rushing thanks in large part to the 5-foot-9-inch, 187-pound Robinson. The conference leader in rushing has 737 yards, eclipsing his 2008 total of 703 yards with four games still on the schedule.
"They do a great job," Sherman said. "They have a very good offensive line. They are big, powerful kids that come off the ball and hold on to the ball very well."
Defensive Coordinator Joe Kines, who directed the A&M defense in a 52-30 upset at Texas Tech last week, is tasked with slowing down a different style of offense Saturday.
The Cyclones' rushing attack is a far cry from the pass-oriented offense of Texas Tech.
"Their quarterback-running back combination has been good all year," Kines said. "They stick within themselves really well. They run their system, which is why they're doing well this year. We have a huge task at hand to get everything grouped up and solid up on the run."
The Iowa State defense that contained Nebraska's offense with seven points also has Sherman's eye.
The Cyclones have given up less than 20 points to their opponents in all five of their victories, but in the losses they have surrendered, on average, more than 30 points.
"They forced some turnovers," Sherman said about Iowa State's game at Nebraska. "It wasn't like they were gifts all the time. They forced some turnovers and played a whale of a ballgame. I was very impressed with how they played that ballgame. Our kids are very aware of that, and our focus is solely on Iowa State."
One of A&M's biggest worries is a hangover from the celebration after the Texas Tech win. The Aggies were able to turn around after a 62-14 loss at Kansas State two weeks ago and upset the Red Raiders.
Sophomore safety Trent Hunter said the Tech win, which ended a three-game losing streak, helped even out the loss at Kansas State. He said another win this week would get the team's spirits up.
"You can't just ride that win for another whole week or you'll lose the next game," Hunter said. "Especially with a team like Iowa State coming in who's playing very consistently right now."
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