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Big Ten Football Spring Preview: 10 biggest questions and storylines

By Patrick Schmidt

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh prior to the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Corey Clement restore Wisconsin’s ground game?

Corey Clement was supposed to challenge Ezekiel Elliott for the Big Ten rushing title last year but he injured his groin before the season opener vs. Alabama and required sports hernia surgery that limited him to 48 carries and 221 yards with five touchdowns in four games.

The Wisconsin Badgers struggled without Clement who ran for 949 yards on 6.46 yards per carry with nine touchdowns as a backup to Heisman finalist Melvin Gordon the year prior. With a healthy Clement, the Badgers can lean on the rushing game that has been the calling card for Wisconsin for more than two decades.

Quarterback Joel Stave is headed to try to make an NFL roster so whoever wins the quarterback competition will be best served with a rock like Clement lining up a few yards behind him. Wisconsin’s offensive line wasn’t as great as it typically is either last year, but Clement can make them look better with his ability to find room in the tiniest of creases.

Next: Can Illinois win with Lovie Smith?

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