Wisconsin's starting running back Abu Sama III wasn't able to play fully in the game against Penn State. The starting tailback suffered a shoulder injury and wasn't able to return. Thankfully, Darrion Dupree was able to jump into the saddle and help Wisconsin secure the victory in Happy Valley.
All week, Abu Sama III has been questionable on the availability reports, and he hasn't been able to log much practice, which has raised major doubts about his ability to play in this game against Michigan State. According to Pete Thamel, Sama is now a game-time decision, and there's "pessimism about his ability to go today."
The trainers and coaching staff will get him out early before the game to test his ability and see if he can do everything that needs to be done to play. He will need to prove that he can not only successfully carry the ball securely and make the movements necessary for the game's sake. But for his own sake, and to avoid making an injury worse, he will have to see if he is able to go from pain and re-injury concerns.
Source: Wisconsin tailback Abu Sama (upper body) will be a game-time decision against Michigan State. He’s going to warm up, but there’s pessimism about his ability to go today for the Badgers. pic.twitter.com/o15s9hSmhp
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 3, 2026
Where does Wisconsin turn if Abu Sama III can't play against Michigan State?
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Wisconsin will turn to the same player they turned to last week, Darrion Dupree. The junior running back was a major reason the Badgers were able to pull off the upset over Penn State. He couldn't be brought down, and his 17-yard run to start the second-to-last touchdown drive ignited the whole offense. He ended with eight carries for 52 yards with a 6.5-yard-per-carry average.
He won't be the only running back who gets some run if Sama is out. The room is very deep and has some good backs waiting for their turn. Bryan Jackson II, who was unable to go last week, is now listed as "probable," and he would be a great option behind Dupree. The Badgers have also given Nate Palmer nine carries this season, and he would be the next man up behind Jackson.
Wisconsin really needs to get the running game established. They've yet to really feature it in a game, and clearly Colton Joseph needs the pressure taken off him. Whether it's Sama, Dupree, Jackson, or Palmer, the Badgers need to get some yards on the ground.
It's time against the Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans have allowed 124 rushing yards per game. Nebraska put up 157 yards on the ground last week in the win over the Spartans. So, now is the time against a defense that is letting runners through.
Missing Sama would be a loss, but it's next man up and time to get the rushing attack going to lead Wisconsin to another victory.
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