Wisconsin senior running back Montee BallMadison (WQOW) -- Wisconsin kicks off its season Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium against Northern Iowa.
The Panthers have played FBS teams tough in recent seasons. Last year, Iowa State needed a score in the final minute to beat UNI by a single point. Three seasons ago, a talented Iowa Hawkeyes team also had a one-point win over the Panthers.
"Coach Farley has had a long standing tradition of history playing well against FCS schools or FBS schools," says Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema, "I think the part that is critical for us is to have success early. They are going to crowd the box and make us throw the football if we have to and they know that we have a first-year starter in Danny O'Brien at least here at Wisconsin as well."
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball says he's good to go, despite the fact he hasn't been tackled at all during camp as he recovered from a concussion. Ball didn't play in the spring game either, which means the last time he faced real live contact was against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
When asked whether he'd been tackled to the ground in camp, Ball responds, "No, no I haven't...I know how it's going to feel, I've been preparing myself in the individual with Coach Hammock, and taking hits with bags and stuff to get my mind ready. I think after that first hit I'll be right back into it and ready to go."
Wisconsin's never faced Northern Iowa. The Badgers are riding a 16-game home win streak.
