Kevin Heywood expected to start for Wisconsin against Notre Dame

Wisconsin offensive lineman Kevin Heywood is expected to start at right tackle for the team's season opener against No. 4 Notre Dame. Heywood returned to practice this week following a month of limited activity due to an injury sustained during the second practice of fall camp. While Heywood is cleared for the matchup, teammate Emerson Mandell remains sidelined as he recovers from offseason foot surgery. Stylz Blackmon is the projected starter at right guard, though Blake Cherry remains an option for the position. Head coach Luke Fickell previously expressed caution regarding the offensive line rotation leading into this major non-conference test. Wisconsin faces Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan in the following two weeks, providing further opportunities for lineup adjustments.

• 2:59 PMYahoo Sports — Badgers star offensive lineman expected to start, another ruled out for Sunday