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In their first meeting, the Wildcat ran wild. Miami's star running back and New England's head coach tackle the unorthodox formation. Plus, news and notes from Wednesday's practice.

Patriots.com News Blitz - 11/19/2008

News from New England and the Miami area in advance of the Sunday showdown between the Patriots and Dolphins.

Ask PFW: Battling for the division

The Patriots head into Sunday's game at Miami tied with the Dolphins for second place in a highly competitive AFC East. The winner of the contest will answer a few questions heading down the stretch toward the postseason. For all the other questions surrounding the Patriots we bring another wide-ranging edition of Ask PFW.

Pats ready for Wild weekend in Miami; Tues. notes

After seeing the Dolphins' Wildcat formation rip it to shreds in Week 3, New England is doing everything it can to prevent a repeat performance this weekend.

Patriots.com News Blitz - 11/18/2008

Joey Porter's running his mouth again. Read all about that and the other news and notes leading up to this weekend's Patriots-Dolphins game in today's Patriots.com News Blitz.

62 Brian Barthelmes C

  Height: 6-6   Weight: 300
  Year: 1   Yrs/Pat: 1
  Acquired: FA-06
  School: Virginia
  Major: Sociology
  Born: Jan 28, 1983

Personal

Brian David Barthelmes ... born 1-28-83 in Geauga County, Ohio ... son of Debbie and Lee Barthelmes ... has an older sister, Megan ... father played offensive tackle at Edinboro ... in April 2004, donated approximately 10 inches of his own hair to Lock of Loves, a non-profit organization that provides wigs, made of donated hair, to children who have suffered long-term hair loss due to illness ... went about 18 months without cutting his hair ... received his bachelor's degree in sociology in August 2005.

Career Transactions

Brian Barthelmes was originally signed by the Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 8, 2006. Signed to the Patriots Practice Squad on October 25, 2006.

College

2004: Started every game at left guard ... helped pave the way for the most improved offense in the ACC ... UVa led the ACC in rushing offense (242.8), total offense (423.4), first downs (264) and fewest sacks allowed (16) ... Virginia's 112.6-yard improvement in the rushing game was the second-best improvement in ACC history, as well as the second-best improvement in the nation behind Michigan State (141.1) ... lettered for the third time.

2003: Started eight of the 11 games he played ... was nicked at times ... primarily a left guard--seven starts--but also played some right guard and right tackle ...started at right guard against North Carolina as the offense rolled up a season-high 515 yards, including 229 on the ground ... played both left and right guard on several occasions including the Continental Tire Bowl win over Pittsburgh ... earned his second letter.

2002: Physical lineman who opened the season in a reserve capacity behind D'Brickashaw Ferguson at left tackle ... saw limited action in the season's first month both from scrimmage and on the kick scoring team ... moved to left guard after the team got thin at that position ... made his first appearance at the position against Duke ... moved into the starting lineup for the Clemson game and remained there the rest of the season ... lettered.

2001: Did not see game action and was red-shirted ... in uniform for the Richmond game.

College bio courtesy of University of Virginia athletics

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