Cyclones facing unknown in Baylor backfield

AMES - Iowa State isn't sure who it will see at quarterback for Baylor tonight, but it does know who it won't: Robert Griffin.

And while it's unfortunate the super sophomore will miss the rest of the season because of injury, Cyclone players and coaches aren't shedding any tears that one of the most dynamic players in the Big 12 Conference won't be in uniform at Jack Trice Stadium.

“Yeah,” said ISU linebacker Fred Garrin, one of the defenders Griffin victimized last year in a 38-10 Baylor victory. “I can't lie about that one.”

Griffin completed 21 of 24 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns a season ago against the Cyclones (3-3, 0-2 Big 12). He also ran for a score.

Griffin tore ligaments in his right knee Sept. 26 and had surgery Tuesday, dealing the Bears' hopes of playing in a bowl game for the first time since 1994 a huge blow.

The NCAA would need to grant him a medical hardship waiver for ISU to face him again. The Bears (3-2, 0-1) go off the schedule for the next two years.

“He's a heck of a competitor,” Garrin said. “I really liked him and admired his game. He's a great passer, too. Most people don't think that about him.”

In Griffin's place, Baylor's options are freshman Nick Florence or fifth-year senior Blake Szymanski.

Florence has started the last two games while Szymanski recovered from a shoulder injury. Szymanski, Baylor's starter during the 2007 season, apparently is healthy and is listed atop the most recent depth chart.

“If he's well I think that's who we'll see,” said ISU defensive coordinator Wally Burnham. “But we are preparing for both.”

Szymanski holds single-season records for passing yards (2,844), pass attempts (461) and touchdown passes (22). Florence is a little more mobile and has shown the ability to run with the ball.

The Cyclones need significant improvement in their defense from a week ago.

Kansas piled up 551 yards of offense, 442 of those from quarterback Todd Reesing's passes.

“We have to try and clean some of those things up,” said safety Michael O'Connell. “Obviously it's hard to win ballgames when you give up that many passing yards. We have to come together as a defensive unit to work on improving that this week.”

The Bears miss Griffin. ISU can't get stuck thinking they miss him too much.

“It's a big loss for them,” said defensive end Patrick Neal, “but I'm sure the guy they have behind his is just as capable and we'll take him just as seriously.”