Big Ten Championship Game: 5 most important players

By Brad Weiss | Dec 1, 2016

Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in overtime against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

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Nov 26, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

2. RB Corey Clement, Wisconsin Badgers

Like Saquon Barkley for Penn State, Corey Clement is the star running back for the Wisconsin Badgers. Expected to be the next great running back in a long line of stars, Clement’s career was marred with inconsistent play and a serious injury last season. Clement thought about entering the NFL Draft after his junior season, but instead came back for one last ride with his Wisconsin teammates.

The decision to come back to school has worked out beautifully for both Clement and his Wisconsin teammates, as they are on the brink of their first Big Ten title since 2012. Not only has Clement lived up to expectations this season, but he has turned himself into an all-conference back. Clement joined Barkley as a 1st Team All-Big Ten selection at running back this week, after averaging over 100 yards per game for the season.

Clement needs to be the featured player on the Badgers offense if the team hopes to beat the Nittany Lions on Saturday night. Running the ball effectively and keeping Penn State’s offense off of the field is going to be key for the Badgers. The Lions love to strike with the big play, so Wisconsin needs to counter that by playing Wisconsin football, which is eating up the clock and suffocating the opponent. If Clement goes for over 100 yards on Saturday, the Badgers will be conference champs.

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