Ames native Austen Arnaud will be the starting quarterback for the first time in the Iowa-Iowa State series when he leads the Cyclones into Iowa City this weekend. Arnaud has been splitting time with Phillip Bates under center and the Cyclones are off to a 2-0 start.
Arnaud says going into Iowa City is a great opportunity and it will take a great level of focus against a 2-0 Iowa team that’s "beaten the crap" out of its first two opponents. Arnaud says he is not sure how long the coaches plan to continue rotating quarterbacks.
He says it’s not up to him and what they’re doing right now is working and they are scoring points and the offense has no preference as to who is in the game. Arnaud says he has taken an interest in this rivalry since he was young. His dad played in Ames from 1978 to 1981 and he says growing up around the city of Ames and following the Cyclones, he knew Iowa was a big rivalry.
Arnaud says there are Iowa fans in Ames, including some of his coaches in high school. He says he always spoke up for the Cyclones and is excited to be a part of the rivalry.