With several BCS schools playing their non-conference openers tonight, the countdown to college football for Badger fans has morphed from anticipation to outright salivation. We are officially within 60 hours of an evening kickoff at Camp Randall Stadium, though I can guarantee the "experience" will really begin for most fans in about 48. I am thrilled to be spending this season writing for 'Bucky's 5th Quarter' on SBNation.com. I'll introduce myself and make some fearless predictions later on, but first, here are your Badger Bits for Thursday morning:
UWBadgers.com - Badger Bash moved to Engineering Mall
The university reminds fans that Madison's largest tailgate party, which takes place two hours before the start of each home game, will be relocated to Engineering Mall for the next two football seasons, while the new Union South is being built.
UWBadgers.com Blog - First & Goal: Sept. 2
Betsy Golomski from Athletic Communications gives tidbits about the team, including a check-in with Badgers in the NFL, a video feature and the Tweet of the Day.
There are also still tickets available for the Badgers' home opener against Northern Illinois, as well as ticket packages for all three non-conference home games.
JSOnline.com - Born to hit: But UW's Taylor puts in work, too
Jeff Potrykus runs a feature piece on freshman outside linebacker and surprise starter Mike Taylor, who won the spot from Blake Sorensen in camp.
JSOnline.com - Nortman punting old attitude
This set of Badger notes includes stories on punter Brad Nortman bringing a fresh approach to the team's new punt formation, freshman center Travis Frederick getting the start over the injured John Moffitt and defensive tackle Dan Moore's readiness to play Saturday.
JSOnline.com Badgers Blog - This and that: Predictions, polls, bowls & more
Dave Heller's bits and pieces.
JSOnline.com Badgers Blog - A UW-Northern Illinois prediction ... plus some other stuff
Dave Heller reveals AccuScore's prediction for Saturday's match-up with the Huskies - and explains why it might be misleading.
BadgerBeat.com - UW's football forecast: Unexpectedly sunny
Jim Polzin breaks down the Badgers' soft schedule and explains why the team should win eight games this season.
BadgerBeat.com - Whitefish Bay's Hagerup ready for hang time
Jim Polzin writes about the most coveted punter in the 2010 recruiting class - who happens to hail from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.
BadgerBeat.com - Ortmann committed to reviving Michigan
Mike Lucas' Big Ten notes detail Michigan offensive lineman Mark Ortmann's feelings on turning around a 3-9 team, the league's quarterback battles and Iowa's replacement of a stud running back.
BadgerBeat.com - Lucas: Inside the Big Ten
Lucas makes his predictions for the league's first week of non-conference games.
BadgerBeat.com - UW Hall of Fame inductee Joe Panos a driving force behind Badgers' turnaround
With Joe Panos' induction into the UW Athletic Hall of Fame looming, Lucas takes a look at how his playing career jump-started a struggling program.
Adam Rittenberg's Big Ten blog on ESPN.com is chock-full of news, notes and insight. Here are some Badger-related pieces:
Big Ten - ESPN - What keys will unlock Big Ten success in '09?
Big Ten - ESPN - Wisconsin's Tolzien steady as he goes
Big Ten - ESPN - What to watch in the Big Ten in Week 1
Big Ten - ESPN - Big Ten picks for Week 1
And, finally, the view from the other side: links to headlines from the DeKalb Daily Chronicle, as Northern Illinois gets set to come to Camp Randall Stadium.
HuskieWire.com - Big Badgers 1st test of season
John Sahly talks about the physically imposing Badgers.
That's all for now! Check back later for my Wisconsin and Big Ten predictions, a preview of the home opener against NIU and, of course, Friday morning's Badger Bits.