So much for the potential debut of star running back Corey Clement for the Wisconsin Badgers. According to UWBadgers.com insider Mike Lucas, the junior running back didn’t even make the trip to this game.
#Badgers TB Corey Clement didn't make trip to Illinois. Decision made after Thurs. practice. Took some reps this week. Still not game-ready.
— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) October 24, 2015
So much for the spark plug of the running game without Clement in as well, as Taiwan Deal also did not make the trip to Champaign, Ill.
#Badgers TB Taiwan Deal also didn't make the trip to Illinois. Deal, who's 2nd leading rusher (81 for 357yds & 4 TDs), last played at Neb.
— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) October 24, 2015
It’s a shame, because Wisconsin has had a long history of being able to run all over the Illini. Last season, the Badgers racked up 401 yards as a team, with Clement going for 164 yards. He was aided a bit by that 72-yard touchdown run, but still had himself a day behind the future Heisman Trophy finalist.
Look for Dare Ogunbowale to get the bulk of the carries for the Badgers, while Alec Ingold will continue to see his reps increase. It appears they’ve found a guy who can give them the tough yards as needed in short-yardage and goal line situations.
Ogunbowale does lead the team, rushing for 482 yards and four touchdowns. He is also averaging a healthy 5.1 yards per carry.
However, this could be another game where the Badgers will go with what has been working for them and that is Joel Stave and the passing game. Without Clement and Deal, let’s just say this contest got a whole lot more interesting.
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