Weisman's status uncertain for Penn State game - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Has the Hawkeye running back curse struck again? Walk-on Mark Weisman came out of nowhere to lead Iowa in rushing with over 600 yards. He's been medically cleared to play but his status for Saturday's Penn State game is uncertain.

Weisman sprained his right ankle in last week's double-overtime win over Michigan State. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says Weisman had an MRI performed Monday that didn't reveal anything serious. But Ferentz says Weisman would have to make a lot of progress to play.

"I think realistically you're talking about a guy trying to be a running back, not a guy doing something otherwise," said Ferentz. "I think he would have a lot of progress to make to be able to play so we'll just have to take the mental approach that he's not going to be here."

Freshman Greg Garmon is scheduled to start with Jordan Canzeri, who tore knee ligaments in the spring, as the backup.

"We're going to have to rely on some young guys, some inexperienced guys to step up in big ways," said Iowa center James Ferentz. "I know coach Erb (running back coach Lester Erb) is going to put out the best back we have available and I think we have a great group of backs as well. I think no matter who's back there, they're going to do a phenomenal job."

"They've opened up holes for whoever's been at tailback this year so we feel pretty confident that we have plenty of guys that can fill that role," said Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg.

"I feel like we have younger running backs that have been waiting that have some talent to get the job done too," said Iowa fullback Brad Rogers.

Ferentz also said he has a lot of confidence in freshman running back Michael Malloy. The Bishop Heelan grad hasn't played this season and is expected to take a redshirt season. Malloy is not expected to play Saturday unless something happens to Garmon or Canzeri.

Iowa and Penn State play at 7:00 o'clock Saturday on the Big Ten Network.