Top Wisconsin running back may see limited action again UNLV

UNLV knows it will see Wisconsin running back John Clay on Saturday, but the Rebels don't know how much.

Clay, the reigning Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year, had off-season surgery on both ankles, and he probably won't get a full workload in the 8 p.m. season opener at Sam Boyd Stadium. Clay, who rushed for 1,517 yards and 18 touchdowns, is expected to receive 15 to 20 carries.

But that doesn't mean the Rebels should expect an easy night defending the run. Montee Ball and James White also are backs to be concerned about. Ball averaged 4 yards per carry last season in rushing for 391 yards, and White was a hotshot recruit out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Plus, the Rebels can't assume anything against the run. They allowed 220.6 yards per game last season.