ISU’s Parker missing the action

Rashawn Parker knew next to nothing about Iowa State when the Cyclones' coaches recruited him in Ponca City, Okla.

Now he likes the place so much he doesn't want to leave.

A senior defensive end, Parker is rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that ended his 2009 season. The injury happened early enough, Sept. 26 against Army, that Parker can appeal for another season. He'd take it if granted.

“Absolutely,” Parker said. “I feel like I still have a lot to prove out there. I love it here. I want to come back for another year and see what can happen.”

Parker had started since he was a freshman and gave the defensive line a steady, experienced hand who knew his way around the Big 12. Now all he can do is watch and cheer.

“It's hard, man, just sitting around seeing the guys get ready for the games and practice,” he said. “The fan support has been great for me. But it's hard when you love something so much and it's taken away from you.”

Parker had surgery Oct. 20.

“Rehab is tough,” he said. “Every day I've got to push myself to try to get the flexibility back and get the overall strength back. It's a slow process, but at the same time, every day I'm making progress.”

Another injured player, junior wide receiver Darius Reynolds, also should be able to get an extra year. Reynolds, who had been the Cyclones' second-leading receiver, broke his right ankle in practice three days after Parker got hurt.

Punting woes

You can add punting to the problems that have befallen the Cyclones.

The offense has struggled the last three games, the defense has been shredded the past two weeks and now punter Mike Brandtner, one of the team's most consistent performers, is struggling.

Over the last 2 1/2 games, Brandtner has averaged just 31.4 yards a punt. Assistant head coach Bill Bleil thinks it's just a temporary slump.

“He's still one of the better ones I've ever been around,” Bleil said. “He'll snap back.”

Wacky Buffaloes

If there's a Big 12 team that defies explanation, it's Colorado, Iowa State's opponent Saturday.

Given up for dead two weeks ago after trailing Missouri 33-0 in the second quarter, the Buffaloes made that game mildly interesting with a second-half rally, then came back last week to beat Texas A&M.

“It's the Big 12,” ISU tight end Derrick Catlett said. “Just because somebody's not playing good one week doesn't mean they can't come back and do what (Colorado) did. Certainly any team is capable of beating anybody on any given day. That's why you play the game.”