Wisconsin’s top running back, junior Corey Clement, will have surgery to repair a sports hernia and miss Saturday’s game against the University of Hawaii, the Badgers announced today.

“Corey has been dealing with some issues since before the (season-opening) Alabama game,” UW coach Paul Chryst said in a statement released by the school.

“He has been undergoing treatment since that time and has seen some progress but not to the point where our medical staff is satisfied," Chryst said. "So after consultation with our medical staff, Corey has decided to have surgery for a sports hernia."

The anticipated recovery time is approximately 4-6 weeks, Wisconsin said.

Uncertainty over Clement’s availability contributed to the betting line dropping from the Badgers opening as a 28-point favorite to being a 24 1/2-point pick this week.

The 5-foot, 11-inch, 219-pound junior backed up Heisman Trophy finalist Melvin Gordon last year and was to be the Badgers’ featured back this season until suffering a groin injury just before the season opener. Clement saw limited action against Alabama and has not played in the last two games.

Clement has run for 1,496 yards and 16 touchdowns at Wisconsin, where he has averaged 7 yards a carry.

Taiwan Deal (36 carries, 143 yards, two touchdowns) and Dare Ogunbowale (33 carries, 198 yards and two TDs) have handled the running game in Clement’s absence.

“I feel bad for Corey that this is impacting his season because I know how hard he works and how important this football team is to him," Chryst said.