ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Wisconsin running back John Clay made his first career start against Illinois, and the redshirt freshman could remain in the top spot this week at No. 21 Michigan State.

Clay started in place of junior P.J. Hill, who had been battling a lower leg injury, and had 88 rushing yards on 25 carries in a 27-17 victory, Wisconsin's first in Big Ten play. Hill finished with only three carries in the game, while Zach Brown had five carries for 24 yards.

Head coach Bret Bielema lists Clay as the No. 1 running back on this week's depth chart but said Hill and Brown will be in the mix against the Spartans. Clay and Brown took most of the reps last week at practice before Hill, a three-year starter, was cleared last Wednesday.

"P.J. practiced on Sunday and there shouldn't be any reason he wouldn't be able to be out there all this week," Bielema said today. "We'll just figure out the best combination to move forward and make a determination by Wednesday or Thursday.

"It may even come down to what the play is and where we are on the field, to be quite honest, with the three running backs and the things that all three show."

Bielema said H-back/tight end Travis Beckum could be running by the end of January after undergoing season-ending surgery Saturday night to repair a fractured fibula. Despite an injury-plagued season, Beckum remains a top NFL prospect.

"Travis has gone through a range of emotions, Bielema said. "He has gotten better by the hour as far as his spirits."