MADISON, Wis. -- In 2008, P.J. Hill took the lead for the Wisconsin Badgers' running game, but John Clay was right behind him. This year it appears two really is better than one. Clay is first on the depth chart, but when he went out last week with a possible concussion, freshman Montee Ball didn't miss a beat.

"Like coach (Bret Bielema) said, I just have to keep the chains moving and that's what I feel like I did," said Ball.

"He's been doing what he has been doing in practice and getting the yards that he needs to," Clay said.

Ball rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns in the 31-28 win at Indiana, but if you talk to him, last week was another step in the learning process.

"I'm just going to do the same things that I did last week," said Ball. "There were probably a couple runs I could have been better on, but we are going to do the same thing we did last week, pound the football and play Wisconsin football."

"It's great to have those running backs finding the holes and pounding the tacklers, and it opens up the passing game," said quarterback Scott Tolzien.

The combination of Ball, a healthy Clay and a stout offensive line could keep the ball rolling Saturday against Michigan.