The wait may finally be over for Corey Clement.
Just more than three weeks after it was announced he’d miss 4-6 weeks to undergo sports hernia surgery, Clement suited up for the Badgers Saturday and even warmed up with the team.
“He was excited to be back in uniform,” Chryst said. “He was one of the first guys on to the field and [I’m] looking forward to him practicing this week and really seeing how it goes for him.”
Clement has made early progress after the surgery, Chryst said, which is why he was in uniform Saturday and not ruled out.
But despite the progress, it doesn’t mean Clement will definitely play against Illinois this Saturday.
“There is still no guarantees on the timetable or how it goes,” Chryst said. “We’ve just got to keep taking it day-by-day and helping him through it.”
UW quarterback Joel Stave said Monday he expressed his urgency with them to get back on the field.
“I think everyone’s getting excited to see him get healthy and get back,” Stave said. “More than anything, just for him personally, I know how much he loves to play, how much he loves to compete.”
Another key piece of the offense, fifth-year senior Dan Voltz, is expected to be back on the field Saturday after missing last Saturday’s game with a sprained arm.
Stave said Voltz means a lot to the offense because of the calls he makes at the line of scrimmage for the entire offensive line.
“We’re excited to get him back too,” Stave said.
Chryst said Taiwan Deal’s status for Saturday remains uncertain, and the coaching staff should know more by mid-week.
Edwards named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
After turning in a career day during Wisconsin’s 24-7 win over Purdue, T.J. Edwards earned conference-wide recognition when he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
The inside linebacker recorded a career-high 16 tackles (1.5 for loss) and forced his first career fumble.
Through the first seven games of his career, Edwards has made 54 total tackles. Former UW linebacker Chris Borland had 54 total tackles the entire season during his freshman year in 2009, when he won Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Stave goes for history
The Badgers’ win Saturday not only increased their winning streak over the Boilermakers to 10, but Stave improved to 4-0 all-time against them.
That marked the first time in Wisconsin history one quarterback has recorded four wins against one opponent. Stave will have that chance again Saturday when UW takes on Illinois.
In his three starts against the Fighting Illini, Stave has completed 39 of 60 passes for 516 yards and four touchdowns.
“I think it’s pretty cool I’ve gotten the chance to start as many games as I have against some of these teams,” Stave said. “I remember growing up watching Wisconsin-Illinois, Wisconsin-Purdue.”
Stave added, “It’s a little more fun when you’re winning.”
