CHICAGO — In a statement released by Bret Bielema Thursday evening, running back Lance Smith has been suspended indefinitely from the team.

“It has come to my attention that Lance has failed to meet certain requirements relating to the first-offender program he was placed in last fall,” Bielema said in the statement.

Bielema declined further comment Friday during interviews at the Big Ten football media day in Chicago.

Without Smith, the Badgers backfield stands three deep, with P.J. Hill, Zach Brown and redshirt freshman John Clay all expected to battle for carries. Smith would have likely been the second or third back, and Bielema mentioned possibly lining up Smith as a slot receiver.

Smith’s suspension means he will not be able to practice or compete with the team until further information is released.

CHICAGO — UW head football coach Bret Bielema addressed the media today to talk about the upcoming season. Here are some highlights:

After witnessing a plethora of injuries last spring, Bielema expects all of his players to be ready for action come fall camp Aug. 4.

Initially, Wisconsin was scheduled to play Virginia Tech Sept. 20. Instead, Bielema backed out of the matchup with the Hokies, creating a bye week to prepare for Big Ten play. The Badgers will play Cal Poly on Nov. 22 instead. Bielema shot down reporters who asked about a seemingly weak non-conference schedule by saying that Akron is no slouch, Marshall was a top-tier program when the game was scheduled, and Fresno State is currently ranked in the Top 25. “And the reason I think we’ve been successful is because we’ve had good scheduling,” Bielema added.

Wisconsin was voted by the media as the second-best team in the conference behind Ohio State.

Although he will not explicitly name a starting quarterback, Bielema did say that it was senior Allan Evridge’s spot to lose, much like it was Donovan’s last year, possibly hinting at who he’s leaning toward.

Because of the depth at running back, questions about possibly redshirting either Zach Brown or Lance Smith have come up. Bielema said that he has thought about it, but both should be in uniform come Aug. 30.

Wisconsin’s defense struggled against the spread offense last season. Because eight of the 11 Big Ten teams will be running some form of the spread this season, Bielema says that his team has spent a considerable amount of time practicing against it, which he says should lead to vast defensive improvements.

Bielema also is excited about the back-to-back October home night games against Ohio State and Penn State and thinks that they are significant advantages for his squad.

CHICAGO — After day one of the Big Ten football media day here in downtown Chicago, much has been discussed about the upcoming season.

The implementation of the spread offense, a lack of respect for the Big Ten as a whole, Joe Tiller’s retirement after the season and new rule changes were among the main topics of discussion on the day.

Here are some of the best quotes from the coaches after day one:

“It wasn’t just a one and done year for Illinois.” —Ron Zook, Illinois

“It’s good to be at a Michigan press conference.” —Bret Bielema, Wisconsin (after fielding consecutive questions about the Michigan Wolverines)

“I really believe the Big Ten conference is as strong as ever.” —Bielema, but it seems like every coach said something to this effect when asked if the Big Ten’s prowess in college football had taken a hit

“I’ve met very few coaches that I haven’t liked.” —Joe Tiller, Purdue

“Woody used to always say, whether they’re talking good or talking bad, keep them talking.” —Jim Tressel, Ohio State, referencing the legendary coach Woody Hayes

“If I were a betting man, I’d say he’ll be there in 2009.” —Tressel, on whether he thinks Joe Paterno will coach again after this season

“I feel the state’s pain.” —Tim Brewster, Minnesota, in regards to Gopher fans after the team’s 1-11 season

“I get a little tired of answering that question.” —Joe Paterno, Penn State, regarding the ever-pressing question about his retirement

“I don’t know. Do you want me to spell it out for you? I D-O-N-T K-N-O-W.” —Paterno, after another reporter asked if there was any circumstance that may alter his decision to continue coaching

“I think that’s a stupid question, frankly.” —Paterno, to a reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer

“Hopefully, Wisconsin fans—if they have a couple more hours to relax in the stadium parking lot—it’s a festive environment, so we’re excited about that opportunity.” —Bielema, regarding the team’s back-to-back night games against Ohio State and Penn State

Check back later for more updates from media day