Deon Ready for Prime Time? Notes from ISU win over Tulsa

AMES - Iowa State Nickelback/SAM linebacker Deon Broomfield tied Big 12 co-defensive player of the year A.J. Klein in tackles Saturday with seven.

That's bread and butter.

Broomfield flashed the razzle dazzle with a late 51-yard interception return - the first of his career.

"Just what I needed," Cyclone coach Paul Rhoads deadpanned. "A guy that wants to be a punt returner and a kickoff returner making a play with the ball in his hands. I'll have to talk that down now for the next 48 hours."

WALKING WOUNDED: Offensive lineman Ethan Tuftee, who has a history of knee trouble, was helped off the field in the first quarter, but played some in the second half.

Running back Jeff Woody hurt his foot.

Cornerback Jeremy Reeves missed some series after getting banged around.

Wide receiver Chris Young walked off the field gingerly late in the game.

But all these players, Rhoads said, don't appear to be gravely hurt.

"I think we're coming out of it pretty healthy," he said. "A lot of cramping, bruises, nothing serious from the medical staff to me as I left the locker room. Jeff Woody, he's the one who missed the most significant number of snaps. You'd probably have to do quite a bit to keep him off the field this week."

 FIRSTS, MOSTS, BESTS: Quarterback Steele Jantz set career highs for completions (32) and passing yardage (281). He threw for 278 yards last season against Iowa, which happens to be ISU's week two foe. ... Converted quarterback Jerome Tiller made his first career catch of 12 yards. He also had a five-yard grab. ... Defensive tackle Henry Simon blocked an extra point. It was the Cyclones' first blocked kick since Oct. 30, 2010. ... Placekicker Edwin Arceo made his first career field goal attempt, a 30-yarder that put ISU up 24-16 at halftime. ... Shontrelle Johnson, back from serious neck injury, rushed for a career-topping 120 yards. ... Safety Durrell Givens notched a couple firsts: A key fumble recovery and an interception.

 BEAT GOES ON: Jake Knott forced his ninth career fumble and it was a big momentum changer. He also recored his 15th 10-plus tackle game, notching 11 stops.

 24: Rhoads' teams are now 16-1 when holding the opposition to fewer than 24 points.

(NOT) ON IOWA: When asked by a reporter if he was ready to start thinking about Iowa, Rhoads replied. Sort of.

It was supposed to be the last question, per SID Tom Kroeschell toward the end of the post-game presser.

"That was quick," Rhoads said after that question was posed. "You were on top of it, OK? Another question."

Cyclone players asked about facing the Hawkeyes this Saturday played it cool - and by the book.

"We're going to enjoy this one," nose tackle Jake McDonough said. "Tulsa's a great football team. (We'll) come back (Sunday) ready to work."

 HOME BRUN: Tight end Ernst Brun made his first career reception count.

It was a seven-yard touchdown from Jantz.

Brun finished with two catches for 19 yards.