ISU fans’ worst nightmare came true when Paul Rhoads announced Sept. 1 that top wide receiver Quenton Bundrage suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of the season.

Bundrage went down only four plays into the game while blocking on an Aaron Wimberly run. Bundrage was able to walk off the field on his own power, but Rhoads said he was in a lot of pain after the game.

However, Rhoads also reiterated that the receiving corps is the deepest position on the team and freshman Allen Lazard will start in Bundrage’s place, followed by transfer D’Vario Montgomery.

“We will gain back Tad Ecby and D’Vario Montgomery, [who were suspended for the NDSU game,] for this game,” Rhoads said. “Their added depth helps that crew, but we have guys there. It is time for them to step up and perform with the loss of [Bundrage].”

In some positive news, center Tom Farniok is expected to be ready to play against Kansas State after spraining his medial collateral ligament in the first half against North Dakota State. Rhoads said he doesn’t expect it to be a nagging injury and expects him to be fully recovered after rehab.