Iowa State vs. Kansas football: Five Cyclones to watch

A number of Iowa State players are dealing with injuries, and here’s what to look for in five of them as the team tries to rebound after a disappointing setback against Oklahoma and get their first Big 12 victory against Kansas in Lawrence.

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Take a look at the injury report and latest depth chart for the Cyclones here.

CB Nigel Tribune

Tribune is recovering from a groin injury he suffered later in practice last week and didn’t play against Oklahoma. It showed as the Sooners reeled in over 750 yards of total offense with a slew of Iowa State defenders going down for the count. With Kansas seeing some life in the passing game, it’s pivotal for the Cyclones’ secondary to shut it down.

RB Aaron Wimberly

If Iowa State wants an easier time with Kansas, they have to get something going on the ground. The Jayhawks are giving up just about 200 yards a game to opponents’ rushing attacks. Wimberly is the leading running back on the team and has been more reliable than DeVondrick Nealy. He must get another 100-plus yard game.

WR Dondre Daley

Sep 27, 2014; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Dondre Daley (13) catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Baylor Bears cornerback Xavien Howard (4) at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

There’s been a lot about Iowa State’s big three receivers, and that’s not just talking about their sizes — it’s been about their performances. But what happened to Daley, who’s always due for at least a couple catches in each game? Since setting game highs of six catches and 65 receiving yards against Toledo, the receiver has made just one 15-yard catch against Texas. If Iowa State can’t get a running game going, Daley needs to be there to add depth to the receiving corps.

QB Sam B. Richardson

Will Richardson show any slowdowns after suffering a shoulder injury from last week? Paul Rhoads says there’s no problem, but when you put in any kind of “shoulder injury” in a quarterback, it’s extremely scary. Especially if it’s a part of his throwing shoulder. Regardless, even if Richardson is healthy enough, he needs to look a lot better than he did against Oklahoma or the Cyclones just really have to look toward the future and find a more consistent passer under center.

LB Luke Knott

With Jevohn Miller gone for the time being, it will be up to Jake’s younger brother to lead the linebacker corps. The defensive is under scrutiny after giving up so many yards and points in the last five games, and it’s time for the unit to step up together and shut down an opposing offense that they’re fully capable of stopping.

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