Chryst, Wisconsin starting to focus No. 3 Alabama

MADISON, Wis. (AP) First-year coach Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin Badgers are starting to focus on their opener against No. 3 Alabama on Sept. 5 in Arlington, Texas.

''Yesterday the players had off. Today, tomorrow and Saturday we're going to simulate a normal practice work week,'' Chryst said Thursday. ''I liked their attention to details and told the team we want to work on two things the next three days. It's kind of getting used to a work week and also finishing up the details of their specific spots, assignments, technique, whatever that may be, and also starting introducing Alabama. That's the focus of the next couple days.''

Senior wide receiver Tanner McAvoy was the latest player to be sidelined by an injury.

While talking to boosters, Chryst acknowledged that McAvoy, who also is expected to see playing time at safety, slowed down during practice but remained until the end of the workout.

''Tanner did kind of tweak something,'' Chryst said. ''We've got a couple of days and we'll be smart with him.''

Chryst expects several other injured players to be ready to go against Alabama.

Those expected to return include redshirt sophomore offensive tackle Hayden Biegel, senior offensive guard Ray Ball and redshirt sophomore defensive end Alec James.

''We'll get most of them back. How much work that they get will determine that,'' Chryst said. ''We had three or four guys who started doing some things today. Maybe we'll get a couple more this week and certainly Monday we'll get more.''

Several question marks in the offensive line will be answered next week according to Chryst, who admitted there was still time for several injured players - including Hayden Biegel and redshirt junior Walker Williams - to crack the starting lineup.