scrolling message display

I'm not familiar with these old boards. It would be quite different depending on the board, because I see the up2 has a VGA output interface, but the up3 has instead an LCD module.

Anyway, it doesn't really sound as a project reasonable for a beginner. You should start with a very basic design until becoming more familiar with the software tools, Verilog and your hardware.

I would start with something like reading the push buttons and driving the board LEDs. Try also to grab some Verilog introductory book, or at least some Verilog introduction available on-line.