Football
There's been a lot of talk about Wisconsin's easier 2014 schedule, and ESPN.com's Brian Femeau thinks the Badgers' slate of the games helps them the fourth-most (Insider) among college football teams.
There are a number of players on Gary Andersen's squad that could break out, and Athlon Sports' Steven Lassan pinpoints defensive end/outside linebacker Vince Biegel in that category.
There's a lot of Jamar Fletcher, who won the Thorpe Award in 2000, in Sojourn Shelton's game, which should obviously bode well. The cornerback is the second-most important Badger according to ESPN Wisconsin's Zach Heilprin.
ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. and Mike Sando list their top 25 players under the age of 25, and only one former UW player made the list: Dallas Cowboys' Travis Frederick, who was "considered" (Insider) for a spot.
Video of the Day
Sticking with former players: Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke and Doug Farrar gave out report cards for each NFL team's offseason, and a number of Wisconsin alumni were mentioned in some capacity. Chris Borland should be a "serviceable" replacement for NaVorro Bowman at linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. The looming question for the Denver Broncos? "Who will emerge behind Montee Ball." The Detroit Lions' addition of Kyle Van Noy should complement DeAndre Levy and Stephen Tulloch nicely. Jared Abbrederis was considered the Packers' underrated draft pick. Likewise for James White and the New England Patriots. Can Seattle's offense become dominant under Russell Wilson? And the selection of Louis Nix should provide a truck full of pressure with J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney in the trenches.
Bowling Green, who Wisconsin will host Sept. 20, was picked to win the MAC as voted on by the league's media
Off Tackle Empire looks at some burning questions for the season and pairs it with some dank food.
Basketball
In the major outlets' preseason rankings, Bo Ryan and the boys don't rank below fourth. Still, the players -- specifically Josh Gasser and Sam Dekker -- aren't letting the outside noise dictate their preparations.
Drew looks at the scholarship situation over at BT Powerhouse.
Former baller Michael Flowers is following suit of others who have donned the red and white uniform, hosting a basketball camp at Waunakee High School Aug. 16-17.
Quick hitter
The athletic department will introduce seven new members to the school's Hall of Fame, headlined by Mike Kelley and Chris McIntosh.