Wisconsin true freshman linebacker chris Borland was named co-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after recovering two fumbles, forcing another and recording four tackles in his first career start in the Badgers 37-0 win over Purdue.
Borland was also named co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week earlier this season after blocking a punt against Wofford. He is the first Badger to earn defensive and special teams player of the week honors in the same season since Jim Leonard in 2003.
AUDIO: Bret Bielema on freshman Chris Borland :07
It’s also the fifth time this season that a UW player has been honored by the Big Ten. John Clay, O’Brien Schofield and Scott Tolzien also earned conference honors.
Borland has just one start under his belt, but he has a blocked punt, 5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this season.
** The Big Ten Conference has announced the Wisconsin vs. Michigan, at Camp Randall Stadium on Nov. 14, will kickoff at 11am CT and be televised by the Big Ten Network.
Michigan leads the all-time series between the two teams 49-12-1, but the Badgers have won the last two meetings in Madison.