Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said Monday that quarterback Austen Arnaud will return to the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Oklahoma State.
Arnaud has missed ISU's past two games with a bruised hand sustained in the Cyclones' victory over Baylor Oct. 17.
Redshirt freshman Jerome Tiller started those games for the Cyclones, directing them to a 1-1 record. Tiller led Iowa State to a 9-7 upset victory at Nebraska Oct. 24. He also was the starter in ISU's 35-10 loss to Texas A&M last week.
Rhoads said that Arnaud nearly started the A&M game before he was held back on the day before the game.
"He was awfully close for us, but the bruise caused him to lose just enough velocity that he couldn't have played like normal," Rhoads said. "Jerome threw some balls good for us and he was just further along in his preparations."
Arnaud's practice time was limited last week, but he is expected to return with his team when they begin work this week.
"He'll be practicing with us every day," Rhoads said. "We still kept him back last week because the main issue was his grip on the ball and we didn't want the swelling to start flaring up again. The swelling is all gone and he can grasp the ball normally."
The 5-4 Cyclones need one more victory to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2005.
Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said Monday that quarterback Austen Arnaud will return to the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Oklahoma State.
Arnaud has missed ISU's past two games with a bruised hand sustained in the Cyclones' victory over Baylor Oct. 17.
Redshirt freshman Jerome Tiller started those games for the Cyclones, directing them to a 1-1 record. Tiller led Iowa State to a 9-7 upset victory at Nebraska Oct. 24. He also was the starter in ISU's 35-10 loss to Texas A&M last week.
Rhoads said that Arnaud nearly started the A&M game before he was held back on the day before the game.
"He was awfully close for us, but the bruise caused him to lose just enough velocity that he couldn't have played like normal," Rhoads said. "Jerome threw some balls good for us and he was just further along in his preparations."
Arnaud's practice time was limited last week, but he is expected to return with his team when they begin work this week.
"He'll be practicing with us every day," Rhoads said. "We still kept him back last week because the main issue was his grip on the ball and we didn't want the swelling to start flaring up again. The swelling is all gone and he can grasp the ball normally."
The 5-4 Cyclones need one more victory to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2005.
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Tim Griffin
Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
