Saturday’s game against Northwestern proved to be another complete team effort by the Badgers, who once again showed that the final score is not always indicative of how close a game is. This was largely due to the steady rushing attack led by senior Corey Clement, who gained 106 yards on 33 carries and punched in the game’s final touchdown, allowing the Badgers to pull away with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Clement set the tone early and often for the Badgers, helping keep the defense off the field and taking the pressure off of quarterbacks Alex Hornibrook and Bart Houston, who split time under center for the third straight game.
Consistency has been key for Wisconsin’s offense this year, but heading into the last quarter of play, the Badgers’ only touchdown was a 46-yard run by Jazz Peavy, off an end-around in the first half. However, with 13:10 left to play in the game, the offense took over in Northwestern territory and drove 45 yards to punch in a touchdown. They then added a two-point conversion that ended up being the game’s final points. On this drive, Clement rushed six times for 19 yards, including the two-yard plunge that separated the two teams and gave the defense a two-score cushion, which it had not had since the second quarter.
Clement has proven to be the offense’s most reliable piece all year, as his consistency and toughness have been needed when the passing game has wavered, especially in recent weeks. Saturday was the second straight game the offense failed to reach 200 yards through the air. This week was also the second time this season that Clement has eclipsed 30 carries in a game. He is the only player in the Big Ten to do so more than once.
Clement will certainly continue to play a vital role in the offense moving forward, as the Badgers play their final three regular season games and look to remain in the driver’s seat of the Big Ten West.
