Polk, Willis Probable for Wisconsin Game

Bloomington – Darius Willis and Nick Polk are expected to play in Saturday’s match-up with Wisconsin.

Earlier this week the duo had been listed as questionable for the game due to ankle injuries. But both players’ status was upgraded to probable on the week’s final injury report, released Friday morning.

The game carries special meaning to Polk, a senior from Milwaukee who is looking for his first win over his homestate school. The first three encounters have ranged from embarrassing to brutal, as Indiana has been outscored by a combined 140-50 in the last three seasons. That includes a 55-20 drubbing in Bloomington last season when Polk missed the game with a knee injury.

The ankle injury kept Polk out of last week’s 42-24 loss at Iowa, but he’s expected back in the starting lineup this weekend.

Willis, meanwhile, hasn’t missed a game since the Virginia contest, but he’s made regular appearances on the weekly injury report due to ankle ailments. The redshirt freshman leads the Hooseirs with 98 carries for 459 yards and six touchdowns, and he’s posted 100-yard rushing performances against both Northwestern (14 carries, 103 yards, 2 TDs) and Michigan (16 carries, 152 yards, 2 TDs) this season.

While the availability of Willis and Polk is important to IU’s upset chances against the No. 24 Badgers, Indiana won’t be at full strength on Saturday. Cornerback Ray Fisher will be out after undergoing knee surgery earlier this week, and he’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by Adrian Burks. Darius Johnson (shoulder), Chris Adkins (elbow), Jarrod Smith (back), Jarrell Drane (thigh), Terrance Thomas (shoulder) and Cody Faulkner (shoulder) are also out.

Back-up safety Jerimy Finch (hamstring) is questionable, while defensive end Fred Jones (foot) and running back Zach Davis-Walker (foot) are also probable.