Montee Ball Injured, Joel Stave Playing Quarterback For Wisconsin

Sep 22, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) stiff arms UTEP Miners defensive back Drew Thomas (10) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball lost his first career fumble early in Saturday’s game against UTEP, but far more severe is Ball’s leaving the game injured. The 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist was removed in the first half with an apparent head injury. Ball sustained a concussion last month after he was attacked off-campus.

The loss of Ball compounds the myriad offensive issues preseason Big Ten favorite Wisconsin has faced thus far in 2012. Maryland transfer Danny O’Brien looked out of sync integrating into first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s system. The Badgers also have had line problems, prompting head coach Bret Bielema to relieve offensive line coach Mike Markuson of his duties after an anemic, 10-9 loss at Oregon State.

Bielema tabbed redshirt freshman Joel Steve, the spring ball leader before O’Brien’s transfer to start against UTEP. Stave’s first quarter was not quite awe-inspiring; the Miners struck first and UW didn’t record an offensive score until the second stanza. But he has cooked since, leading three scoring drives and throwing for just shy of 150 yards.

As for the run game, James White has been incorporated more into the scheme with seven first half carries. However, the 1000-yard rusher just two seasons ago is not breaking off long runs on his opportunities.