MADISON, Wis. -- Some of Ron Dayne's greatest runs also have been his shortest.

The Wisconsin tailback makes an art form of fighting for short yardage, particularly when he seems trapped. As he stands 99 yards from the major college career rushing record, he says it's the little, hard-fought gains that stand out most in his mind.

"I don't really remember this run or that run," Dayne said. "I just try to put the same effort into every single time I touch the ball. That's what I remember."

Most Wisconsin fans have a favorite story, perhaps similar to the one about Dayne reversing field, butting a charging safety and dragging two linebackers for three yards against Ball State early this year.

Those small gains add up. The No. 9 Badgers play host to Iowa on Saturday, when the nation's fifth-best rushing offense will face the 109th-best rushing defense.

Dayne is 99 yards from surpassing Ricky Williams' record _ an achievement he owes not only to talent and grit but longevity. He has remained at Wisconsin four seasons to have this shot at the record.

"It seems like Ron always runs the hardest when we need him to the most," Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez said.

College defenders must quickly learn the rules when dealing with Dayne: Arm tackles don't work, jersey grabs are usually useless and defensive backs probably should steer clear entirely.

"I've seen him blow up some cornerbacks," Wisconsin receiver Chris Chambers said. "If you're a little defensive back who's a little scared, you're in trouble."

In four years, Dayne has missed just three games because of injuries. Although he's been criticized for being soft and missing time in some critical Big Ten games, he's had only minor hurts this year and is healthier than ever for the Badgers' regular-season finale.

Dayne has led the Badgers to a six-game winning streak entering Saturday, but he isn't carrying Wisconsin's offensive load to the same degree as he did the last two seasons.

The Badgers still rely on the run, but the emergence of freshman quarterback Brooks Bollinger has forced teams to respect Wisconsin's passing game. That has sometimes opened the field for Dayne, who has grown accustomed to seeing eight or even nine defenders at the line, keyed on stopping him.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said he'll try an eight-man front against Dayne.

"You have to try that, (but) nobody has been overly successful, as the numbers would indicate," Ferentz said.

Dayne has less obvious attributes as well. He has fumbled just nine times on 1,159 career carries, or once every 129 carries. By comparison, Williams fumbled 12 times during his senior year alone.

A chance at the record wasn't his primary motivation for remaining at Wisconsin for his junior and senior seasons. Like Williams, Dayne enjoyed the college atmosphere and wasn't eager to leave it. Also, like Williams, he used the extra games to reach amazing yardage totals.

"You pretty much have to be a four-year starter to do that," Alvarez said. "And if you get a great player, I think they're reluctant to stay for four years."

Dayne has become a leader for the Badgers. Teammates see him fighting for that extra yard, and they soon raise their own games.

"I'm just glad that I had the opportunity to break the record, and I had the opportunity to play with some great guys," Dayne said. "I've been here a long time, and it's mostly been good times."