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Michigan State Football: 5 players to watch vs. Wisconsin

By Michael Briggs

Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) gestures to the sidelines during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) gestures to the sidelines during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) stiff arms Akron Zips defensive back Bryce Jones (17) during the game against the Akron Zips at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Akron 54-10. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) stiff arms Akron Zips defensive back Bryce Jones (17) during the game against the Akron Zips at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Akron 54-10. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

When healthy, Corey Clement gives Wisconsin one of the deadliest weapons out of the backfield in the country. Unfortunately for the Badgers, the Glassboro, NJ native has not been able to stay on the field since his breakout sophomore season (949 rushing yards, 11 total touchdowns) in 2014.

Clement played in just two games all of last season due to a nagging groin injury and was forced to sit out last week’s game to nurse an ankle injury. While it’s possible Wisconsin kept him out as a precautionary measure ahead of the big game against the Spartans, the senior’s status is still questionable for this week.

Should the Badgers have a healthy Clement at their disposal, Michigan State’s elite run defense will be in for a real challenge. With his blend of patience, toughness and agility, Clement is talented enough to keep the chains moving against anyone.

Furthermore, with an unstable quarterback situation, Wisconsin will be relying on its running game to get things started on offense, so expect to see the ball in Clement’s hands early and often if he suits up.

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