Still 3-QB race at Iowa State

By Rob Gray, Correspondent

AMES - It's still a dead heat.

Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads emerged from Wednesday's scrimmage unable to name a favorite in the three-man race to replace Austen Arnaud at quarterback.

But Rhoads said he and his staff remain on schedule for a decision, which could be announced after Saturday's scrimmage. Or not.

“I believe we'll be in position to do that,” said Rhoads, who sees positive elements in each of the candidates - Jerome Tiller, Steele Jantz and Jared Barnett. “This scrimmage (Wednesday) wasn't a full-blown scrimmage. We practiced a little bit before we got to it; not near as many snaps as we had this past Saturday, and we'll do more this Saturday.

“I would suspect by the time we get off the field at 2 or 3 in the morning, I'll probably be able to give you guys an answer.”

Tiller is the only play-caller among the trio with Big 12-level game experience. Jantz is a strong-armed junior college transfer. Barnett, Rhoads said, can count accuracy among his strengths.

It's a mix-and-match race - for now.

Injury report

Senior tight end Ricky Howard is out for the season with an ACL injury. Howard played in seven games last season.

“He had surgery (Wednesday) and the surgery went well,” Rhoads said. “He'll be done for the season, but he has a red-shirt (season) left.”

Among dinged-up players Rhoads held out Wednesday were starting defensive back Jeremy Reeves and linebacker Jake Knott.

Nothing to worry about, Rhoads said.

“I could have played any of those guys today,” he said. “I just chose because of my title not to.”

Fan Fest

Cyclone Fan Fest is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in the indoor practice facility near Jack Trice Stadium.

The free event features hands-on activities for fans, who will be able to interact directly with athletes and coaches.

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