The score may indicate otherwise, but those present at the UW football team's 38-30 win over Michigan State last weekend realize what a big-time statement it was. The Badgers always seem to let things get a little too exciting, as shown by a careless 91-yard touchdown reception they surrendered in the final minute. Wisconsin was in control for most of the game, answering critics who said their performance in non-conference games wouldn't cut it against the rest of the Big Ten.
After the way last season ended, I think fans will be less inclined to get ahead of themselves in projecting this team to finish far beyond their own preseason expectations. But within reason, regardless of how this season ends, the future of the program already looks far more optimistic than it did a few weeks ago, with a variety of young talent that has shown maturity far beyond their years.
A 7-6 record for a team with Rose Bowl aspirations required coach Bielema and his staff to essentially start from scratch. In an earlier column I wrote the team hasn't exactly been consistent with their starters at each position, and a series of injuries has further complicated things. The result has been a wide-open competition and a chance for even the youngest players to step up—and they've made the most of it.
Here's a list of some younger Badgers with potentially bright futures, deserving recognition for their performance through the first month of the season:
Scott Tolzien, junior quarterback
While Tolzien isn't the youngest guy, he's a good fit for this list because the Badgers went against their usual pattern of one-and-done senior quarterbacks. Tolzien has accomplished a lot, considering he played in just three career games coming into the season. To date, he ranks first in the Big Ten in QB rating, and second in both touchdown passes and completion percentage. Most importantly to UW, he has shown excellent decision-making with just two interceptions.
Nick Toon, sophomore wide receiver
Toon had zero career starts entering the season, but now, he and junior wide receiver Isaac Anderson have formed one of the better receiver tandems the Badgers have had in recent years. Toon has been explosive with one play of at least 15 yards in every contest. He's also shown consistency with at least 45 yards receiving in each game. Only a sophomore, Toon has, perhaps, the most upside of anyone on the Badger offense right now and could continue to benefit from opposing defenses focusing heavily on senior tight end Garrett Graham.
Mike Taylor, redshirt freshman linebacker
Taylor has gone from a redshirt to an anchor of the UW defense, as he is currently tied for the team lead with 30 tackles. He ranks second on the squad in tackles for a loss with five for 19 yards, and he is the only UW player to have recorded a sack, interception and forced fumble this year.
Chris Borland, freshman linebacker
The true freshman has shown he is ready to contribute immediately and in a variety of situations. Borland is one of Wisconsin's top-10 tacklers without even holding a starting spot at linebacker, due in part to his four tackles in a single game, all on special teams. In the last game against Michigan State he began to show his explosiveness on defensive sets with a sack, a pass breakup and four quarterback hurries. Still, it's Borland's athleticism on special teams that serve as a valuable weapon. His huge leap to recover a kick against Michigan State and an impressive blocked punt against Wofford stand out as two of Wisconsin's most exciting plays this year.
Peter Konz, redshirt freshman center/Travis Frederick, freshman center
These two have come up big in helping a UW offensive line depleted by injuries. Frederick started the first two games, becoming the first true freshman offensive lineman in UW history to start a season opener. Konz followed with a solid performance in the previous two contests. The offensive line as a whole has protected Tolzien very well, giving up just two sacks all season.
