ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

What had long been anticipated came true Wednesday as Wisconsin tabbed fifth-year senior Allan Evridge as its starting quarterback to open the season. Evridge was the clear choice, even though most of his experience comes from 2005, when he started seven games for Kansas State. Wisconsin needs a game manager, a guy who limits mistakes and lets the running backs do what they do. Of the three candidates, Evridge best fits the bill, though it's hard to say if anyone really dazzled during the preseason.

Other notes from the Badgers depth chart:

• With sophomore cornerback Aaron Henry sidelined again, freshman Mario Goins clinched a starting job for the season opener. Goins will start opposite Allen Langford, who has come back successfully from a torn ACL.
  
• Kyle Jefferson is the team's leading returning wide receiver, but he might lose his starting job to sophomore Maurice Moore. The depth chart lists that either player could start along with David Gilreath against Akron.
  
• No major surprises on defense, as junior Jaevery McFadden officially becomes the starter at middle linebacker after practicing with the first team for weeks. Freshman Brendan Kelly is making a push for time at defensive end, and sophomore Jay Valai will start at strong safety.
  
• Kickers Matt Fischer and Philip Welch continue to compete for the starting job.

A few Big Ten items:

• Thanks to my colleague Graham Watson for passing along this hilarious Big Ten Network commercial featuring all 11 of the league's coaches making their recruiting pitches. Warning: JoePa gets a little fired up.
  
• Michigan raised about $15,000 for the family of offensive lineman Elliott Mealer during a bowling event Wednesday. Mealer's father and girlfriend were killed in a car accident last Christmas Eve, and his brother was critically injured. The Wolverines also will honor Michael Phelps at their Big Ten opener against Wisconsin.
  
• Want a glimpse of Penn State's quarterback competition? Thursday's practice will be aired on the Big Ten Network.