Two quarterbacks, one cold night

By Rob Gray

Correspondent

AMES - Iowa State's two quarterback system may be getting a shake up.

Over the past three games, redshirt freshman Grant Rohach has started and served as the primary passer.

Meanwhile, former starter Sam Richardson's been utilized mostly in the run game - in part, at least, because of a right thumb injury that apparently hampers his ability to throw.

But that mixed bag in terms of both snaps and production could come together differently for the Cyclones (1-9, 0-7) in Saturday's 7 p.n. Big 12 home finale against Kansas (3-7, 1-6) amid below-freezing conditions at Jack Trice Stadium.

“(I'm) hopeful and believe it will be that Sam will be even more comfortable from a throwing standpoint,” ISU offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham said. “Threw it a couple times, obviously, this past week (in the 48-10 Oklahoma loss), but I want him to get to where he feels as comfortable as he did before the season started.”

Richardson went 1 of 2 through the air against the Sooners and has not attempted more than 15 passes in a game since going 15 of 38 for 168 yards in a 42-35 loss six weeks ago at Texas Tech.

Rohach is coming off his best statistical performance - a 21 of 34 effort that churned up 179 yards despite two interceptions.

He'd gone 29 of 62 for 236 yards in his previous two starts.

“Grant, I felt like, got more comfortable with his environment,” said Messingham, whose offense produced nine passing touchdowns in the first four games, but four in the most recent six. “I saw him throw more of what I would consider to be good balls - balls that people can catch and go do something with.”

Throw in what could be winds of 15-20 miles-per-hour Saturday, and it's clear whichever quarterback can most approximate having a “hot hand” will be called upon in all aspects of the offensive game plan.

That could translate to little passing - and that's almost certain to be the case for the Jayhawks, who will start redshirt freshman Montell Cozart for the second straight week.

Cozart is completing a shockingly-low 36.4 percent of his passes, but serves as a dangerous runner to complement workhorse James Sims (914 yards, seven touchdowns).

Kansas has run the ball 68.3 percent of its offensive plays the past five games, including 54 of 66 snaps in last week's 31-19 triumph over West Virginia.

The Montaineers, oddly enough, played a five-man box.

“Well, they ran the ball,” said Cyclone defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, who most certainly will not devise a scheme that includes a five-man box this week. “And they weren't going to get out of the five-man box. And they weren't going to quit running it as long as they gave it to them. …  I'd have done the same thing.”

 INJURY UPDATE: ISU coach Paul Rhoads said offensive guard Daniel Burton (ankle) practiced some this week and could be available for the first time in three weeks. Center Tom Farniok (MCL, other nagging injuries throughout season) did not practice much, as usual, but is expected to play, as usual. Return man/receiver Jarvis West appeared doubtful (MCL) at mid week.