Wisconsin RB Montee Ball ready to 'take off' as Badgers face No. 22 Nebraska

(Video courtesy JMPasq)

Wisconsin star RB Montee Ball has been cleared to play against No. 22 Nebraska on Saturday in Lincoln.

The Heisman Trophy candidate suffered his second concussion in less than two months in a 37-26 win over UTEP last week. However, Ball has cleared his baseline tests and expects to not only be in shoulder pads and a helmet in three days, but also to be a big part of the game plan.

"Everybody's situation is a little bit different," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said. "If they are cleared to play and he feels comfortable, that's definitely where we are going to be at."

Ball suffered a concussion in August when he was assaulted in Madison.

He was told by the team's medical staff that waiting longer after passing his baseline does not reduce the likelihood of another concussion.

“What the doctors said is it doesn't really matter how long you wait if you pass the exams,” Ball told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Having two concussions, you are possibly prone to having another one. So, he said basically I have to make sure I stay on top of the symptoms and basically tell the truth."

Ball rushed for 151 yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries in a 48-17 win over Nebraska last year. He has gained 360 yards and has three touchdowns on 93 carries this season.

"It seems like I'm a little cursed," Ball told the newspaper. "But I always look on the bright side of things. We still have eight more weeks left and I plan on taking off from here."

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