Iowa State will be without its leading rusher when it faces Tulsa in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
Running back Shontrelle Johnson, who rushed for 504 yards and two touchdowns this season, suffered a knee injury in Saturday's practice and won't be available for the matchup against the Golden Hurricane.
Cyclones coach Paul Rhoads says Johnson injured his right knee making a cut during practice on Saturday. Rhoads says Johnson likely will have surgery in January. ...
Iowa State likely will start James White against Tulsa (10-3). White rushed for 469 yards on 5.3 yards per carry this season.
You absolutely hate to see this. Johnson fought back so hard to return from a career-threatening neck injury suffered early in the 2011 season. Having to go head-to-head with another round of trying rehab just doesn't seem fair.
"You get a big wave of emotions," Rhoads told reporters of Johnson’s reaction. "(He) was crushed, (Saturday). Upbeat, if you want to call it that, (Sunday). ... I think what he’s gone through already with the neck has helped his mindset. He knows what he’s got in front of him as far as rehab, and he’ll do a great job with it."
