No. 9 Wisconsin released its preliminary injury report on Monday, showing five players listed as questionable. They include starting guards Beau Benzschawel and Jon Dietzen (both listed with right leg ailments), running back Bradrick Shaw (also right leg), kicker P.J. Rosowski (yup, you guessed it, right leg), and safety Patrick Johnson (left arm).

The injuries to Dietzen and Benzschawel are of the most interest and possibly the most concerning. Benzschawel was injured during Saturday’s win over Florida Atlantic. Redshirt junior Micah Kapoi took over for Benzschawel at right guard against the Owls.

Dietzen was dinged up a bit during fall camp and was also out during spring practices. He did play in Wisconsin’s first two games this season. He and BenzschawelBenzschawel are still listed on the Badgers’ depth chart released as starting guards, though Kapoi has experience at both positions. Redshirt sophomores Jason Erdmann and David Moorman are listed as second-team right guards.

Redshirt sophomore Zach Hintze replaced Rosowski on Saturday and performed well, registering four of his six kickoffs as touchbacks. A walk-on from Fond du Lac, Wis. (St. Mary’s Springs), Hintze said Rosowski injured himself during Thursday’s practice.

Listed as out for this week’s match-up against BYU are running back Taiwan Deal (right leg), defensive end Chikwe Obasih (left leg), wide receiver George Rushing (left leg), and fullback Jake Whalen (head).

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Kendric Pryor, who sustained facial injuries in a moped accident during fall camp, is off the injury report.

Wisconsin’s full Week 3 injury list:

Questionable

• OL Beau Benzschawel (right leg)
• OL Jon Dietzen (right leg)
• S Patrick Johnson (left arm)
• K P.J. Rosowski (right leg)
• RB Bradrick Shaw (right leg)

Out

• RB Taiwan Deal (right leg)
• DE Chikwe Obasih (left leg)
• WR George Rushing (left leg)
• FB Jake Whalen (head)

Out for season

UW’s first regular-season two-deep lists some intriguing players on the edge of receiving playing time. They include the likes of four true freshmen, as well as various special teamers and some players at positions where the coaching staff perceives depth to be questionable after injuries.

Since head coach Paul Chryst announced Jack Coan as the No. 2 quarterback last week, possibly the biggest call-out for the offense is the insertion of true freshman running back Jonathan Taylor as part of the first-team offense with redshirt sophomore Bradrick Shaw, redshirt junior Chris James, and Taylor listed with the “OR” notation.

“I think that we were certainly excited when Jonathan came here and then as camp progressed—and when you keep adding more and more to their plate, and with freshman in general that they can handle it—that gives you a good indication,” head coach Paul Chryst said. “Certainly he’s talented and we feel good about the number of guys at that position that will contribute.

“It progressed through camp, and I think [in] the first young-guy scrimmage, he did some good things and earned the right to get some reps with the ones and the twos.”

Taylor’s breakout performance appeared to be during a scrimmage in which linebacker T.J. Edwards admitted on Sunday he “torched” the defense twice.

“In the scrimmage, this dude, Jonathan—I call him ‘Beast Mode’—he took one on us the first play for like 60 [yards] against the ones,” safety D’Cota Dixon said on Sunday. “I was like, dang. Kid’s got some juice.”

With injuries to senior George Rushing (left leg) and Kendric Pryor (face), wide receiver Danny Davis is listed behind starter Quintez Cephus. Before practices were closed to the media, the true freshman from Springfield, Ohio, showed the ability to contribute early on.

“Danny Davis was a guy who I thought who was making plays from day one,” Edwards said. “He’s a big-play guy.”

The first-team offensive line is set with the exception of left guard, where it appears both redshirt sophomore Jon Dietzen and redshirt junior Micah Kapoi are listed with the “OR” designation. Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph said a couple of weeks ago that Dietzen was working through something but didn’t miss a practice. Kapoi is versatile and would immediately plug in if needed. Michael Deiter indeed starts at left tackle, with redshirt freshman Tyler Biadasz asserting himself at center.

The defensive line appears set and wasn’t too unpredictable outside of Billy Hirschfeld being left off the depth chart in favor of redshirt freshman Isaiahh Loudermilk, with Alec James and Chikwe Obasih sharing one of the first-team defensive end positions.

With the season-ending injury to redshirt sophomore Zack Baun, the Badgers will have to rely upon walk-on Tyler Johnson to slide into Baun’s spot at outside linebacker. Chryst praised Johnson on Sunday.

“I think when he came here, he really hadn’t play a lot of defense, period,” Chryst said. “[He’s] a guy who has a tremendous amount of respect from everyone on the team, coaches and players, because of the way he works and approaches it. So I think he’s put himself in position to grow and truly earn the opportunity that will be there for him. Also at that position, when you’re talking about depth, it’s been [good] to get Christian Bell back into things, and it’ll be interesting to see how he progresses.”

Edwards also echoed Chryst’s praise for Johnson on Sunday.

“Johnny, yeah, he’s been playing really well,” Edwards said. “I think even last year he was a guy who progressed a lot. Even this spring, he was playing very well. This summer camp, he’s made a lot of plays, a lot of good plays. He’s done some really good things on special teams, so he’s going to see a good amount of time on the field, and I’m excited for him. He works really hard, so he’s earned it.”

According to the released depth chart, Edwards and redshirt junior Ryan Connelly appear locked in as the first-team inside linebackers. Connelly a former walk-on, worked his way back from an injury during fall camp.

“I think Ryan’s played really well, I think that he’s playing fast, he’s trusting himself, and I think he’s a really good football player,” Chryst said. “Certainly, we think Chris [Orr] is a good football player, too, but Ryan, he’s looks comfortable and he’s played. I think that experience of playing and starting has helped him in his preparation.”

Edwards did acknowledge there was more settling to be done on the depth chart within the inside linebackers. Edwards, Connelly, and Orr will all be counted upon this season to replace Jack Cichy.

“We don’t know who’s the starters yet,” Edwards said. “We don’t know even know who the ones are at all, but I think us three have just gotten better each week. Ryan and Chris do things better than I do, and I think I do some things better than they do, so we all kind of feed off of each other and we all make each other better. It’s good to have those guys in the room just to feed off of them and see what they see to give yourself a better advantage.”

Cornerback is set with Nick Nelson and Derrick Tindal starting. The only remaining question is who will play the third defensive back spot in nickel packages: Dontye Carriere-Williams or Lubern Figaro?

Chryst feels good about his specialists with many players returning, but there is one true freshman who will play on Friday in his first-ever collegiate game: long snapper Adam Bay.

“I think Adam’s done a good job in camp and has gotten an understanding of really what that position entails,” Chryst said. “As far the kickers, [Rafael Gagalianone] has had a good camp, [kickoff specialist P.J. Rosowski’s] done a nice job. [Punter] Anthony Lotti, I think, is getting better.”

It appears cornerback Nelson will be the primary punt returner with wide receiver A.J. Taylor getting the nod as the No. 1 kickoff returner. Jazz Peavy, who returned punts last season, is the No. 2 returner in that category.

During the first two weeks of fall camp, the transfer from Hawaii showcased his abilities against Wisconsin’s passing game. Whether it’s a pass break-up during team drills or an interception near the sidelines—such as the one he recorded on Aug. 12 during the last camp practice open to reporters—there have been recurring flashes of Nelson’s skill set that could lead to an all-conference season in his first year in the Big Ten.

“He just makes plays, he makes some astonishing plays,” redshirt sophomore linebacker Chris Orr said on Thursday. “I think he caught a one-handed pick in traffic on a dig, and that was one of the best interceptions I’ve seen in my career, so he’s going to make some splash plays.”

Nelson’s emergence as a potential lockdown cornerback in tandem with senior Derrick Tindal will be an intriguing storyline to watch in 2017 for a secondary losing key starters in cornerback Sojourn Shelton and free safety Leo Musso.

The production seen from Nelson as a Badger has been limited to non-game experience after transferring last season, but there is a lot to like about what the 5’11, 204-pound redshirt junior brings to the defense.

After the April 21 spring game, redshirt quarterback Alex Hornibrook gushed about Nelson, who he has had to face often in practices over the past two seasons.

“I played against him everyday last year when we were running our offense and he was on scout team because he couldn’t play. He would be jumping routes,” Hornibrook said. “I just thought it was because he knew what route they were running, but he’s still doing it right now and it’s not because what route they were running. It’s because of his anticipation and just his natural ball skills.

“He’s a great corner and I can’t wait to watch him play this fall.”

It’s not like Nelson came out of nowhere, though. He played in 23 games (21 starts) over two seasons at Hawaii. Against Wisconsin on Sept. 26, 2015, Nelson recorded nine tackles and a pass break-up. That season, he registered 53 tackles and 15 pass break-ups.

“Honestly, I think the ceiling is very, very high, because just you see him everyday he goes out there, just the confidence continues to rise and rise,” defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Jim Leonhard said on Aug. 12. “He came in very good technically. He did a lot of things naturally that you got to spend a lot of time coaching, and in just over a year, you can just see how locked in he is everyday.”

“His mentality—he makes receivers play up to his level or he’s going to embarrass them,” Leonhard said. “That’s kind of his mentality, which is awesome for a corner. He works on the little subtleties of his game. It’s not just going in and putting in a day ever, which is fun. I’m excited to watch him play because he’s ready.”

When asked on Thursday about Leonhard’s comments, Nelson expressed that mentality once again.

“I feel like we got to raise the bar. We’re just competing,” he said. “I feel like I got to get them better, and they got to get me better, so we’re just competing.”

There is competition every practice between Wisconsin’s defensive backs and its wide receivers. Lining up across the line of scrimmage from them in fall camp, Nelson likes what he sees from wide receiver coach Ted Gilmore’s group.

“They mix it up,” Nelson said. “We watch film together. Say, I make a play on them, on this, I’ll be like, ‘You should have stacked me more,’ and that’s what’s helped us. And they’ve gotten way better, so it’s like every day you got to bring it.”

Another intriguing factor for Nelson could be on special teams. During practices open to the media, the cornerback fielded punts along with wide receivers Jazz Peavy, Kendric Pryor, Jack Dunn, Danny Davis, and Cade Green. Peavy, who missed some time in camp due to a left leg injury, returned 17 kicks in 2016 for under six yards per attempt. Nelson averaged 7.4 yards per punt return in 19 attempts in 2015 for Hawaii.

Leonhard knows a thing or two about this phase of the game as well. He still holds the UW record for most career punt return yards (1,347) and most career returns (105) from his All-American days in Madison. In the NFL, he averaged 9.2 yards per punt return on 108 attempts. Eleven of those went beyond 20 yards.

“Very natural catching the ball, which is always the first thing, obviously, and I think he could be special with the ball in his hands,” Leonhard said. “He’s got obviously a lot of skill, so looking forward to it. But I think the number one thing is you just see he’s got a lot of comfort in being back there and catching it, and I don’t think he’s going to panic when guys get close to him and I’m excited what he can do this season.”

There are other players competing for that spot, but Leonhard believes the team has options at punt returner, something he said the Badgers may not have had many of in recent years.

Knowing Nelson’s mindset of playing cornerback, what’s his mentality of being a punt returner?

“Catch the ball first,” Nelson said with a laugh. “Catch the ball first and just get to your block and get to your wall and make a play. That’s it.”

Nelson has not yet stepped foot on the Camp Randall Stadium turf for a game-time snap, but his potential for success is undeniable. After his performance in fall camp practices open to the media, he might just be the worst-kept secret on the Wisconsin roster.

“Nick a beast. People are going to be shocked this year,” Orr said. “There’s not going to be a drop off at all in the secondary. It’ll be nice. I’m excited about the season to see what he’s going to do. It’s going to be fun.”

Looking at position changes and attrition, not many unexpected changes took place. As noted in our position previews, Tyler Johnson moved back to outside linebacker from inside linebacker.

Senior Lubern Figaro is officially listed as as a cornerback now after he was a safety during the spring. Granted, he played that position throughout the spring and last season. The battle for the third corner spot should be intriguing between Figaro and redshirt freshman Dontye Carriere-Williams.

Redshirt freshman Christian Volpentesta is now listed as a cornerback rather than a defensive back. True freshman walk-on Coy Wanner—originally brought in as an “athlete” on National Signing Day—begins his Wisconsin career at tight end.

UW also released its practice schedule on Thursday. Camp starts July 29.

Here’s more from the new roster.

Roster attrition

It was previously confirmed that outside linebacker Max Praschak and former tight end/defensive end Jake Hescock would no longer be with the program. Here’s the full list of those no longer with the Badgers:

Notable weight changes from spring practices

A UW official told B5Q in the spring that the players’ weights are updated on its roster twice a year: once after winter conditioning before spring practices, and around this time before fall camp.

There were some significant increases on Thursday’s roster. Redshirt sophomore running back Bradrick Shaw jumped 12 pounds to 220, technically making him heavier than backfield mate Chris James by a pound. Junior inside linebacker Arrington Farrar continues to fill in his body following his move from safety and is now at 237 pounds.

Senior outside linebacker Leon Jacobs gained seven pounds to 245, a solid weight at the position.

Three possible contributors to the defensive line have bulked up from the spring:

• DE Chikwe Obasih: up eight pounds to 275
• DE Billy Hirschfeld (still listed as DE and not NT): up five pounds to 305
• DE Isaiahh Loudermilk: up 10 pounds to 306

On offense, tight end Kyle Penniston was listed at 244 pounds, seven pounds heavier than in the spring, when position coach Mickey Turner told B5Q that he wanted Penniston to put on a little more size and strength. It appears he’s done that.

A few potential offensive line contributors continued adding mass to their respective frames, including Patrick Kasl (up 10 pounds to 325), Tyler Biadasz (up nine pounds to 316), David Moorman (up nine pounds to 314), and David Edwards (up nine pounds to 315).

Redshirt junior guard Micah Kapoi dropped nine pounds from his listed spring weight to 326.

Here’s a list of other noticeable weight changes:

• S Patrick Johnson: down 10 pounds from 214 to 204
• CB Titus Booker: up eight pounds to 195
• QB Karé Lyles: down 12 pounds to 212
• RB Mark Saari: up 12 pounds to 219
• CB Caesar Williams: up seven pounds to 183
• WR Adam Krumholz: up 10 pounds to 201
• FB Aaron Maternowski: down 10 pounds to 235
• OLB Noah Burks: down 10 pounds to 230
• ILB Ryan Connnelly: down seven pounds to 228
• ILB Griffin Grady: up seven pounds to 225
• OLB Izayah Green-May: up six pounds to 217
• DE David Pfaff: up eight pounds to 275
• NT Gunnar Roberge: up 12 pounds to 304
• OL Jason Erdmann: up 12 pounds to 337
• LS Josh Berghagen: down seven pounds to 236

Number changes

• S Patrick Johnson: No. 22 to No. 2
• WR Kendrick Pryor: No. 27 to No. 3
• WR A.J. Taylor: No. 84 to No. 4 (as noted last week)
• S Joe Ferguson: No. 36 to No. 8 (as noted last week)
• WR Jack Dunn: No. 18 to No. 16
• CB Christian Volpentesta: No. 42 to No. 27
• RB Garrett Groshek: No. 14 to No. 37
• OLB Noah Burks: No. 51 to No. 41
• OLB Andrew Van Ginkel: No. 17 to No. 42
• OLB Christian Bell: No. 49 to No. 55

New additions

The rest of the class of 2017 is finally on the roster, along with graduate transfer Rachid Ibrahim. Here’s the full breakdown:

• WR Danny Davis III (Springfield, Ohio): No. 6 (6’0, 186 pounds)
• RB Rachid Ibrahim (graduate transfer): No. 9 (6’0, 195 pounds)
• QB Danny Vanden Boom (Kimberly, Wis.): No. 15 (6’5, 197 pounds)
• WR Cade Green (Austin, Texas): No. 22 (5’11, 185 pounds)
• RB Jonathan Taylor (Salem, N.J.): No. 23 (5’11, 214 pounds)
• S Scott Nelson (Detroit, Mich.): No. 25 (6’2, 194 pounds)
• TE Coy Wanner (Green Bay, Wis.): No. 30 (6’3, 247 pounds); walk-on
• S Tyler Mais (Waunakee, Wis.): No. 31 (6’1, 202 pounds); walk-on
• ILB Jake Collinsworth (Merrill, Wis.): No. 32 (6’1, 225 pounds); walk-on
• RB Hunter Johnson (Darlington, Wis.): No. 36 (6’0, 209 pounds); walk-on
• ILB Ethan Cesarz (Delavan, Wis.): No. 37 (6’0, 237 pounds); walk-on
• WR Sam DeLany (Delafield, Wis.): No. 38 (5’10, 162 pounds); walk-on
• LS Adam Bay (Mesa, Ariz): No. 51 (6’0, 224 pounds)
• DE Michael Balistreri (Grafton, Wis.): No. 57 (6’4, 273 pounds); walk-on
• OL Logan Bruss (Kimberly, Wis.): No. 60 (6’5, 281 pounds)
• OL Tyler Beach (Grafton, Wis.): No. 65 (6’6, 290 pounds)
• DE Aaron Vopal (De Pere, Wis.): No. 69 (6’6, 298 pounds)
• OL Josh Seltzner (Columbus, Wis.): No. 70 (6’4, 313 pounds); walk-on
• OL Alex Fenton (Menomonie, Wis.): No. 73 (6’4, 299 pounds)
• OL Blake Smithback (Waunakee, Wis.): No. 77 (6’2, 292 pounds); walk-on
• WR Emmet Perry (Grand Prairie, Texas): No. 82 (6’2, 184 pounds)
• TE Jake Ferguson (Madison, Wis.): No. 84 (6’5, 230 pounds)
• DE Matt Henningsen (Menomonee Falls, Wis.): No. 94 (6’3, 275 pounds); walk-on
• K Collin Larsh (Marshall, Wis.): No. 98 (5’10, 182 pounds); walk-on

[Update, 7:20 p.m. CST: A UW official on Thursday night corrected B5Q on how Wisconsin updates the players’ weights each year. Though the players are weighed far more often, the program will update their weight only twice per year as noted above. B5Q apologizes for the confusion].

Who’s caught our eye so far this spring?

After Friday’s scrimmage, the Wisconsin Badgers have conducted nine of 15 allowed practices for their 2017 spring sessions.

Spring camp is the time for players to learn more on both sides of the ball and test their limits. Position changes allow athletes and coaches to experiment and strengthen particular groups or plug holes created by injuries.

A number of Badgers have taken advantage of their opportunities and could take momentum into summer conditioning and fall camp in August. Here’s a list of players B5Q feels have impressed nearly two-thirds of the way through spring ball.

Running back Chris James

It’s just spring and I’m not a fan of providing fuel to the hype train [yes, another disclaimer], but there’s something special when the Pitt transfer has the ball in his hands—particularly out of the backfield in the passing game.

James’s top-line speed and agility may be second-to-none on the team, and a Wisconsin offense looking to take the next step in its revolution under head coach Paul Chryst could heavily benefit from a player that can hit a home run out of a single. Case in point: his 48-yard reception on Friday that included a shake of a defender that allowed him to gain many yards after the catch.

James also looks the part after bulking up to 216 pounds (though he’s near 220 now) and despite that size, he still has maintained the ability to juke someone out of their practice pads.

Position coach John Settle said the starter at running back has not been decided, although James appears to lead for the third-down back spot. That doesn’t really mean James would primarily be used just on that down—it could just be one of his many roles.

“I think Bradrick’s, what he did last year and learning from it, I think he’s taking some strides forward, and I think it’s been a good spring for Chris,” Chryst said on Friday. “He’s getting a lot of work and doing some good things, and then there’s areas he’s got to improve on. He’s no different than anyone else, he’s got to take advantage of these next six practices.”

If James shows he can run between the tackles like Shaw and combines that with his pass-catching and blocking abilities, Wisconsin may have another complete back on its hands.

That should terrify Big Ten defenses.

Quarterback Alex Hornibrook

The defense may have played better this past week, but the southpaw starter has shown significantly improved arm strength and tighter “zip” on the ball from last season.

Hornibrook has also continued to showcase a pretty, accurate deep pass to his receiving targets during spring camp, something that turned heads last year and garnered him significant playing time in 2016.

After his winter and spring break training with quarterback guru George Whitfield, Jr., Hornibrook could be poised for a breakout season in leading a potent offense with multiple threats.

There have been some multiple-interception practices, but again, spring is the time to challenge your limits. Some of Hornibrook’s picks have also been off of dropped passes or pass break-ups that were popped up into the air.

Regardless, B5Q is high on the Malvern, Pa., native.

Wisconsin QB Alex Hornibrook on spring break training, arm strength (B5Q/YouTube)

Wide receivers Quintez Cephus and Kendric Pryor

Gone is Robert Wheelwright, who impressed at pro day in Madison last month, and a new complement to redshirt senior Jazz Peavy will be needed. Those who could see their roles increase further in 2017 include senior George Rushing and three second-year players: sophomores Cephus and A.J. Taylor and redshirt freshman Pryor.

Before missing the past week due to the tragic shooting death of his father, Cephus performed very well on the practice field. The 6’1, 201-pound receiver can catch the ball, run the jet/Jazz sweep, and as seen last year, block well enough for a long touchdown run in a key game. From watching practice—and maybe it’s not best to look too deep into it during the spring—he feels like the right player to start opposite Peavy against Utah State on Sept. 1.

Pryor did not play last year, but the Illinois native has made some plays this spring, reeling in multiple catches during a practice primarily with the second-team and taking a jet sweep himself for a long gain during last week’s scrimmage.

On Friday, received some reps with the first-team offense at points.

How he continues his development in fall camp should be interesting, especially when trying to lock down the fifth wide receiver spot and competing against an influx of talent from four-star recruit Danny Davis and Austin, Texas, wide receiver Cade Green.

Tight end Zander Neuville

Redshirt senior (and fellow former walk-on) Troy Fumagalli should be an all-conference pick at tight end this season barring injury or unforeseen circumstances, but Neuville has been a pleasant surprise this spring at a relatively new position.

After transitioning between the defensive line and tight end in 2016, Neuville appears full go on offense, and he’s made the most of it. He isn’t just blocking as that “hand in the ground” tight end as seen previously with the likes of Brian Wozniak and Jake Byrne.

At times this spring, he’s shown the ability to make catches down the field, including one down the seam during Friday’s scrimmage that went for over 50 yards.

If his development continues, it can only help a group stockpiled with talent in Fumagalli and redshirt sophomore Kyle Penniston.

“He’s really embracing tight end now. It’s not just something he’s trying to get through that play,” tight ends coach Mickey Turner said on Tuesday about Neuville’s progression. “His knowledge has grown tremendously. I was telling somebody earlier, he has a 3.9 GPA. He takes tough courses in chemistry, organic chemistry—he comes in with some of these notes and they’re incredible—so he has the capacity to grow and grow and grow. And then you throw it into a body that’s pretty darn big and strong and powerful, and it’s a nice thing to have on your side.

“His confidence level has really grown a lot this spring. In the season, when he knew what he was doing, we’d see him flash and hit somebody pretty good or make a good play. If he didn’t, he played slow. For Z, now he’s feeling comfortable with a lot of the offense, so he’s letting it go a lot more.”

Center Tyler Biadasz

From the practices B5Q has attended, it appears the redshirt freshman has earned a place with the first-team offense, allowing starting center Michael Deiter to move to left guard. Micah Kapoi has also received a good chunk of reps at that same guard position.

Biadasz has held his own when rotated in, and he’s bulked up to 307 pounds—up 16 pounds since the start of last season.

We’ll see how left guard Jon Dietzen returns during fall camp, but the Amherst native’s emergence could allow greater depth to form with another big guy physically ready. That’s something that hasn’t been seen the past two seasons with injuries decimating the ranks of the offensive line, forcing offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph to become creative.

Honorable mention: Fumagalli, running back Bradrick Shaw, left tackle David Edwards

If McGinn’s report is true, how does this affect the All-American’s NFL draft stock?

A Wisconsin All-American and potential NFL first-round draft pick could have surgery after the Cotton Bowl, according to a report.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn reported on Saturday evening that left tackle Ryan Ramczyk “will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip” after UW’s Jan. 2 match-up against the undefeated Western Michigan Broncos (h/t Zach Heilprin, Tom Oates). McGinn received the information from some NFL teams’ personnel.

Ramczyk jumped in and excelled at the left tackle spot for Wisconsin’s offense in 2016. The 6’6, 314-pound redshirt junior was honored as a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection, then was selected as a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News and USA Today. He also received a Walter Camp second-team All-American honor nod.

Here’s the full post about Ramczyk from McGinn’s article:

Probably the next left tackle is Wisconsin junior Ryan Ramczyk (6-5, 315), who stunned scouts by playing extremely well against Louisiana State in his major-college debut. He played for UW-Stevens Point in 2013-’14 before red-shirting at UW last year.

“LSU has good edge guys and I was saying, ‘Who the heck is the left tackle?’” said another scout. “He matches up with people stride for stride athletically. I was shocked.”

Ramczyk, according to teams, will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip after the Badgers’ bowl game.

“It’s a four-month (injury),” said one scout. “He’s very talented. I think he will come out. He’s deciding that right now.”

There was a question if Ramczyk would leave a year early, though many thought he would declare for the NFL Draft after his impressive season. There’s been talk of the Stevens Point native being a first-round draft selection. Pro Football Focus even listed him as going to the San Diego Chargers at No. 10 in their mock draft this month.

As both Heilprin and Oates noted if the report is confirmed, Ramczyk would presumably miss the NFL Combine, Wisconsin’s pro day and any pre-draft workouts — all of which could increase his stock further.

The highlights from Chryst’s Monday press conference.

MADISON — The No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers are one game away from a Big Ten championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Standing in their way are the resurgent Penn State Nittany Lions.

Ranked No. 8 in the AP Top 25 and No. 7 in the playoff rankings, the Nittany Lions average almost 37 points per game and gain about 430 yards per contest.

Defensively, Penn State is fourth in the Big Ten in total defense, allowing fewer than 350 yards per game.

“They won eight games in a row and I think there’s a team that’s developing, growing,” Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst said Monday when asked if he’s seen a much-improved Penn State team on film. “You see it. I think they’re playing at a high level, they’re confident. I think in many ways present challenges. Offensively, they’re explosive both in the rushing game and passing game. Defensively, they play a lot of guys and put a lot of pressure on offenses. Special teams, you see their athletic ability. I think they’re playing at a high level—really good football players, obviously very well-coached and playing with confidence.”

Here are the highlights from Chryst’s press conference:

On when he thought the Badgers could be good, and if it was during spring ball like a player noted earlier: “I felt we had some good things going. I think for me, when you go through spring football and fall camp, you’re still going against each other, but yet i think what they’re saying is when it’s good football. Yet I think it’s not until you play against a team, and I also think it’s not until you overcome adversity. That’s what fun about a season is there’s so many things that come your way and how you handle it, how you approach each day. To me, the more they stay consistent in their approach, and the way they competed and played, that’s when I felt like it’s a pretty neat group right here.”

On Sojourn Shelton’s progress over the last two seasons: “I’ve loved and appreciated being around ‘So’ and seeing him continuing to grow. It really didn’t spend time talking with him with what happened before—it’s how you go forward. I think he’s done a great job having a purpose to just getting better. And when you do that, and I think he’s taken coaching last year from Daronte [Jones] and this year from Jimmy [Leonhard] and applying it—you gotta go out and you gotta do it. He’s done that. I’ve loved seeing the development of Sojourn, and have appreciated being around him for two years. It’s been fun.”

On Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley: “Very impressed. I remember talking about him—it was a few weeks back—we were just getting ready for someone else, but you saw him. There’s a guy that loved the way that he competes, plays the position. He does so many things to extend plays. Looks like he’s gaining confidence and going. He’s got weapons around him. I’m really impressed with him.”

If redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook can’t play Saturday, and something happens to Bart Houston, who’s the backup? “We’ll be alright.”

Was there a defining moment for the team this season? “We haven’t been in a reflection mode. You try to just take the day and hit it head on and enjoy it and go forward. I’m sure when we look back, they’ll be some, but for me, the defining part of this group is they’re a group that likes to play football and they care about each other.”

On Houston: “Bart does a great job of being in the moment, and like we were saying, he cares about this team and has confidence in himself. Wants to contribute and believes he can contribute and help. I don’t know, we look at all those things—are we more productive with different combinations or different play calls or whatever those circumstances are? I think that one thing I have enjoyed and appreciated from Bart is I think he is having fun playing the game. When you play the game, you’re understanding situations and you’re trying to do it the right way. I think, no doubt, he’s given us a spark a number of times, and it’s good to see.”

On working to eliminate drops: “I think it all comes down to you want to play good football, and that’s part of it—is catching the football. If you want to give yourself the best chance to be the best team we can be, you’ve got to throw the ball to the right people, you gotta catch the ball, you gotta block, you gotta tackle. If you’re in man-to-man, you’ve got to play the man. All of those things are really important.”

On intercepting passes (21, leading the nation) and what he could pinpoint: “I think it’s always a number of reasons for it. It’s guys finishing the play. They work on it, and they spend a lot of time doing that. I think it’s often times making the quarterback uncomfortable. There’s a pass rush involved. I think the coaches have done a great job of not just practicing and stressing takeaways but kind of the approach to looking for the opportunities and seizing it. Whether it’s playing eyes, or playing situations, but in the end, it comes down to kids finishing, kids making plays. Credit goes to them, and they start believing it and looking or it. It kind of keeps building and building. Each week, you got a clean slate—we don’t have any takeaways yet this week, and as we know, if you can do that, it sure helps your team.”

The Badgers keep on climbing.

Wisconsin moved up to No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings unveiled by the selection committee on Tuesday evening.

The Badgers (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten) jumped one spot after their 49-20 win at Purdue on Saturday, with Louisville losing to Houston.

Four Big Ten teams are in the top 10 of the rankings, with No. 2 Ohio State (10-1, 9-1), No. 3 Michigan (10-1, 9-1) and No. 7 Penn State (9-2, 7-1) joining Wisconsin.

Wisconsin plays Minnesota (8-3, 5-3) on Saturday for a Big Ten West division title and Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

Below are the full rankings, as captured from ESPN’s broadcast:

Bucky’s sitting in a solid spot.

OK, OK. Raise your hand if, before the start of the 2016 season, that the Wisconsin Badgers would be in contention or would be sniffing for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Seriously.

The College Football Playoff committee released its first set of rankings on Tuesday evening, and Wisconsin (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) was announced as No. 8 in its Top 25, ahead of Auburn and Nebraska.

The first four currently are the following programs:

• No. 1 Alabama
• No. 2 Clemson
• No. 3 Michigan
• No. 4 Texas A&M

Five Big Ten teams rank in the Top 12 of the selection committee’s list. The Wolverines are ahead of the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes, No. 8 Badgers, No. 10 Nebraska Cornhuskers and No. 12 Penn State Nittany Lions.

There’s still plenty of time for upsets and shake-ups. Wisconsin has to take care of business first, starting this week against a Northwestern squad in Evanston that played very well against the Buckeyes in a 24-20 loss in Columbus.

“I think they matter to a lot of people, and there’s a lot of attention with it,” head coach Paul Chryst said on Monday when asked if the playoff rankings matter at this point in the season. “I think for our team or any team, what it really matters is what you do that week and all the discussion, none of that matters, doesn’t help you play the game. You got to play your season out, and at the end of that season, you earn the right to play another game and what type of game you’re playing in depends on what you do.

“There’s a lot of interest in college football, and that’s great, but I think as far as when you’re in it and playing -- our kids today need to focus on having a great Monday and then really having a great week.”

The Palmetto Prep prospect reopens his recruiting process.

Three-star cornerback Ke’Shan Pennamon has had a bit of a star-crossed experience as a commit to Wisconsin. After announcing on Feb. 1 that he was ready to sign with the Badgers, there was some kind of line that became uncrossed. On July 7, he signed with Palmetto Prep in South Carolina and reclassified for the class of 2017.

The upside? Pennamon had a redshirt year without having to give up that year of eligibility. Unfortunately on Friday, it seems like the Badgers hit the downside as Pennamon announced his decommitment on Twitter.

Unfortunately, this looks like one of those situations where while the interest remains mutual, there could be some admissions-related mishegoss as to why the Badgers just can’t take Pennamon straight away. With that said, the fact that Pennamon’s first offer on the open market comes from a highly competitive school when it comes to academics in the Tulane Green Wave is very interesting. Take whatever subtext you want from that.

Ultimately the question of if the Badgers are able to get Pennamon into the fold might go into 2017. The Badgers are likely to earn a commitment from Pembroke Pines, Fla., three-star CB Faion Hicks this weekend and Denver, Colo., three-star CB Christian Cumber is set to officially come to Madison for Nebraska.

It’s not just football—this is a huge week for many Badger teams.

Holy Manitowoc, ladies and gentlemen, we have a perfect storm.

Two (!!) No. 1 Wisconsin teams. A top-10 clash at Camp Randall Stadium. A 2015 Frozen Four finalist visiting the Kohl Center. Wisconsin sports fans, we have an embarrassment of riches this week; let’s fire up the hype train.

Ranked teams galore come to Madison this week, with huge implications for programs across the Badger sports spectrum. To give you a sense of scale, this week is to Wisconsin athletics as UFC 200 was supposed to be for MMA. For you musical theatre lovers, it’s Hamilton in rep with Les Misérables, Wicked and Avenue Q. From Wednesday through Sunday, the women and men of Wisconsin face Big Ten rivals in critical regular-season games. Mostly at home. Nearly all already sold out.

Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for National Archives Foundation

93% of you have no idea who this is.

Crank it up to 11. This is the biggest, most important Wisconsin regular-season week Madison has ever seen.

Let’s break it down. Sousaphone roll, please...

Wednesday, 8 p.m. at the Field House: Volleyball vs. No. 3 Minnesota (SOLD OUT; watch on BTN)

On Monday, the Badgers were named American Volleyball Coaches Association No. 1 for the first time in program history. This thoroughly entertaining and talented team has been steamrolling through the competition this year, knocking off a host of ranked teams this year including current No. 4 Texas, No. 5 San Diego, No. 17 Hawaii and No. 19 Ohio State.

All signs pointed to a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown when the Gophers were voted No. 1 in last week’s poll, but an upset at Penn State last Wednesday dropped Minnesota down to No. 3. Despite the loss, this match has huge postseason implications.

The Gophers, 2015 Big Ten champions and a Final Four team last year, are loaded. Coached by 2015 Big Ten Coach of the Year Hugh McCutcheon, they are led by senior middle blocker Hannah Tapp (2015 AVCA First Team All-American). Senior outside hitter Sarah Wilhite (two-time Big Ten Player of the Week this season), setter Samantha Seliger-Swenson (AVCA Second-Team All-American and last year’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year) and freshman outside hitter Alexis Hart (three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week in 2016) are all big contributors to a Minnesota team with aspirations for a national championship.

The Border Battle starts a punishing stretch of Big Ten play for the Badgers, as matches at No. 18 Michigan, at No. 2 Nebraska (themselves the consensus No. 1 for most of the year) and home against No. 10 Penn State loom over the next few weeks. It’s important to kick this tough stretch off with a bang.

Bottom line: This may be the biggest home match in program history and critical for a team with its eyes on a title.

Thursday: Rest, hydrate, study, sleep. You’ll need it.

Friday, 2 p.m.: No. 1 women’s hockey at No. 7 Clarkson (stream on Clarkson TV)

This one’s on the road and in the afternoon, so you’ll have to stream while you are gearing up for the rest of the weekend’s action. The No. 1 Badgers are WCHA and title favorites backed by stonewall senior goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens, who just set a Wisconsin record for shutouts and who might be the best Badger goaltender the women’s side has ever seen.

No. 7 Clarkson looks to be down a touch from last year’s Frozen Four team, but is still the real deal and only two years removed from a national title.

In some ways, I’m glad this series is on the road (and early enough to get the lowdown without using multiple screens). If this game was at LaBahn Arena, I suspect that Madison would collapse into an infinitely dense singularity of sports from which nothing would ever escape.

Bottom Line: Yet another top-10 game with a No. 1 Badger team, just in time to get into the weekend. Stream it, baby.

Friday, 7 p.m. at the Kohl Center: Men’s hockey vs. No. 6 Boston College (Inexplicably tickets available; watch on FS Wisconsin)

For the first time in the Tony Granato era, a ranked team skates in the Kohl Center as Boston College (No. 6 USCHO, No. 9 USA Today Coaches Poll) pays a visit. The Eagles, a Frozen Four participant in the 2015-16 season’s Wisconsin-hosted tournament in Tampa, come to town with big expectations and picked to finish first in Hockey East this year.

Back before the basketball team was being hosed out of national championships (ah, god, it still hurts so much), the hockey team was the biggest indoor ticket in town. With the boys Granato and Osiecki leading five four NHL draft picks, including two first-rounders, this team is poised for a comeback year. This weekend is going to be a huge early test.

If you have not attended a UW hockey game and you are within 350 miles of Madison on Friday, do yourself a favor and hit the Kohl Center. Hockey live is amazing, and this young and talented Badgers team should be an entertaining watch. In years past, this would be a no-brainer Friday-night event. With Uncle Tony calling the shots for Kunin, Besse, Hughes, et. al, I suspect this one’s going to be fun.

Bottom Line: There’s a top-10 opponent at the Kohl Center. ‘nough said.

Saturday, 2 p.m.: No. 1 women’s hockey at No. 7 Clarkson (stream on Clarkson TV)

Clarkson we talked about already above. A tough early-season test for the Badgers (and women’s college hockey has already had a weird few weeks).

Saturday, 6 p.m.: No. 1 volleyball at No. 18 Michigan (Watch on BTN Plus; listen at The Mic 92.1)

For the volleyball team, Michigan is tough (the Big Ten is just hard across the board with nine teams in the AVCA Top 25), particularly following an emotional home matchup with the Gophers earlier in the week. Led by 2015 second-team AVCA All-American Abby Cole, this is a dangerous squad in a hostile environment.

Bottom Line: Your tailgating playlist is set for the weekend with both Nos. 1 conveniently stacked back-to-back leading up to the big game. Why listen to the same tired pre-game chatter when you can listen to top-ranked Badger teams making runs at a title?

Saturday, 7 p.m. at Camp Randall: No. 8 football vs. No. 2 Ohio State (SOLD OUT; Watch on ABC)

A ranked Badgers team vs. a highly-ranked Ohio State team under the lights at Camp Randall. Yeah, I remember this. Much ink will be spilled this week previewing this matchup, so I’ll save the space... but this is going to be crazy.

Oh, and the boys and gals from College Gameday will be camped out on Bascom Hill as well.

Bottom Line: Be safe, drink Wisconsibly and pace yourself. It’s a long day until kick-off.

Sunday, 3 p.m. at the Kohl Center: men’s hockey vs. No. 6 Boston College (Seriously?!? Tickets available; Watch on ESPNU)

Sleep in. Have a nice brunch. Savor the past few days. Maybe take a nap and then get up and head on down to cap off the week in style.

Bottom Line: Seriously, there’s nothing like the Kohl Center when Badger hockey is rocking. This is a team returning to national relevance—be there on the ground floor.

So there it is: seven games in five days. All with huge implications. All potentially season-changing. I am exhausted just writing about it. This is an epic time to be a Badger fan—take full advantage and enjoy this most amazing, epic week.

Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images

A roundtable discussion of a huge win in East Lansing.

Welcome again to another edition of the B5Q roundtable sessions — where the points don’t count, and we always fire Drew Hamm.

The Wisconsin Badgers now ranks No. 8 in both the AP and Coaches poll after dominating then-No. 8 Michigan State 30-6 on the road in East Lansing. Lots to talk about, and our writers are here to break down the game.

The Good: What stood out to you in Wisconsin’s win?

Jake Kocorowski: There’s a lot here, but let’s talk turnovers created by the Wisconsin defense first. Redshirt freshman Alex Hornibrook’s performance was great (more on that in my Game Ball answer), but four takeaways led to 13 points -- both touchdowns -- and really altered momentum in the game. Senior cornerback Sojourn Shelton’s interception in the second quarter led to Corey Clement’s first touchdown six plays later, and D’Cota Dixon’s forced fumble allowed Leo Musso to scamper 66 yards while hitting the circle button on Tyler O’Connor for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Interceptions later stalled out drives that showed promise for scoring, and Wisconsin’s only allowed three offensive touchdowns so far this season. Through four games, the Badgers’ defense has forced nine takeaways. That’s the most since the 2003 season.

Jon Beidelschies: What’s promising to me is that the Badgers were down a few critical starters (with a few more banged up) and were still able to lay the wood to Sparty. There is definitely a change in the program’s mentality. They simply did not win these kinds of games in the Bret Bielema or Gary Andersen eras. I am sure there is an example out there that someone will post in the comments and prove me wrong, but I don’t recall a time where the Badgers went on the road and just whipped a top 10 program. Under Chryst, there is a quiet aggression (consistently going for it on fourth down, thoughtful use of defensive pressure) that is weaving its way into the team’s DNA.

Kevin O’Connell: Play calling, play calling, play calling. Head coach Paul Chryst put together a masterpiece of a game plan for his freshman quarterback on Saturday. The Badgers ran the ball 41 times, but kept the Spartan defense on their toes all day with 26 pass attempts from Hornibrook. In recent years under Bielema and Andersen, Wisconsin has been tripped up because of the predictability of their play calling but Chryst finds creative ways to move the chains and takes more chances through the air. Chryst made all the right decisions in the red zone, and showed confidence in Hornibrook on a number of big play-action plays including his touchdown pass to tight end Eric Steffes. We all know how great Chryst was as an offensive coordinator under Bielema, but seeing a game plan like yesterday’s reminds you what an exceptional offensive mind he has.

The Bad: Great win, but what were some areas that could be improved upon?

Jake: Wisconsin only ran for 122 yards, averaging only three per carry (Corey Clement only gained 54 yards on 23 carries). In its defense (pun intended), however, UW faced a tough front seven on Saturday and the offensive line again had to be shuffled due to injuries -- as former walk-on Brett Connors made his first career start at center with Michael Deiter swinging out to left guard. A bright spot was redshirt senior Dare Ogunbowale, who rushed for 55 yards on nine carries.

It will bear watch to see the progression of both left guards Micah Kapoi and Jon Dietzen throughout the week.

Jon: Turnovers. The Hornibrook fumble on the first series was not great. The interception he threw with 0:01 left on the clock didn’t hurt, but it was a bizarre choice — there’s no way the receiver gets to the end zone. Hornibrook also got away with a few throws into triple coverage. He got lucky in East Lansing, but you do that consistently enough, you’re going to get burned.

Kevin: Piggybacking off Jon a bit, I think Hornibrook is going to have to move better in the pocket next week. It’s hard to nitpick the freshman quarterback after the performance he put together, but there was a number of plays where Hornibrook didn’t feel the rush, his fumble being the most notable example. I look for Chryst to roll Hornibrook out on more bootlegs to help him against a talented Michigan defense.

Team MVP: Who do you give the game ball to?

Jake: Gotta give it to Hornibrook here. The southpaw throws for nearly 200 yards, and even more impressive, completed 9-of-13 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown on third-down conversions. Even crazier stat -- he was 6-for-6 when throwing when the third down attempts were 10 yards or greater.

Head coach Paul Chryst has repeatedly mentioned they want to move the chains and score in the red zone. They did that for the most part on third down (yes, they were under 50 percent against the Spartans) but also converted two key fourth down opportunities on their first scoring drive. Hornibrook led the offense to three touchdown drives in the red zone -- something they couldn’t do against Georgia State.

Jon: Let’s spread the wealth a bit and give one to wide receiver Jazz Peavy and one to Shelton. Shelton had an early interception and a few passes defended that led to some big stops which had the Spartans out of sorts. Peavy had four catches for 96 yards. If he can continue to be a threat, that’s going to open up the middle of the field for the tight ends.

Kevin: Hornibrook is the clear choice, but I’ll go a different direction and give the game ball to T.J. Watt. J.J.’s little brother has been a beast all year and yesterday was no exception. He finished the game with six tackles, 3.5 for a loss, and 2.5 sacks to lead the Badgers’ impressive defensive effort.

UP NEXT: MICHIGAN -- what are your early keys to the game, and does the win against Michigan State vault Wisconsin into Big Ten Championship discussion?

Jake: I said last night on SB Nation Radio that the key again will be turnovers. Justin Wilcox’s defenses have been known for their turnover margin in his time at USC, Washington and Boise State. Takeaways swung momentum completely on Saturday with the Shelton and T.J. Edwards interceptions, and the back-breaking fumble return for a touchdown by Leo Musso. This last part is coachspeak, but continue to move the chains and make the most of their scoring chances. It’s what Chryst is preaching, and the team’s buying into it.

A win on the road, against the No. 8 team in the nation, and its second against a top 10 team in four games (and only giving up one offensive touchdown in those two outings), there has to be discussion about this team’s potential in regards to a conference title. Mind you, they still have to travel to Michigan and Iowa, with facing Ohio State at home in between, but this team has shown that they can compete week in and week out. These next two games against the blue bloods of the Big Ten will dictate if they can continue their “giant-killer” ways. It’s still early in the conference season, but that defense will keep Wisconsin in games this season. The offense just needs a bit more seasoning, and there was welcomed signs with Hornibrook under center.

Jon: I agree with Jake — they’re there. Even if the Badgers drop games against Michigan and Ohio State, they will still be perceived as one of the leaders in the West unless they just get the doors blown off. Iowa looked pretty bad against Rutgers (coming off the loss to North Dakota State). Nebraska just dropped 550 yards on a Northwestern team that may be kinda ok or really bad. Minnesota is still lingering but they had trouble against Colorado State.

I think the challenge for the Badgers over the next two games is to not buy into the hype. As they keep winning, they’re going to hear more from the fans, the press, and their friends. They have to tune all of that out and stay focused on the mission. It’s more of Jake’s coachspeak, but they also cannot let the moment get to large when they step onto the field at the Big House. They’ve already been in two big games away from home, but they need to play within themselves on Saturday.

Kevin: The defense gets its biggest challenge of the season next week against a Michigan team that has scored 45-plus points in each of their first four games. Jim Harbaugh has done wonders for quarterback Wilton Speight who suddenly looks like one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten, and Jabrill Peppers will need to be contained on returns and the few carries he is sure to get. Like Jake said, this defense will keep the Badgers close on the road but Wisconsin has to avoid big plays from De’Veon Smith, Amara Darboh, and a number of other explosive playmakers for the Wolverines.

As far as what Saturday’s win means for Wisconsin’s Big Ten Championship hopes, I think it makes them the clear favorite in a West division that is there for the taking. More importantly though, the win justified the Badgers’ high ranking from the LSU win and showed the College Football Playoff committee that they are a team to watch and take seriously as the season progresses. We all know how tough the schedule is, but with two impressive wins already behind them, Wisconsin is putting together one heck of resume with a chance to add to it in their next two games against powerhouses Michigan and Ohio State.

The hits keep coming in critical areas for the Badgers.

Madison -- The injuries keep piling up for the Wisconsin Badgers heading into their conference opener against No. 8 Michigan State.

UW announced kicker Rafael Gaglianone will be out of Saturday’s against the Spartans with a back injury. The junior wasn’t on Wisconsin’s injury report on Monday, but the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus noted the placekicker appeared to be limping during last Saturday’s 23-17 win over Georgia State and during post-game interviews.

“We’ll just see. We’ll find out today a little bit more,” head coach Paul Chryst said when asked about the length of time Gaglianone will be out.

Gaglianone appeared to have returned to his 2014 form early this season, converting seven of eight field goal attempts. Senior and former walk-on Andrew Endicott, known more for his role as a kickoff specialist throughout his Wisconsin career, will take on the role as the placekicker.

Endicott’s played in 33 games in his UW career, but hasn’t attempted a field goal or extra point attempt yet.

“I think he did have a good camp,” Chryst said when asked about Endicott’s performance. “That group of specialists — they’ve been fun seeing them growing and developing. Obviously “Raf” has been doing really well and [punter/kickoff specialist] P.J. [Rosowski]’s giving us something. Anthony [Lotti], I think he’s settling in. [Longsnapper] Conor Udelhoven — it’s a good thing we don’t talk about him, right? He’s been good, and Andy — I feel good about that group.”

Chryst noted at the end of his availability that field goal situations could be affected, but he wouldn’t put a player out on the field if he didn’t feel confident in them.

Dietzen out, Kapoi questionable

The offensive line gets thinner again. Redshirt freshman Jon Dietzen was ruled out for the game as well. That leaves both Micah Kapoi — who himself is listed as questionable with a left foot injury — and Brett Connors for the left guard spot.

Kapoi, a redshirt sophomore, has been battling the foot injury since UW’s 16-14 win over LSU in the season opener. Chryst admired both players for their roles and approach so far this season.

“That’s what I love about Micah, and I think we got a bunch of these guys, he’s not putting himself at risk, but he’ll do anything for this group. Brett would be the one guy that would be the swing guy for us.”

Connors now back-ups almost every position on the offensive line. He’s the No. 2 left tackle, left guard, center and right tackle.

“That’s what I appreciated from Brett — he gives us versatility,” Chryst said.

Running backs still in question

On the running back front, redshirt freshman Bradrick Shaw has also been downgraded to out with a right shoulder injury. Both senior Corey Clement (left leg) and redshirt sophomore Taiwan Deal (right leg) are still listed as questionable, though Chryst admitted Clement was more optimistic than last week.”

“Yeah, he was able to do a little bit more, so I do feel better,” Chryst said. “He’s done more this week than last week, so there’s a chance.”

If both Clement and Deal are ruled out, expect redshirt senior Dare Ogunbowale and possibly former tailback/current fullback Alec Ingold to assume larger roles in the backfield against the Spartans.

The No. 9/No. 12 (AP/Coaches) Wisconsin Badgers (2-0) will head into its last non-conference game without its star tailback.

Head coach Paul Chryst announced on Saturday morning via Facebook that junior Corey Clement would not play against Georgia State.

Wisconsin’s injury report on Thursday listed the 5’11, 227-pound running back as questionable, calling into question if Clement would play against their Sun Belt opponent. He injured his left ankle late in the first half in UW’s 54-10 win over Akron last Saturday after rushing for 111 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns. He did not return to the game.

On Thursday before practice, Chryst acknowledged to reporters if Clement could play on Saturday, he would.

"If guys can play, we’re going to play them," Chryst said. "I think they need to play, and they work too hard for these opportunities to not play, but if a guy can’t go, then I feel with the ones at that position — I think we’ve had a good week of practice at the running back spot with Taiwan [Deal] and Dare [Ogunbowale] and Bradrick [Shaw]."

Deal and Ogunbowale have combined for 123 yards on 26 carries through UW’s two games in 2016. Shaw impressed against the Zips last weekend, rushing for 74 yards on nine attempts in mop up time. That included a 35-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Clement’s absence will also be felt on the special teams front, as Chryst announced on Thursday that true freshman A.J. Taylor will handle kickoff returns.

Through two games this season, Clement has carried the ball 42 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns.

Highlights from Monday’s press conference.

Madison — The No. 9/No. 12 (AP/Coaches poll) Wisconsin Badgers (2-0) finish up their non-conference schedule against Georgia State (0-2) at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday.

Head coach Paul Chryst met with the media on Monday afternoon and confirmed cornerback Natrell Jamerson would be out for an extended amount of time due to a left leg injury. The junior suffered the injury late in the game during Saturday’s 54-10 victory against Akron.

Chryst didn’t confirm for sure Jamerson’s absence, but noted it could be in the four-to-six week time frame.

"My first thought is I feel bad for Natrell," Chryst said. "He’s a neat kid, fun to be around. Yesterday, in talking with him, he’s got the right approach."

With the 6’0, 188-pound Florida native gone for at least the next month, the Badgers have to replace not only their lead nickelback and third cornerback, but also their No. 1 kickoff returner on the depth chart.

Junior Lubern Figaro jumped up to the second-team defense alongside true freshman Caesar Williams. Chryst noted senior Corey Clement, Wisconsin’s starting running back, is now the Badgers’ leading kickoff returner on its depth chart, with true freshman A.J. Taylor listed behind him.

"It’s interesting when a guy like Natrell goes down," Chryst said. "He’s a four-phase special teamer, so you have four different guys that will probably get an opportunity. Nickel package, we’ll see how this week goes a little bit."

Here are some other highlights from Chryst’s press conference:

On Corey Clement’s availability this week: “Talking with him yesterday, and talking with Mike Moll, our trainer, I’m anticipating him going to work, practicing.”

On the receiving corp this year: “I feel good that they’ve had their opportunities and moments. I think we still got a lot of work to do to be where we want to be and where we should be. I thought it was good. Jazz [Peavy] did some really good things, as did Rob [Wheelwright].”

On Clement viable option as kickoff returner, or too much of a risk? “No, he’s been working it all camp, and to this point, we haven’t had a lot of kickoff returns. Absolutely, it’d be viable.”

Taylor and fellow true freshman Quintez Cephus are now listed on the second-team in Wisconsin’s depth chart. On their rise and progression: “You were at camp and saw. I think they are guys that have some talent and both played in week one, and got some more snaps week two, so I think they’re coming along. We just gotta keep helping them get better, but I like what both A.J. and Quintez bring to our offense.”

Bradrick Shaw’s performance (nine carries, 74 yards, one touchdown): “I thought Bradrick ran with good patience and thought he ran hard and didn’t try to do too much but took advantage of what was there. He’s a kid I love being around. He’s a worker, and those experiences will help him quite a bit. I thought even the guys up front did a good job of giving him a chance, and every back has got to do a little something — make a guy miss — and he did that. It was a good experience for him and it was fun to see.”

Point of emphasis heading into Georgia State: “It’ll be the same stuff. I think when you’re talking to your team — I should have made it clear -- because third downs were a point of emphasis in camp and every time you play. I make sure I double-check that they know, but you have to convert on third down. We just talked about it defensively, and when you’re in the red zone, you have to be productive. We missed another opportunity in the red zone last week. Each week, you don’t know how the game will play and certainly defenses are different each week, but if you’re going to be a good offense and if you’re going to give yourself a chance to win games, you have to be good on third down and when you get an opportunity to be in the red zone, you have to do well there.”

On if two games is good enough gauge to know if his offense in 2016 is more explosive than last year’s: “Probably not. I think that...I’d say no. I’d say we gotta keep playing and find out. I think every offense I’ve been a part of has a chance to be that. Whether we do or don’t is up to us and our execution. We’ll see, I guess.”

On Georgia State: “They’ve got some really good skill players, and Trent Miles has done a nice job. From when they took over and really building the program, they’ve done a nice job. They’ve got offensively, defensively, and you see it on special teams with a mix of both, there are some really good football players. Obviously, they had success last year and a lot of guys returning.”

More on the Panthers: “I think it’ll be a little bit different. Similar to Akron in that they’ll be a little bit more a spread, and I think certainly last year their pace it could go pretty fast, so we gotta keep working that. We’ll see some different fronts and coverages this week so we gotta do a good job of preparing for that.”

Depth chart changes

• With Jamerson’s injury, Figaro moves up to second-team defense.
• As noted before, Cephus replaces Reggie Love in the two-deep at wide receiver, while Taylor and George Rushing at are the other receiver spot.
• T.J. Edwards is listed as one of the second-team inside linebackers.
• This week, true freshman Anthony Lotti is listed as the No. 1 punter over redshirt sophomore P.J. Rosowski.
• Clement is listed as the No. 1 kickoff returner, Taylor as No. 2.