Iowa State football: Tom Farniok doubtful against Iowa Hawkeyes

Nov 18, 2011; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Tom Farniok (74) points during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State Cyclones defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

The Iowa State Cyclones are expected to be without junior center Tom Faninok for the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday, September 14th.

Farniok suffered an MCL sprain in the season opener against the Northern Iowa Panthers last Saturday. While he could be back for the game against Tulsa, he’s more likely to return when Big 12 play opens up with Texas in early October.

"Cyclones coach Paul Rhoads said starting center Tom Farniok will likely miss the game, referring to his status as “doubtful” during the Big 12 teleconference Monday. Farniok suffered an MCL sprain in the Cyclones’ 28-20 loss to Northern Iowa this past Saturday.Farniok could return as early as Sep. 26 against Tulsa, Rhoads said. But the Cyclones want to make sure he’s healthy to play when Iowa State hosts Texas on Oct. 3 in an ESPN Thursday Night Football matchup."

Farniok is a 6-foot-4, 287-pound center that was sorely missed when he left the field. Richardson saw a little more pressure come at him, and the quarterback suffered five total sacks in the loss.

The offensive lineman had an All-Big 12 honorable mention last season by the Associated Press and won the Dury Moss Award (most outstanding newcomer) given by the Cyclones.