News:James White weaved his way 62 yards following a screen pass for a touchdown during Wisconsin's 31-14 victory over Illinois on Sunday.
Analysis: Along with his sole reception, James White had six totes for 42 yards (7.0 YPC), providing a nice complement to No. 1 back Montee Ball. While he is not close to matching the output from his first two years in Madison, his three total touchdowns and 4.6 YPC has certainly proved worthy in Big Ten-only leagues.
News:James White carried the ball 15 times for 65 yards and two touchdowns, while adding a reception for 14 yards, during Wisconsin's 37-26 win over UTEP on Saturday.
Analysis:James White took over for Montee Ball, who left the game in the second quarter with an apparent head "issue," which is code word for a concussion. Considering it would mark his second in as many months, White is poised to take on No. 1 running back duties for Ball if he in fact misses any time following his current ailment. With redshirt freshman Joel Stave under center, the offense's success will continue to revolve around the effectiveness of its running backs, with White leading the way and Melvin Gordon providing support.
News: Wisconsin running back Montee Ball has a very nice matchup against Purdue on Saturday, but how long will he go?
Analysis: This is one of those games where Ball could reach 100 and two scores by halftime, then give way to James White. It's a good thing when you don't know if Ball will go for 120-2 or 180-3.
News: Wisconsin running back James White is looking to correct his foot work and field vision when the Badgers take on Indiana this Saturday.
Analysis: White said he missed some holes and took short steps against Nebraska two weeks ago. Look for him to rebound nicely against the Hoosiers.
News: Wisconsin running backs Montee Ball and James White combined for 220 yards of total offense and three touchdowns against South Dakota.
Analysis: How many teams in the nation can boast significant fantasy production from four players on a weekly basis? Wisconsin can. If the Badgers don't scare you, they should.
News: Wisconsin running back Montee Ball gained 119 yards and scored twice, while partner-in-crime James White could only muster 53 yards.
Analysis: Most importantly, Ball only saw one more carry (17). Thus there's no reason for White owners to panic; it was just Ball's day.
News: Wisconsin starting left guard Travis Federick will likely miss Saturday's game against Oregon State due to a slight MCL sprain.
Analysis: One of the keys to Wisconsin's offense is their dominating offensive line. No reason to be concerned yet, but a few more losses and it could start effecting running backs Montee Ball and James White.
News: The Wisconsin running back situation remains unchanged, except that James White is stronger and Montee Ball has dropped a few excess pounds and is running lighter on his feet.
Analysis: If you're looking for a clear-cut answer on who to draft on draft day, you're not going to get it. It's going to come down to personal preference. Do you like the explosive White or the grinder Ball?
News: Wisconsin freshman running back Melvin Gordon is making a serious push to serve as the Badgers' third-string tailback behind Montee Ball and James White.
Analysis: It's always nice when a program that has struggled to field talented running backs finally gets a top-flight prospect...The rich get richer, and keeper owners should make it a point to nab Gordon.
News: According to Tom Mulhren at Madison.com, the slimmer and sleeker Montee Ball has been the best looking running back in practice thus far.
Analysis: There is much debate as to who will lead the Badgers in rushing this fall. My personal opinion has been James White, but I can't ignore the reports that Ball has looked very good and the scale is stating to tip towards Ball.
News: Running backs Montee Ball and James White were named to the newly formed Big Ten Players to Watch list, voted on by the conference coaches.
Analysis: I'm not really sure what the purpose of this watch list is, but it shows that the Big Ten coaches are just as confused as to which Wisconsin running back to pick as fantasy owners.
News: Last year the Badgers knew they had a formidable duo in John Clay and Montee Ball but soon found out the duo would actually be a trio with freshman James White bursting onto the scene. Now that Clay is gone there is still a nice 1-2 punch in Madison with Ball the powerback and White the speedster. Ball has slimmed down to be more elusive while White has thickened up to handle the rigors of rushing in the Big Ten.
Analysis: Both of these backs are fantasy-worthy even with a new quarterback. Now that Russell Wilson is in town, their stock rises even more as there should be more than enough of a passing attack to keep defenses from stacking the box.
News: ESPN recently put out a video chronicling the "next big player" for each conference. James White pulled it down for the Big Ten and should be even more of a star as he slices and dices through opposing defenses. For the ACC, it is stud running back David Wilson who should shine as the main man now that Darren Evans and Ryan Williams are gone. It is hard to call Chris Polk the "next" big player as he has rushed for over 1,000 yards the last two years but he represents the PAC-12. Now that he is healthy, the Big 12's next big thing is tailback Christine Michael. Receivers Tavon Austin and Trovon Reed represent the Big East and SEC, respectively.
Analysis: All of these players should be household names by midseason with White teaming with Montee Ball to spearhead the vaunted Badger ground game. Wilson will be the workhorse in Blacksburg and will display his speed, power, and receiving ability. Polk will shoulder even more of the load as the Huskies break in new quarterback. Michael will still split carries with Cyrus Gray but is too good to keep off the field. With Dana Holgorsen around, Austin should explode. Reed was supposed to breakout last year but redshirted and is now ready for the limelight.
News: ESPN blogger Adam Rittenberg lists Wisconsin running back James White as the Big Ten's top running back. Teammate Montee Ball is listed a few spots back at number three.
Analysis: The debate on which back will post bigger numbers this fall will rage all the way up until opening weekend. I tend to agree with Rittenberg on this one. White is more explosive and more talented. My only reservation is Ball is better built to take the pounding.
News: White ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries against Michigan Saturday while adding 19 yards on two catches.
Analysis: If John Clay is back for the Northwestern game, White's value suddenly becomes highly questionable. It's not clear whether the Badgers will treat White as the clear backup, as they did earlier this year, or if they'll use White and Montee Ball as co-backups. Obviously, if Ball is in the picture, there will be a lot less work for White, and vice versa.
News: White ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries against Indiana Saturday.
Analysis: White is probably worth a start against Michigan next week, though the reemergence of Montee Ball creates the potential for a three-back committee.
Wisconsin's White Expected to Return to in Week 11
News: White (leg) will likely be back at full speed for this week's game against Indiana, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Analysis: White missed nearly all of the Badgers' last two games after suffering a leg injury against Iowa on October 23. However, he could return to a lot of carries this week if starter John Clay (knee) is forced to sit out. White is a decent fantasy option even if Clay does play, but he will be a viable starter in nearly all formats if Clay is unable to go.
News: White (leg) is unlikely to play in Saturday's game against Purdue, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Analysis: White is still not yet 100 percent after suffering an injury against Iowa on October 23, so he will likely get Saturday off. Montee Ball will be the backup tailback behind John Clay and could be a fantasy factor Saturday in White's absence.
News: White (leg) is questionable for Saturday's game against Purdue, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: He left the Iowa game early with a sprained knee, and even after the bye week he isn't a full participant in practice. See how he progresses throughout the week, but White may be a game-time decision on Saturday. Montee Ball would see an increase in carries if White is sidelined.
News: White left during the second quarter of Saturday's game against Iowa with an unspecified leg injury.
Analysis: It looked like it might have been his knee, but there's no definite word on his status at the moment. He limped off the field himself but the play he got injured on didn't look too great. We'd consider him very questionable to return.
News: White ran for 75 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against Ohio State Saturday.
Analysis: It's scary to think about White could do if John Clay declares for the NFL Draft after this year. The true freshman has produced against everyone so far and, even though he'll split carries with Clay, he's worth a spot start against Iowa in deep leagues.
News: White ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries against Minnesota Saturday.
Analysis: As brilliant as White has been, the upcoming game against Ohio State is a brutal matchup. Try to find another option.
News: White ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries against Michigan State Saturday.
Analysis: White has looked so good he is reportedly getting a chance to compete for the starting spot. He's a surprisingly good option against Minnesota.
News: White ran for 146 yards and four touchdowns on 11 carries against Austin Peay Saturday.
Analysis: The opponent wasn't legitimate, but White is. Obviously, don't expect anything remotely close to this again this year, but White is definitely a good talent who we have to imagine will take over the Wisconsin backfield next year, assuming John Clay heads for the NFL, which we think he will.
News: White ran six times for 42 yards in a win Saturday over Arizona State.
Analysis: White has impressed so far in his freshman season and is pushing Montee Ball for a backup role but starting him is still a reach at this point.
News: White ran the ball 11 times for 59 yards and caught three passes for 37 yards in Wisconsin's Week 1 victory over UNLV.
Analysis: It did not take White long to make an impact in his freshman season. He will be part of the running back rotation and is a change of pace from both John Clay and Montee Ball, but it's still difficult to recommend starting him since his playing time will be inconsistent as the third running back on the depth chart.
News: White will open the season third on the Badgers' depth chart, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Analysis: White's performance during the offseason earned him the third-string nod over senior Zach Brown. White will see some action this season, but he won't see too many carries unless something happens to John Clay. White will be a player to keep an eye on for the future.
