Clay in '08

And now a word on the Wisconsin running back situation from my friend Matt Schwalbach (I'll look for a better mug shot later, buddy):

While not having the gravity or importance of our presidential election, an important question rages throughout UW football fandom. Do we go with the young and dynamic John Clay or the proven bruiser P.J. Hill at running back?

As John McCain and Barack Obama throw around accusations and half-truths, we voters attempt to find some semblance of fact through the pile of garbage. I do not profess to be an expert on international affairs or the financial mess we find ourselves hip deep in. I would not consider myself a maverick, but I do believe I can provide some clarity on the Badgers running back situation.

John Clay is our present and future hope at running back.

Before falling into mushy, hard-to-quantify intangibles, let’s dive into the undeniable facts in 2008.

First, let’s look into the games against Michigan and Ohio State, the 31st- and 32nd-ranked teams against the run nationally. Let’s throw out the three non-conference games, because none of those teams rank higher than 82nd in rush defense, with two of them amongst the worst in the NCAA (Akron and Fresno St.). We’re looking at what you do during the tough battles, not the cream puffs.

Clay has collected 46 percent of his 262 yards on the year (121) against the Wolverines and Buckeyes. Hill has only collected 26 percent of his 526 against these quality teams. Against UM and OSU, Clay handily wins the yards-per-carry battle, averaging 9.3 yards per carry to Hill’s 3.5.

Secondly, in an offense that lacks playmakers besides Travis Beckum and a quarterback situation that may be worse than at any point in recent UW history, you need all the help you can get scoring points. While P.J. has five touchdowns to Clay’s four (in 69 less carries, I might add), Clay provides a punch to the offense that Hill just doesn’t.

On the nine drives Clay has touched the ball two times or more, the Badgers have scored every single time. UW has managed seven touchdowns and two field goals on these nine drives. The Badgers have scored 17 touchdowns this year, which means that Clay’s been involved in 41 percent of UW drives that end in paydirt. This while carrying the ball nearly 70 times less than Hill.

Now, I know the coaching staff has brought Clay along slowly because of some concerns over his ability to get things right. I ask, at what cost? Add in the reality that this team is going to struggle to even get to a New Year’s Day bowl this year after high expectations, and it becomes a matter of nothing left to lose. UW will be very young the next couple of years, so why not get a jump start on the future.

P.J. seems to be a likable guy – a “program guy” – who has worked hard in the offseason to improve his body and become more effective. He can, and should, still play a role on the field and in the huddle. Unfortunately, he’s a victim of circumstance. It’s not his fault or an indictment on his play.

He’s good but Clay is great. “Clay in ’08.” It’s got a nice ring to it, don’t you think?