By TONY CARTAGENA
Special to ESPNWisconsin.com

Any battle between two Big Ten teams is sure to leave cuts and bruises on all parties involved. That’s what Big Ten Football is all about.

For years Wisconsin has prided itself on overpowering opposing defensive lines by running the ball down the field. Saturday as the Badgers take the field against Nebraska, their uniforms may be different, but the game plan will remain the same.

In the second quarter of the non-conference finale against UTEP senior Montee Ball left the game with a head injury and his status for Saturday’s game has been cleared, but his involvement is uncertain.

Sounds like the Nebraska defense caught a break right? Wrong.

Ball’s replacement, Melvin Gordon, is a freshman that runs with plenty of explosive ability. Gordon carried the ball eight times and netted 112 yards and a touchdown against UTEP. Not too shabby for a kid who had only seen two carries (18 yards) during three previous games. Scary thought for the Nebraska defense, Gordon is far from satisfied.

“I still feel like I can do better and I still feel like I have more to prove as a player,” Gordon told reporters. “I’m looking forward to playing better.”

If last week was only a preview of the strength and tenacity that Gordon possesses, then being on Nebraska’s defense this weekend may not be fun. At 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, Gordon possesses the speed to turn the corner and rush up field while also having the strength to carry a linebacker for additional yards after contact.

“Last week I didn’t feel like I ran physical enough” he said. “So this week if I get my chance I do want to show that.”