Robinson should be ready to play against No. 16 KU

Injured tailback Alexander Robinson is expected to play Saturday when Iowa State travels to No. 16 Kansas.

Robinson's tender groin, and his ability to play through pain, will determine exactly how long and hard the Cyclones' leading rusher can go. Robinson had just four carries last week in ISU's 24-23 loss to Kansas State, re-aggravating the injury on a 37-yard run that ended the first quarter.

Backup Jeremiah Schwartz took over, and will be prepared to do so again this week.

Coach Paul Rhoads said Monday during his weekly news conference that Robinson has responded well to treatment.

“He'll be ready to play,” Rhoads said. “How long he'll be able to stick around before it gets tight, who knows? A groin for a skilled athlete is a tough injury to overcome. He won't be at 100 percent.”

The Cyclones (3-2, 0-1 Big 12) practiced Sunday and were off Monday.

Robinson, who ranks third in the league with a rushing average of 100.4 yards a game, didn't practice with the team last week until Thursday. He probably will do some light work today, Rhoads said.

“We'll get him a little work each day,” he said. “He's a lot further advanced than he was last weekend.”

Schwartz did well in the first extended action of his career, rushing for 76 yards on 21 carries.

The 5-11, 232-pound red-shirt freshman has more of a bruising style than Robinson. After two fumbles late in games earlier this season made coaches weary of his ball security, Schwartz earned back some trust from teammates and coaches with his effort against the Wildcats.

“He did a nice job of stepping up in place of A-Rob,” said receiver Jake Williams. “We've got a lot of confidence in him. He's a big guy who's hard to tackle.”

As for Bo Williams, the Florida transfer whose next snap will be his first in a Cyclone uniform, Rhoads said there's a chance the tailback could finally get on the field this week.

“If Alexander isn't able to go there might be a spot for him,” Rhoads said. “He has more explosive speed than Jeremiah does.”

McDowell, Bell out

Defensive backs Devin McDowell and Allen Bell have quit the team, Rhoads said Monday.

McDowell, a junior, will transfer to a Division II school. Bell, a senior, has come to the end of his college career. Neither has played much this season.

Bell had two tackles and a fumble recovery. McDowell played in just one game and had no statistics.

Word began spreading last week of the players' intentions.

“I don't know if I'd call it a surprise,” Rhoads said. “Devin wants to continue playing at a level he can play at and Allen will graduate in December and feels its best for him to move on with the rest of his life.”