KANSAS CITY, Mo.-- A clipping penalty prevented Kansas State running back David Allen from breaking the NCAA career record for punt returns for touchdowns.

Then he got hurt just shortly after he fumbled to set up Iowa's lone touchdown in No. 8 Kansas State's 27-7 victory in the Eddie Robinson Classic on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Demond Sanders tackled Allen on a punt return in the fourth quarter, forcing Allen to leave the field with a limp with an ankle injury. Coach Bill Snyder said an X-ray after the game indicated no fracture, and there was no word on his status for next week's game against Louisiana Tech.

Needless to say, it wasn't the best of days for Allen.

"I think he's going to be OK," Snyder said of Allen, projected to be the Wildcats' top running back.

Allen needs one punt return for a touchdown to break the record of seven she shares with Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers and Oklahoma's Jack Mitchell. Allen tied the record on a 74-yard run against Texas last season.

Allen also needs just 101 punt return yards to top Vanderbilt's Lee Nalley's career punt return record set in 1947-49.

The penalty negating the touchdown infuriated Snyder.

"It was beyond disappointment," Snyder said. "I was visibly angry. That's the second time a touchdown has been called back for exactly that same reason.

"I appreciate the enthusiasm to go down there and block somebody to give David a chance and give our team the chance to score a touchdown. But you've got to have discipline and we didn't have that. That upsets me."

Allen had 29 yards on five punt returns. He rushed for 71 yards on 15 attempts and had a 1-yard touchdown run.

Allen was hurt after he fumbled. Senior Chris Claybon went in for Allen at running back after the injury, while Aaron Lockett returned punts.

"I hope he's OK," offensive coordinator Ron Hudson said. "I have no idea on his status. He played a solid game. He did miss some pass protection and he got stripped that one time."

Snyder said Allen needs time to develop as Kansas State's starting running back.

"David will be fine. He just needs opportunity after opportunity," he said. "He's one of those that needs three or four times to get it. He may miss a read or take it outside instead of going up the middle, then all of a sudden, he's gone."