Clay Will Play, but How Much?

Even though the Badgers have been impressive in their last two wins there has been one key figure missing from the offense. Their starting running back John Clay.

The red-shirt junior has missed the last two games with a knee injury that occurred during the Purdue game. In his absence the Wisconsin offense has continued to roll on the backs of Montee Ball and James White. As well as the offensive line.

There has been much speculation about the injury to Clay over that time, but every Saturday the questions have been answered. By him wearing a jacket rather than a jersey.

This week the former Big Ten offensive player of the year returned to full practice and appears to be a go for this weekends game against Northwestern. At least on the outside he looks like he's ready to go.

Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has stated that Clay will play, but in a limited fashion. Raising the question of how many snaps will Clay be in for, and how many carries will the junior have.

Currently Clay has 929 yards leaving him just 71 yards short of the 1,000 yard mark. A mark that Clay could reach against Northwestern if he has the carries. But the theory is that Clay most likely won't reach the mark with limited carries this weekend. Expect Clay to reach that mark in the bowl game in January.