"Next Man In" the BallGame

What would you do if you lost your job to a newby? Would you stick around, and wait for your time to shine? If you're Montee Ball we all know the answer after Saturday.

Every Badger fan has heard it from Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema this season, and seasos past. It's the phrase of, "next man in." A simple phrase, but a phrase that many Badgers must be following.

A year ago Montee Ball was the new kid on the block and was taking snaps from one time starting running back Zach Brown. Ball was the backup to star running back John Clay, and nearly rushed for a thousand yards himself. Then James White appeared on campus this summer. Next thing he's the backup running back, and Montee Ball is bumped down to number three.

Ball could have checked out. He could have completely forgoten about this team because of his lack of playing time. On Saturday we found out that wasn't the case.

In the second quarter White went down with an injury. While Clay is the startin running back, he is not the only running back the Badgers use in a game. With White on the sidelines that meant it was time for, "next man in," and that man was Ball.

On the final offensive drive for the Badgers Ball not only stepped up...he finished. First it was on forth down. As the drive was moving down the field the Badgers needed to pick up two first downs. One of them was picked up by the punter Brad Nortman. The othe rwas picked up by Ball. Going down and picking up a low pass Ball kept the Wisconsin drive going on fourth down.

The next big play is one that you would expect John Clay too make. On second down the Badgers need to pick up just two yards, but Ball wanted to take the other six. Pushing his way down to the goal line he stretched out to break the plane of the goal line. He did, and managed not to go down in the process. Touchdown Wisconsin, and a touchdown that would put them in the lead for good.

It was the biggest play of the game on offense, and it was perhaps the biggest touchdown of Ball's young career. Even as a third string player Montee Ball was able to make a contribution, and when the call came it truly was, "next man in." The endzone for that matter.