After a season in which instability at quarterback forced Wisconsin to rely on its deep roster of running backs, the Badgers will again turn to the ground game in 2009.
Despite losing 2008 starter P.J. Hill to the NFL draft, Wisconsin will enter 2009 with a deep core of runners, with sophomore John Clay the likely starter. According to assistant coach John Settle, the Badgers have historically been a team that has relied from strong play on the ground to win, something that will not change this year.
""The one thing Wisconsin has always been able to do is run the football,"" he said.
Clay echoed Settle's sentiment, saying he was excited about the 2009 season because it would put an emphasis on the running game.
""That is why people come to Wisconsin,"" Clay said. ""[Running backs] are the focal point of the offense -—that is what we do: we make the running backs the whole offense.""
While Clay, who ran for 884 yards lasy year, is the likely starter for 2009, Settle said junior Zach Brown has been making his case at spring practices for why he should be first on the depth chart. Brown has been making the choice between the two of them as difficult as possible, according to Settle.
Both players admitted they have been having some friendly competition for the starting role.
""When we see each other out there doing good, we just try to show the other person up in a good way, just trying to ante up the competition,"" Clay said.
Brown said even though Clay is the likely starter he is looking forward to another year at Wisconsin, knowing that he will still see playing time like Clay did while backing up P.J. Hill in 2008.
""I am just excited to have another year being able to play football again,"" Brown said. ""So if I do not get the starting job, [there are] still signs that I will be able to compete.""
Brown's experience – this will be his third year in Wisconsin football, compared to Clay's two – will prove vital in helping Clay transition to the starting role. He filled in for an injured Hill in 2007, starting four games, including a 250-yard day against Minnesota which stands as the 10th-best in UW history.
""Zach is a veteran,"" Clay said. ""Knowing that he knows what is going on in the offense, it is easier for me to just go and ask him if I have a question about anything.""
Behind Brown is redshirt freshman Erik Smith, a faster, more agile back meant to complement the power of Clay and Brown. Smith may not fit into the classic Wisconsin ground game, but could be very useful on passes or toss plays where speed counts more than the ability to break tackles.
""He can bring another dimension to our offense-—t's going to be exciting,"" Brown said.
Smith caps off a deep and crucial running game that could determine the course of the season. If Clay, Brown and Smith have strong years, the Badgers may be able to overcome possible instability at quarterback to have a strong 2009 season.
Settle admitted the running game probably will not be the prettiest to watch, but it will be a strong part of the offense.
""We may not have the 60-, 70-, 80-yard runs,"" he said. ""[But] you have a real good combination of guys back there.""
