GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Iowa State has relied on David Montgomery to carry the load at running back, but it will be more of a group effort against Oklahoma State. Montgomery is day-to-day with an upper arm injury, but odds are good that he plays in key spots if nothing else. Backups Johnnie Lang, Sheldon Croney and Kene Nwangwu could get more chances than usual to make an impression, and it’s critical that they do well to keep the offense from too many second-and-longs and third-and-longs. With quarterback Zeb Noland coming off a tough game against TCU, the Cyclones need to give him all the advantages possible by keeping the Oklahoma State defense honest.
DRAFT SLANT
–RB David Montgomery passed the 2,000 rushing yards mark for his career last week and continues to excel despite the fact that he’s playing while hurt. The dilemma for the coaching staff is that he’s too valuable to sit and heal, as the team needs every win it can get to make the postseason, but the upper arm injury isn’t getting any better. Even with a limited workload, his skill as both a runner and pass catcher makes Montgomery a player to watch for NFL scouts.
ROSTER REPORT:
–RB David Montgomery is day-to-day with an upper arm injury. He should be able to play this weekend since he’s been banged up since the season opener.
–TE Chase Allen is still day-to-day with a groin injury. He’s been on the sidelines the past two games but hopes to play this weekend.
–QB Kyle Kempt is back at practice, sans knee brace. However, he’s still not ready for game action. Coach Matt Campbell said that next week’s game against West Virginia would be the earliest he could return.
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