• Current edition of First & Goal
Friday, Aug. 27
Preparation for the Wisconsin football team's season-opener against UNLV is underway, and the Badgers spent 24 periods Thursday getting ready for the Rebels.
• Sights & Sounds 
| Bielema Media Session | 4 Downs: Jake Byrne
Friday's practice was set for 2:35, but instead now starts at 9:45 a.m.
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Jay Valai was like a kid with his nose pressed up against the glass case at the candy store, whose mom told him he could only pick one thing. How was he going to choose? That's what the University of Wisconsin strong safety was trying to do while agonizing over his captain's ballot during team voting on Tuesday night, writes Tom Mulhern
• Madison.com: UW captains a surprise six-pack
• JSOnline.com: Six fifth-year seniors named UW captains
A minor concussion kept Wisconsin senior wide receiver David Gilreath on the sidelines for several days this week. His feet, which betrayed him in 2009 after he underwent off-season surgery, have been pain-free, writes Jeff Potrykus
• JSOnline.com: Painful feet no longer a problem for UW's Gilreath
To know Bret Bielema, one also needs to know Prophetstown, the west central Illinois farming hamlet the University of Wisconsin football coach once called home and still regularly visits.
• Isthmus.com: Bret's Badgers
Jay Valai needs your votes as he is one of three players up for "Biggest Hitter" for the 2010 Herbie Awards. Vote below.
• ESPN.com: Herbie Awards Part I
Freshmen don't intent to be the subject of buzz-worthy news or headline-grabbing attention. James White didn't intent to be the talk of camp, especially since it's not the humble running back's style. Problem is, White is too good to be kept in the dark, writes Ben Worgull.
• FoxSportsWisconsin.com: Freshman White, too good to be kept in the dark
Since he wasn't Wisconsin's quarterback for three years, all Scott Tolzien could do in the offseason was superimpose himself on the tape of the starter, to imagine someone else's thought process and glean whatever slivers of insight he could. But after finishing 2009 as the Big Ten's most efficient passer, Scott Tolzien watched film of Scott Tolzien. And it became much, much easier to reel in the enlightenment, writes Brian Hamilton
• ChicagoTribune.com: Badgers in capable hands of 5th-year senior QB Tolzien
There were a lot of influential things during in the recruiting process that swayed Jake Byrne to commit to the University of Wisconsin in June 2007. Ben Worgull writes about them in this profile piece.
• FoxSportsWisconsin.com: Another tight end is ready to shine in UW offense
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Jim Sorgi's injury is allowing the team's No. 3 quarterback, Rhett Bomar, to close the gap for the backup spot.
• NYDailyNews.com: Bomar closing gap on Sorgi
Owen Daniels was welcomed back to the Texans with a standing ovation and a flurry of text messages and telephone calls after Gary Kubiak announced his tight end had been cleared to play again.
• HoustonChronicle.com: Texans' Daniels fights through knee doubts
Scouts Inc. has evaluated and graded more than 2,500 NFL players heading into the 2010 season on ESPN.com. Here's a quick look at where former Badgers rank: Joe Thomas is tied for third overall and is the top offensive lineman in the league, Owen Daniels is the ninth-ranked tight end, Chris Pressley is tied for 15th at fullback, Casey Rabach is tied for 18th at center, Lee Evans is tied for 22nd at wide receiver and Jim Leonhard is tied for 29th at safety.
• ESPN.com: 2010 NFL Scouting (Insider required)
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Quarterback Scott Tolzien, who was named one of six captains for the 2010 season, prepares to throw a pass during preseason practice on Aug. 24, 2010.
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Tweet(s) of the Day  |
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@JJwatt99 | My guy Kohout gettin taped up before practice... I love this kid. (Check out the facial hair) http://tweetphoto.com/41668547
Posted Aug. 27 at 8:36 a.m.
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What They're Saying on Facebook  |
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Badger fan Mary Vruwink in response to the naming of the team's captains via Coach Bielema's twitter account ... "Excellent picks!" | Badger Football on Facebook
Sophomore center Peter Konz was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List yesterday, the 11th different Badger to appear on a national award watch list this preseason.
Thursday, Aug. 26
It was a short practice for the top two units, going for only 20 periods in half-packs on Wednesday. Younger players were in full pads and went for about 24 periods.
• Practice Report | Sights and Sounds
Thursday's schedule calls for a 30-period practice in full pads at 2:35 p.m.
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Wisconsin junior running back John Clay has been named one of 49 candidates for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation's top college running back, the PricewaterhouseCoopers SMU Athletic Forum announced Wednesday.
• UWBadgers.com: Clay named as Doak Walker Award candidate
The ideal situation for the Badgers in the first few games, according to Tom Mulhern, is to get big leads, so backup quarterback Jon Budmayr can get his feet wet when the outcome is not in doubt.
• Madison.com: Chryst getting more comfortable with backup QB Budmayr
Jay Valai needs your votes as he is one of three players up for "Biggest Hitter" for the 2010 Herbie Awards. Vote below.
• ESPN.com: Herbie Awards Part I
University of Wisconsin junior free safety Aaron Henry is taking his role as "quarterback of the defense" literally, writes Tom Mulhern.
• Madison.com: Henry takes offense to safety training
Defensive end J.J. Watt is included by Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com on his list of college football Twitter accounts you should be following.
• ESPN.com: Kentrell Lockett and other must-read college football Twitter accounts
They didn't meet until this summer, but from the opening day of preseason camp, redshirt freshman Jared Abbrederis and freshman Manasseh Garner have shown they should be able to bolster the depth of Wisconsin's wide receiver corps and contribute immediately.
• JSOnline.com: Badger freshman pair are throw-to guys
The Badgers are ranked eighth in the Sporting News' preseason countdown.
• SportingNews.com: No. 8 Wisconsin
Fifth-year senior Bill Nagy has jumped back into the race for the starting spot at right guard on the Wisconsin offensive line, writes Jeff Potrykus in this notes column.
• JSOnline.com: Nagy is back in race for Badgers' right guard spot
• Madison.com: Five good minutes with Josh Oglesby
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Anna-Megan Raley of Fox Sports Houston evaluates the rookies on Houston, including tight end Garrett Graham.
• FoxSportsHouston.com: Training camp evaluations
Before training camp began, Jim Sorgi had a lock on the Giants' backup quarterback job. But the longer he stands on the sidelines, the less he feels secure. That's why Sorgi is planning a return from the torn capsule in his throwing shoulder on Monday, exactly two weeks after he first suffered the injury
• NYDailyNews.com: Worried Sorgi planning to return on Monday
• Giants.com: Transcripts - QB Jim Sorgi
Owen Daniels has been cleared to practice for Houston.
• HoustonChronicle.com: Texans hear good news: Tight end Daniels returns
Jeffrey Lewis rushes in practice on Aug. 25, 2010.
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| Tweet(s) of the Day |
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@BretBielema | Excited to announce our 2010 captains: Moffit, Carimi, Tolzien, Kendricks, St. Jean, and Valai. All will be great leaders and examples.
Posted Aug. 25 at 8:28 p.m.
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| What They're Saying on Facebook |
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Badger fan Ronald Thomas in response to 'Football "Clay named as Doak Walker Award candidate"' ... "He should be on the Heisman watch lists too." | Badger Football on Facebook
Coach Bielema announced the Badgers' 2010 captains via Twitter last night: OL John Moffitt, OL Gabe Carimi, QB Scott Tolzien, TE Lance Kendricks, LB Culmer St. Jean and SS Jay Valai (all seniors).
Wednesday, Aug. 25
After wrapping up two-a-days Monday, the Badgers returned to the field for a single practice session Tuesday afternoon and were greeted by cool temperatures inside Camp Randall.
• Practice No. 19 
| Sights and Sounds | 4 Downs with David Gilbert
The team is back with practice at 2:35 p.m. today.
Jeff Potrykus and Tom Mulhern have practice reports from Tuesday's session.
• JSOnline.com: Badgers avoid full pads in evenings
• Madison.com: Clay's two fumbles blemish on final scrimmage
Aaron Henry loves to talk, so it was surprising and telling when Henry was curiously quiet on the field at spring practice. The reason was simple. He was making the transition from cornerback to free safety and still wasn't comfortable with what he was seeing and with being able to make the proper calls to the other members of the secondary, writes Jeff Potrykus.
• JSOnline.com: Badgers' Henry making more noise at safety
Jay Valai needs your votes as he is one of three players up for "Biggest Hitter" for the 2010 Herbie Awards. Vote below.
• ESPN.com: Herbie Awards Part I
It looks like University of Wisconsin junior defensive end J.J. Watt's days of playing tight end aren't over yet, writes Tom Mulhern. Watt was lined up as part of the team's jumbo formation in a goal-line scrimmage Tuesday.
• Madison.com: Watt gets a look at tight end
Tom Mulhern caught up with Howard Griffith and Gerry DiNardo of the Big Ten Network to get their thoughts on the Badgers.
• Madison.com: Big Ten Network analysts give UW high marks
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Owen Daniels texted a Houston TV station that an MRI said he was "100%."
• MYFoxHouston.com: Great news for Texans' Daniels
While New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams warned Jonathan Casillas he would be a marked man after his coming-out party against the Patriots, Williams said that Casillas has fared well in his short time as the starter despite recording just two tackles in Saturday night's 38-20 win over the Houston Texans.
• TheAdvocate.com: Casillas emerges during camp
Carolina Panthers head coach had some thoughts on defensive tackle Nick Hayden.
• Panthers.com: Foxhole: Pleased with QBs
Wide receiver Connor Moutvic attempts to avoid a tackle by defensive back Andrew Lukasko during preseason practice on Aug. 24, 2010.
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| Tweet(s) of the Day |
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@OldSpiceClassic | Two #oldspiceclassic schools (@UGAAthletics & @badgerfootball) made the preseason AP football poll. Congrats! http://ow.ly/2tkNr
Posted Aug. 23 at 8:06 a.m.
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| What They're Saying on Facebook |
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Badger fan Julie Genin in response to 'Football "Practice Report No. 19"' ... "Can't wait for UW Football and the whole atmosphere of Camp Randall, tailgating and cheering on the Badgers." | Badgers on Facebook
Of the 11 players who lined up with UW's No. 1 defense during yesterday's practice, only two (DT Jordan Kohout and DE Louis Nzegwu) have not started a game as a Badger. However, Nzegwu has played in 21 games during his first two seasons.
Tuesday, Aug. 24
After taking Sunday off, the Badgers were back at it again Monday morning and Monday night, taking part in their final two-practice day of fall camp.
• Photos: Practice No. 17 | Photos: BTN Visit | Sights and Sounds
• Photos: Practice No. 18 | Sights and Sounds
Jeff Potrykus and Tom Mulhern each have reports to wrap up Monday practices.
• JSOnline.com: Evening update from Day 15 | UW's defense gets some help
• Madison.com: Bielema praises players for approach during two-a-days
The team's offensive line underwent a major shuffle on Monday due to injuries, writes Tom Mulhern in a notes column.
• Madison.com: Major shuffle on offensive line
Jay Valai needs your votes as he is one of three players up for "Biggest Hitter" for the 2010 Herbie Awards. Vote below.
• ESPN.com: Herbie Awards Part I
When debating the two players, Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com says Scott Tolzien is more valuable to Wisconsin than Terrelle Pryor is to Ohio State.
• ESPN.com: Which QB is more valuable?
Houston tight end Owen Daniels is having an MRI today and will meet with Dr. James Andrews tomorrow to determine if he will be available for week one.
• MYFoxHouston.com: Texans TE Daniels expects great news from doctors
P.J. Hill was competing for the No. 3 running back spot in New Orleans, but his season is now over after a triceps injury put him on injured reserve.
• NOLA.com: New Orleans Saints tailback P.J. Hill will be placed on injured reserve
Travis Beckum just recovered from a hamstring injury, but now is dealing with neck issues.
• ESPN.com: Injury Report II: Beckum has neck injury
Former Badger Anttaj Hawthorne, a member of the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League, was named second-team All-Arena.
• ArenaFootball.com: AFL announces first and second All-Arena teams
Head coach Bret Bielema talks with Big Ten Network's Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith during the filming of the Big Ten Network Football Preview on Aug. 23, 2010.
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| Tweet(s) of the Day |
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@BTNDaveRevsine | Just spent 5 minutes watching the OL. They will live up to the hype. Massive and mobile.
Posted Aug. 23 at 7:23 a.m.
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| What They're Saying on Facebook |
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Badger fan Maria Fanning Kovach in response to 'Football "Football Family Fun Day"' ... "Attended with my family for the first time ever! WE LOVED IT! The kids are so excited for the season and are already making plans to attend this next year! Thank you for a wonderful event!" | Badgers on Facebook
Quarterback Scott Tolzien, already a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, is one of 30 candidates for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.
Monday, Aug. 23
Sunday offered a break from practice for the Badgers, who used their day off to host the annual Wisconsin Football Family Fun Day inside Camp Randall.
• Photo Gallery: Family Fun Day | Sights and Sounds
The University of Wisconsin's one scrimmage open to reporters had some promising developments Saturday, especially with heretofore unknown players, writes Tom Oates.
• Madison.com: UW walk-ons open some early eyes
Jeff Potrykus filed a few reports from Monday's practice.
• JSOnline.com: Early update | Valai hopes to return to practice this week
• JSOnline.com: Outlook for UW linebacker Taylor 'really, really positive'
Freshman tight end Sherard Cadogan's strong academic background at Camden (N.J.) Catholic is paying off on the football field, too, writes Tom Mulhern.
• Madison.com: Cadogan proves a quick study
ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg puts Wisconsin at No. 3 in his list of top WR/TE units in the Big Ten.
• ESPN.com: Big Ten position rankings: WR/TE
Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge is the guy who constructed the surprisingly strong and deep front four last year and his bosses believe he can do it again despite having younger, more inexperienced tackles, writes Tom Oates.
• Madison.com: Partridge's lessons get defense in line
James White doesn't want to be labeled as a speed back. The University of Wisconsin freshman is well on his way to establishing himself as somebody who does more than just run fast.
• Madison.com: Freshman in a hurry to impress
• JSOnline.com: Freshmen give Badgers extra muscle this season
Prior to his junior year of high school, UW tight end Jake Byrne unexpectedly lost 30 pounds. He later found out that he had type 1 diabetes. Jeff Potrykus has the story of how Byrne has changed his lifestyle habits.
• JSOnline.com: UW tight end catches on to playing with diabetes
University of Wisconsin left guard John Moffitt breaks into a smile whenever "Panther" is called in the huddle. The play is designed for Moffitt to pull along the line of scrimmage and lead interference for the tailback. Mike Lucas has all the insight on what goes on in the trenches in this article.
• Madison.com: Major pull a major goal for offensive line
As a walk-on freshman last year, Ethan Hemer was just another camp body trying to fit in. A year later, he looks like an integral part of the rotation at defensive tackle.
• Madison.com: Time is right for UW's Hemer
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Tom Mulhern has practice reports from Friday.
• Madison.com: Badgers tune up for important scrimmage on Saturday afternoon
Chris Ash doesn't yet know who will start at cornerback when Wisconsin opens the season on Sept. 4 at Nevada-Las Vegas. UW's first-year secondary coach is sure, however, that he won't juggle his cornerbacks like was done last season, writes Jeff Potrykus.
• JSOnline.com: Cornerback continuity sought at UW
• Madison.com: Inconsistent Brinkley turns the corner
Senior quarterback Scott Tolzien didn't mince words after Wisconsin's No. 1 offense foundered during a variety of scrimmage situations Saturday afternoon, writes Jeff Potrykus.
• JSOnline.com: UW Offense a long way from ready | A look at UW's roster
• Madison.com: Offense can't finish what it started in scrimmage
• ESPN.com: Recapping the Big Ten scrimmages
The Badgers are ranked No. 12 in the preseason Associated Press poll and the challenge now for UW is not to end up like the majority of those other teams in recent school history that started in the top 15, writes Tom Mulhern.
• Madison.com: Exit poll? Badgers hope not
The list of players to earn preseason All-America accolades during the offseason is a pretty short and exclusive one. The list of those who have been touched by cancer during their lives, unfortunately, is much longer. That's a fact not lost on someone who fits into both categories, Wisconsin senior offensive lineman Gabe Carimi.
• UWBadgers.com: Lots of locks means lots of love from Carimi
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Garrett Graham caught the first TD pass of his pro career in a 38-20 loss to New Orleans. He finished with three catches for 32 yards and the one score. In the same game, P.J. Hill rushed for 32 yards on six carries and caught three passes for 14 yards.
• NFL.com: Graham's 10-yard touchdown
Jim Leonhard had two tackles, one sack and an interception in the New York Jets' 9-3 win over Carolina. For the Panthers, Nick Hayden had two tackles, one sack and recovered a fumble.
• NFL.com: Leonhard picks off Moore | Hayden recovers delayed fumble
For second preseason game, Michael Bennett led the Oakland Raiders in rushing, gaining 64 yards on 15 carries in the team's 32-17 win over Chicago.
• NFL.com: Oakland 32, Chicago 17
New York Giants backup quarterback Jim Sorgi is unable to make a throwing motion because of the injury to his right shoulder.
• ESPN.com: Giants QB Jim Sorgi can't throw
Center Casey Rabach was named the Washington Redskins' top offensive player for the 2009 season.
• WashingtonPost.com: Redskins Insider
WR Nick Toon catches a pass in front of FS Aaron Henry during a preseason practice on Aug. 21, 2010 .
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| Tweet(s) of the Day |
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@JJWatt99 | Byrne and Sorensen just bought a Tandem Bicycle and will be riding it to practice tomorrow... #Hilarious http://tweetphoto.com/40594306
Posted Aug. 21 at 10:27 p.m.
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| What They're Saying on Facebook |
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Badger fan Brian Stenzel in response to 'Football "Football Family Fun Day"' ... "It was awesome to meet a lot of the players. Thank you." | Badgers on Facebook
Senior quarterback Scott Tolzien, who entered last fall camp as the No. 3 QB on the depth chart, is on the preseason watch lists for the Maxwell Award, Manning Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
