Badger Bits: Ball Says There's 'No Doubt' He Will Play At Nebraska

Despite suffering two concussions in less than two months, Badgers runningback Montee Ball feels confident he'll play this weekend. Ball participated in conditioning drills during Tuesday's practice and will wear a green jersey during Wednesday's practice, signifying he'll be left out of contact drills.

Following Tuesday's practice, Ball told reporters, "I'm going to play. No doubt."

That's good news for Wisconsin fans, but we can only continue to speculate on Ball's status until he clears final medical tests to play.

This not only begs the question of if Ball can play, but if he should play. Not only has Ball suffered two concussions within the past two months, but a concussion in last season's infamous Michigan State game sidelined him (for part of that game) as well. Suffering that many head traumas in a short period of time is very serious, considering Ball has not even played in the NFL yet. As much as he wants to play in the conference-opener at Nebraska, his long-term health needs to be his top priority.

That being said, if Ball clears all tests this week, he said team doctors told him he wouldn't be at an increased risk of suffering another concussion on Saturday. That's good to know his concussion against UTEP wouldn't put him in harms way this weekend, but Ball still needs to keep his best interest in mind. Especially with fully adequate backups in Melvin Gordon and James White, there's no need to rush Ball back.

At just 21 years old, Ball's greatest years are hopefully ahead of him, so it's unnecessary to put that in jeopardy this weekend.

Wednesday's Links:

The list of Big Ten Heisman candidates is quickly dwindling.

Heading into the biggest game of the season thus far, the Badgers face serious injuries at defensive end.

See a video breakdown on Sun Prairie defensive tackle Craig Evans, Wisconsin's latest commit for the 2014 class.

The Wisconsin-Nebraska game is going to be huge for the Huskers' recruiting.

A great college football rivalry was lost yesterday.

J.J. Watt wasn't the only former Big Ten player to have a major impact in the NFL this past weekend. See all the Sunday studs here.

BTN's questions around the Big Ten for Week 5.