2 major starters for UCLA are doubtful vs. Wisconsin

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The Wisconsin Badgers are taking on the No. 12 UCLA Bruins on Saturday, looking to pull off the upset over an undefeated team on the road.

Wisconsin got a chance to rest up and get healthier over the bye week, and they’re in much better shape for Saturday’s game. Only one additional player is expected to miss the game, as third-string running back Nate Palmer is doubtful. On the flip side, starting center Austin Kawecki is questionable, and running back Abu Sama and wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux are probable.

It would be Domingeaux’s season debut if he were to play as expected on Saturday, as he’s dealt with a hand issue stemming back to fall camp.

UCLA, on the other hand, is not as healthy. Evidently, Nico Iamaleava is out after suffering a serious knee injury against Oregon. But two starters are considered doubtful for the Bruins on Saturday: left tackle Jordan Davis and cornerback Rodrick Pleasant. And both losses are quite meaningful.

Davis has been the blindside protector for Nico Iamaleava this season. With him out, not only is UCLA dealing with a backup left tackle for backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach, but their run-blocking, which has been great this year, also takes a hit.

Pleasant is also doubtful, while fellow star defensive back Tao Johnson has been ruled out. So, the Bruins defense, which ranks No. 2 in the nation in EPA allowed per play, will be missing some impact defenders in the secondary.

Still, it will be a challenge to get things going offensively against this UCLA defense that has been stout against the run and the pass this year. We could be in for a dogfight-type battle on Saturday.

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