During the off-season, the top question on most fans' minds was simple: who starts at quarterback?
Throughout the spring and summer, three players took hold of the competition; senior Dustin Sherer, who started seven games last year, junior Scott Tolzien and freshman Curt Phillips.
Finally, ten days before the season opener against NIU, the coaches picked their top signal caller – sort of.
The depth chart lists the starting quarterback as Tolzien or Phillips and, according to the coaches, both will play Saturday with Tolzien on the field for the first play.
""Both are worthy. This year I felt different than in the past, where there was that kind of seperation as opposed to trying to pick and chose from one of them,"" offensive coordinator Paul Chryst said just after the depth chart was released. ""Curt has flashed and can bring a little something different to the table, and Scott I think has played consistent and is worthy of some snaps.""
Tolzien played in three games last season, mostly near the end of blowouts. At the start of the summer he was not expected to be much of a factor in the quarterback race, as Sherer appeared to have the inside track.
In August, however, Tolzien played with more poise and confidence. He drew praise from coaches as playing at an exceptionally consistent level and having the best grasp on the offense. In the end, those traits pushed him to the top spot.
""It was a dream of mine to be a Big Ten quarterback,"" Tolzien said. ""But at the same time I felt like I kind of prepared myself, over the years, to ultimately be the guy. So when the moment came, it was not out of the ordinary, it was something I prepared myself for.""
On the other hand, Phillips was less consistent, notably throwing four interceptions in a scrimmage late in the summer. He does, however, bring another element to the offense with his running ability, which has led to comparisons to former Badger Tyler Donovan.
""Obviously [the scrimmage] was tough,"" Phillips said. ""But I think I've been a lot smarter with it since then, and as long as you learn from it, that's all you can do.""
Phillips ran for 1,885 yards during his senior season of high school in Tennessee. This system is not particularly foreign to him, since he split time as a high school freshman, but ironically was brought in for his passing that year.
As of Tuesday no concrete decision had been made on how much time each player will see, nor how exactly they would be rotating.
""We haven't really talked that much about it so far, just whatever gives us the best chance to be successful,"" Phillips said.
What is clear is that there is not a specific emphasis on putting Phillips in many run-only situations.
""We have some plays that are designed for Curt to run the ball,"" sophomore wide receiver Nick Toon said. ""But for the most part he's just an athlete and if no one's open, he's just going to take off.""
Toon also said that running ability forces the receivers to be a bit more aware of the personnel on the field. If Phillips pulls the ball down and starts running downfield, receivers will have to quickly switch from route running to run blocking.
The group of quarterbacks has no ill feelings over the competition or splitting time. Instead they are looking to work with each other during games and practice.
""We've both spoke to each other and we're willing to help each other out,"" Tolzien said. ""Curt's a great guy, great player too. So anything I can do to help him out ... it's a good relationship.""
Phillips echoed that sentiment, saying both were for the system since it gives the team the best chance at victories.
""I say a lot, for all three of those guys,"" Bielema said. ""The way they handled their business, the way they responded, the way they talk, the way they help. It's a group that likes each other.""
