Wisconsin Football: 5 Early Team Awards for Badgers

Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The 2012 season has not started how the Wisconsin Badgers anticipated.  The team has struggled, suffering losses to Nebraska and Oregon State.  

However, not all is lost.  The Wisconsin defense has been better than expected, and Jared Abbrederis has been a star.

Here are five early team awards for the Badgers.

Offensive Player of the Year

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Jared Abbrederis is the Badger's offensive player of the season so far.  The only threat in Wisconsin's secondary, Abbrederis has been the key to the Badger's offensive success.  The star receiver's deep threat ability draws defenders out of the box, opening up running lanes for the Badger backs.  

Abbrederis' stats demonstrate how valuable he has been, catching 20 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns.  More importantly, the Badger wide receiver is averaging 20 yards per catch.

Defensive Player of the Year

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Chris Borland has been the Badger's defensive player of the season so far.  The star linebacker has been the heart of a surprisingly stout Badger defense, and he has been a terror all over the field.  

Borland has been dominant against the run as well as the pass, leading the team in tackles for a loss as well as sacks.  Also he is tied for second in pass break ups.

An all around stud, Borland is the best player on the Badger's defense.  

Goat of the Year

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Danny O'Brien has been the goat of the Badger's season.  The highly touted Maryland transfer was expected to come in and solidify Wisconsin's quarterback position.  

However, the opposite has been true.  O'Brien has been a mess, routinely turning over the ball, and his fumble late in the Nebraska game ensured the Badger's loss.  

The Badger quarterback actually lost his job due to his poor play.  

Goat of the Year Part Deux

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The Badgers' offensive line has been the other goat of the season so far.  A typically dominant unit, this year's offensive line has been miserable.  The O-line has been terrible at the point of attack, and has been unable to open up holes for the running game.  Additionally, the unit has been plagued by penalties.  

The Wisconsin offensive line has been a huge reason why the offense has struggled this year.   

Team MVP

Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Chris Borland has been Wisconsin's best player this season. As mentioned in the defensive player of the season  slide, Borland has been a stud for the Badgers.  His consistent play has been one of the main reasons the Badger's defense has been able to keep Wisconsin competitive. 

Chris Borland is the team’s MVP.