Badgers begin two-a-day practices - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

MADISON, Wisconsin (WXOW) - The mental toughness of the Badger football team was really tested for the first time on Saturday. They participated in two-a-day-practices for the first time of the preseason. 

It was an opportunity to see running back Montee Ball for the first time in practice Saturday morning. Ball participated in drills, but just in shoulder pads and a helmet.

Ball then left practice after about 15 minutes and ran on a treadmill in the training room.

The team had the afternoon off and reconvened in the evening for a practice under the lights in Camp Randall. Coach Bret Bielema called it a great opportunity for the team in many ways.

"This is what we're all about: who's gonna be able to recover, be smart, get off your legs, recover," Bielema said Saturday. "It's gonna be a little interesting to see which guys can mentally concentrate after a two hour plus practice this morning and going into an hour and a half tonight."