MADISON, Wis. >> Micah Kapoi doesn’t have a secret for his success.

In fact, the University of Wisconsin redshirt freshman from Kapolei High has a fairly simple answer for how he’s moved from little-known backup when fall camp began to the Badgers’ starting right guard in a matter of weeks.

"I think I’m just letting it go, not really thinking much about what’s going on, what’s happening," he said. "Just letting my play speak for me and not worrying about all this other stuff. I think just going out there and playing."

Kapoi made his second career start for the Badgers in their 28-0 win over Hawaii on Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium, but his first that wasn’t due to injury.

He started at right guard last week against Troy in place of junior Walker Williams, who was out with an ankle injury.

With Williams healthy Saturday, Kapoi remained the starter.

"He brings a good intensity to his play," said Dan Voltz, the Badgers’ three-year starter at center. "He’s getting better at his on-field awareness, his assignments — a lot of the young-guy mistakes are kind of going away and he’s starting to settle into that spot and just be more comfortable and just play ball."

Wisconsin’s offensive line was shaky through the first two weeks of the season but played well for the second straight game Saturday.

Kapoi played a major part in helping the Badgers to a big day on the ground against the Rainbow Warriors.

Wisconsin rushed for 326 yards and redshirt freshman Taiwan Deal had a career day with 147 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.

The Badgers ran the ball 13 times on their first offensive possession — a 16-play, 97-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard score from Deal.

"I thought Taiwan and then Dare (Ogunbowale) ran well, but that doesn’t happen without the guys up front," Badgers coach Paul Chryst said.

Kapoi feels he has found an identity on an offensive line known as one of the most successful in the country in recent years.

"I just want to be that physical guy, the guy that gets after people," he said. "I try to solidify myself as that guy who just wants to get out there and play. I think that’s what I bring to the line."

Kapoi said he found out Tuesday he’d be starting this week’s game regardless of Williams’ status.

Williams still played Saturday, subbing in for Kapoi on the odd series.

Kapoi expects the competition between the two to continue throughout the season, and he knows he’ll have to earn a starting job every week.

"It’s always a competition between us," Kapoi said. "It’s good for us. We feed off each other, and it makes us as an O-line better."