Jeff Potrykus

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Madison – Wisconsin running backs coach John Settle didn’t attempt to sugarcoat the state of UW’s tailbacks.

“We’re banged up,” Settle said after practice Tuesday. “That goes without saying. But we’ll find a way to get through it.”

As UW began preparing to face the No. 1 run defense in the Big Ten on Saturday at Michigan State, Settle had one fully healthy tailback at his disposal: fifth-year senior Dare Ogunbowale.

Corey Clement, who has missed the last six quarters since suffering a left-ankle injury in the first half against Akron, was limited Tuesday.

Backup Taiwan Deal, who rushed seven times for 34 yards last week against Georgia State before suffering a leg injury, also was limited.

Redshirt freshman Bradrick Shaw, who suffered a left-leg injury on his final carry against Georgia State, did not practice Tuesday.

“The guys that are nicked are doing a good job of getting their treatments during the day,” Settle said. “They’re doing good in the classroom so everyone is keeping up with the install.

“We have quite a few days left before Saturday. Guys are doing all they can do to get ready to play.”

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Getting Clement back would be a huge boost. He leads UW in rushing at 98.5 yards per game and was outstanding against a tough LSU front seven in the opener.

“We held him out last week because he wasn’t 100%,” Settle said. “We hope he will be available Saturday.”

Shaw overcame a fumble at the goal line to finish with 62 yards on 15 carries against Georgia State.

However, he suffered the injury two plays after UW secured the victory by picking up a first down with 2 minutes 20 seconds left in the game. The Panthers were out of timeouts and UW could have run off the final time by having quarterback Alex Hornibrook take a knee on three plays.

Instead, Ogunbowale gained 2 yards on first down and Shaw was hurt on the next play when he slipped and his left leg was bent back and pinned under his body.

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Shaw limped off the field and Hornibrook, set to make his starting debut against Michigan State, took a knee on third down to run off the final seconds.

Sophomore Alec Ingold, who has split time this season at fullback with Austin Ramesh, could get carries at tailback this week.

Ingold moved to running back from linebacker in preseason camp last year and proved to be a capable runner. He finished with 139 yards and six touchdowns on 49 carries.

“We have guys that have handled the ball,” Settle said. “Whatever it takes to compete and give ourselves a chance to win the ball game, that is what we’re prepared to do.”

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Depending on the health of Clement and Deal, that plan could include a heavier workload for Ogunbowale.

Ogunbowale led UW in rushing last season with 819 yards and seven touchdowns. He has become more of a third-down back this season and has 127 yards on 33 carries.

“We tried to rely on Corey and Taiwan and use him in a position where he didn’t have to take a lot of punishment,” Settle said. “His role could change this week. That is my message to him, how quickly things could turn around. ...

“He is a good ballplayer. I like it because he wants to be on the field. When he gets an opportunity we know we’re going to get his best.”