Wisconsin running back Anthony Davis left in the first quarter of the game with UNLV after injuring his ankle. He hasn't played in the last two games against neither North Carolina nor Illinois.

But when the Badgers arrive in Happy Valley for Saturday's game, expect No. 28 to be geared and ready to attack the Nittany Lions' defense.

"I expect him to play," said Dwayne Smith, who started in place of Davis the last two weeks.

Davis was hurt on the second series of the game, having only 11 yards on two carries. In the first two-plus games this season Davis had 425 yards rushing, ranking him third all-time in Wisconsin rushing behind only Ron Dayne and Billy Marek. Davis has four touchdowns this season.

The junior was contained last season by the Lions' defense, holding him to 46 yards rushing and 14 yards receiving.

In his only visit to Beaver Stadium in 2001, Davis ran through a porous defense, which had problems stopping run much like the 2003 squad. By the time the final horn sounded, Davis racked up 200 yards.

The New Jersey native has gained seven yards per carry and the Lions defense has been allowing 4.7 yards per attempt. Davis is the best running back the Lions' defense will have seen to date. When healthy, Davis is better than Nebraksa's Josh Davis, who had 179 yards, Boston College's Derrick Knight, who had 156 yards and Marion Barber III, who gained 134 yards.

Davis was unavailable for comment all week.

Last season in the Lions' 34-31 at Camp Randall Stadium, Smith saw limited action in the game as a true freshman rushing for 42 yards.

"To be honest it was interesting experience," Smith said. "I was glad to get the opportunity and to help my team."

In Davis' absence, Smith showed that he was a capable replacement the past weeks. Smith earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors after gaining 193 yards, while scoring three times against Illinois.

Smith felt comfortable stepping in as he knew that Davis would be watching from the sideline and helping him to get even better.

"I have been able to do a decent a job," Smith said. "He's been my eyes on the sideline and enables me to do a good job."

Even with gaining all those yards against the Illini, Smith said he made mistakes. But Smith has learned from them and they have made him better.

Smith has learned from Davis both on and off the field.

"As far on the field goes I just watch him," Smith said. "He makes so many different moves and he changes speed so well. He's helped me off the field a lot as far as reading defenses."

Davis on the field is more dangerous then him just watching and teaching from the sideline.