Michigan State has looked good stopping the run in the early part of this season, earning the No. 8-ranked FBS in rushing defense. If Wisconsin had hopes of a balanced attack when they met the Spartans in East Lansing on Saturday, they were going to need senior running back Corey Clement.
It appears they’ll get just that.
Wisconsin RB Corey Clement expected to start today vs. Michigan State
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 24, 2016
Clement is expected to play against the Spartans despite having been listed as questionable throughout the week. He was kept on the sideline last week when the Badgers narrowly escaped disaster at the hand of a winless Georgia State team, despite being 34.5-point favorites.
In his first two games, Clement rushed for a total of 197 yards and three touchdowns.
They hope he can remain healthy for the remainder of the season, as they will need one of the main cogs in their machine if they hope to traverse quality opponents in their next five games: Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa and Nebraska; all teams which will require a 60-minute effort from the Badgers. This is a Wisconsin squad that opened the season with a win over SEC powerhouse LSU, demolished the Akron Zips, then perhaps rested on their laurels some against the Georgia State Bulldogs.
No laurels shall be rested on this day, as Michigan State is ranked 8th in the country and trying to make a case for a playoff spot.
