2012 'Unrivaled Game' Uniforms for UW

It's safe to say there's a bit of a buzz for the new jerseys for the Badgers 'Unrivaled Game' against Nebraska on September 29th. That's bound to happen especially since Wisconsin's look is so iconic and conservative by nature and even more so since their national profile has never been higher following back-to-back Big Ten Championships and Rose Bowl appearances.

However, it's also safe to say the reaction has been mixed at best. We've seen, heard, and found them all from the simple "Yuck," to the more 'interesting' reaction of "We've found the uniform equivalent to scheduling Wofford." 

Those are the bad reactions, but it's not all bad as some love the red helmets, those in that group include Badgers running back James White, who said "I really like the helmets. The helmets are pretty sweet with the red and black face-masks." via a Youtube video released today.

Here is the full video if you want more reaction from the student-athletes themselves:

As for the positive fan reaction? Those that like them, including myself love hearkening back to the look of the 1962 team with the block W on the helmet and uniform. Sure, it's not super original or anything like that, but is original always better? (ahmm... talking to you Maryland 2012 uniforms, seriously those helmets were bad last year and they found a way to make them even worse this season!!)

It was a hard fought battle for all the services of 2013 defensive end Alec James, but early on Monday night the Brookfield (WI) East product made his verbal commitment to the Wisconsin Badgers.

Officially Committed to Playing football next year at the University of Wisconsin!! and if u aint with us u in the food chain#OnWisconsin

— Alec James (@blackXsuperman) August 6, 2012

The 6'4" 225lbs. defensive end was highly sought after with Michigan State the hottest of the other schools after his services. Other schools he held offers from reads like a who's who list of BCS schools, including the likes of Iowa State, Clemson, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Illinois, TCU, Vanderbilt, and Arizona State.

With his commitment that makes it 13 for the class of 2013 for the Badgers. He joins good friend and Brookfield Central DE Chikwe Obasih as well as defensive tackles Darius Latham and Sam Rairdon as commits on the defensive line for the 2013 class.

With James in the fold the Badgers have now secured what could arguably the single best defensive line in school history. It was already up there on the list, but with him in the fold the best single class is unquestionably in front of us.

Football season has finally arrived in Madison. Here are a few links to get you in the swing of things.

Last week, it was announced that the Badgers would be sporting alternate uniforms for their showdown with Nebraska. On Monday Adidas and the UW athletic program revealed just what the new get ups will look like.

The jerseys are part of the first annual Unrivaled Game which features two of Adidas’ top schools.

As fall camp begins, local media outlets continue to break down the 2012 team.

Tom Mulhern of the Wisconsin State Journal looks at the special teams unit for the upcoming year.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus points out 10 questions for Bret Bielema and company heading into practice.

In case you missed it earlier, here is our look at players who will be under the radar as camp begins.

One last look at the Badgers roster as we give you the most complete look at Badgers heading into camp and up last, but definitely not least are the Special Teams.

The 2012 Special Teams unit will no doubt look a lot different with the graduation of their punter, kicker, and long snapper from last season.

Probable Starters: 

K - Kyle French (RS So., 6'1", 193lbs.)

P - Drew Meyer (RS Fr., 6'2", 182lbs.)

LS - James McGuire/ Connor Uldenhoven

Thoughts on the Unit: 

Change is completely afoot surrounding this unit in 2012. From rule changes, to new players, to new coaches. 

First up the Badgers are replacing the entire starting unit for the first time since the 2008 season. Realistically, Wisconsin fans have been spoiled by not having to replace players at these key positions at the same time, it's a luxury not many schools have been afforded.

Wisconsin football finally gets it's start as they open up fall training camp with the first practice of the season later today. We've broken down all the positions and the main players, but it seems like more often than not there are a few players that really spark interest and move up the depth chart. So, with that in mind we give you our "Under-the-Radar" Players to Watch.

Both Nate Woelfel and Andy Coppens give you five players each will be keeping an eye on that have a chance to be major players by the time camp concludes.

Nate's Five Players to Watch: 

Vince Biegel (Fr, LB)- This may seem far-fetched considering how notable returning starters Mike Taylor and Chris Borland are, however, a good camp could put the Wisconsin native in position to be a backup during his freshman campaign. Regardless, the development of Biegel will be a key part of the future of the linebacker corps.

Kyle Costigan (So, G)- There is no doubt that, coming into the season, there are some question marks on the right side of the offensive line. As of now, it appears as though the right guard duties will fall upon the shoulders of walk-on Robert Burge who is capable, but not proven. After appearing in three games on the defensive line a year ago, Costigan jumps sides in hopes of giving the Badgers a little depth. If he is called upon, he will need to be ready.

Tyler Marz (Fr, T)- More uncertainty on the right side of the offensive line could lead to another opportunity for an underclassmen to step in. There is no doubt that current right tackle Rob Havenstein has loads of potential. Havenstein appeared in 13 games a season ago and made one start, but offseason shoulder surgery caused him to miss out on spring ball. If health becomes an issue, Marz could be more than a serviceable replacement. The redshirt freshman has proven that he is willing to work; he was named the 2011 scout team player of the year.

Last week on Thursday the Badgers picked up a huge commitment for the 2014 class, coming from Sturgis (MI) quarterback Chance Stewart. We were able to speak to him this weekend on the process and what made him commit this soon.

We all know how great of a college town Madison is and as Bielema has said many times, it's all about getting the kids on campus. Apparently that was part of it for Stewart, a 4 star QB and one of, if not the best QB in the Midwest in the class.

"The reason I chose Wisconsin was the fact that It just felt like home, I really like the coaching staff and the town is just awesome," said Stewart on his commitment to Wisconsin.

But just what was the moment that things tipped all the way to the Badgers?

"The deciding factor was the visit Tuesday," said Stewart. "That pretty much sealed the deal. And I knew I wanted to be a badger after that."

He continued, "And I wanted to commit on the visit but the parents wanted me to sleep on it and wait 48 hours."

He has also stated that Wisconsin will be his choice even if Michigan were to offer in the future. The Wolverines were mentioned as one of his top schools to us earlier this summer, but clearly the Badgers were in front from the get-go and the commitment late last week confirms just that.

Hard to believe, but we are nearly down to the 30's on our Summer long journey through the things that make college sports great!

Last up on the countdown was the Bedlam Series between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Today, it's a rivalry every bit as hot, but one that plays out on the ice around the Boston area.

No. 42 - Boston College vs. Boston University (D1 Hockey):

When you say BU vs. BC - well, in college hockey terms, you've nearly said it all. While the WCHA has some of the most bitter games and rivalries in the game these two schools crank it up a notch or ten. Heck, Sports Illustrated called it the "best rivalry in sports" back in 2005. I'd say that's a good enough reason to rank it high on our list alone, but there's so much depth to it.

First off, they share a city and second off they share the same street in that city - Commonwealth Ave and are separated by only 5 miles. Lastly, Boston College is a catholic school while Boston University is a nonsectarian private college that is historically tied to the United Methodist Church. So, you've got the whole catholics vs. protestants thing going on.

So, as you can see the makeups of these schools make conditions ripe for a rivalry already.

On the ice these are two very successful schools, making a combined 18 NCAA Championship game appearances. That includes the famous 1978 final that saw these two schools take each other on with BU winning 5-3. It was the Terriers 3rd national championship.

With players and staff reporting for fall camp tomorrow, we've come to the end of our positional previews series and it's only fitting that we end with the group that holds the key to the Wisconsin offense - the offensive line.

It's a unit full of talent, but with a lot of question marks heading into Monday's first practice thanks to departures, ineligibility, and injury. So, let's dive right into things on our final position group!

Probable Starters: 

RT: Rob Havenstein (RS So., 6'8", 343lbs.)

RG: Robert Burge/Kyle Costigan/Dallas Lewellan

C: Travis Frederick (RS Jr., 6'4", 328lbs.)

LG: Ryan Groy (RS Jr., 6'5", 322lbs.)

LT: Ricky Wagner (RS Sr., 6'322lbs.)

Thoughts on the Unit: 

The more things change, the more they stay the same? That is the question that must be answered by the 2012 offensive line group. Once again the Badgers are replacing - I mean reloading on the offensive line after Peter Konz and Kevin Zeitler were selected in the draft and Josh Oglesby signed a free agent contract. 

ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg continued his countdown of the top players in the Big Ten on Friday and Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis came in at No. 21. Abbrederis joins teammate Mike Taylor as the second Badger listed in the top-25.

We're into part 7 of our camp previews today and before we go any further here's the other six previews for your viewing pleasure:

• Defensive Backs
• Linebackers
• Defensive Line
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Quarterbacks

Of course today we'll be breaking down what's probably the most famous and important position at Wisconsin - the running backs.

Starter: 

Montee Ball (Sr., 5'11", 212lbs.): 1,923yds rushing, 39TD's (+ 1 passing TD), 2,229yds from scrimmage (led the nation in all three categories).

Thoughts on the Unit: 

Camp is sure to provide a ton of opportunities as we all know the news of Montee (errr MON-TAY) Ball being assaulted and his resulting facial injuries and concussion. He should be able to go during their prep for week one opponent Northern Iowa, but he'll be taking camp off.

It's not too big of a deal unless Ball is somehow still having concussion issues into the season. Let's face it, Ball wasn't going to get a ton of carries in camp to begin with. They held him out during most of spring to save his body and we were likely to see more protection of his body in camp to begin with.