Team: Wisconsin

Record: 11-3 (7-2 B1G: excludes conference championship)

This was the one time Wisconsin was suppose to have a down year. An intimidating schedule, the loss of defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and inexperience at quarterback was going to be too much to overcome for the Badgers to be a contender in the West again this season.

None of the players or staff bought into that narrative. And the result was another double-digit win year in Madison.

High point of the season: Beating LSU at Lambeau Field

Wisconsin enjoyed an unexpected amount of success in 2016 and it all started in the season-opener at Lambeau Field.

Nobody gave the Badgers a chance to beat LSU, even with the game played in Wisconsin. But thanks to a stifling defense, just enough plays on offense and Rafael Gagliannone, Wisconsin showed they belonged in the same conversation as Ohio State and Michigan.

Plus, who doesn’t love when a B1G team takes down a power from the mighty, mighty SEC?

Low point of the season: Blowing a 28-7 lead in the B1G Championship

Considering how dominant the Badgers defense had been all season, a 21-point lead probably seemed insurmountable to most who watched the B1G Championship Game.

Unfortunately, Wisconsin’s defense had its worst half of the season, surrendering 24 points in the final two quarters in the 38-31 loss in Indianapolis. The Badgers did have a chance to tie the game, but Penn State’s defense came up big on the final play:

Though they had suffered some tough losses against Michigan and Ohio State, blowing a three-score lead to loss a conference title and a Rose Bowl bid was the worst one of the year.

Most meaningful play: D’Cota Dixon’s pass break-up in OT vs. Nebraska

With losses to Michigan and Ohio State already, the Badgers needed a win over No. 7 Nebraska to stay alive in the hunt for the B1G West title.

An 11-yard TD run from Dare Ogunbowale gave Wisconsin a lead but Andrew Endicott missed the extra point, leaving Nebraska with an opportunity to escape Madison with a victory.

Nebraska wasn’t able to move the ball on the first three plays in overtime and faced a 4th-and-8 situation. The Huskers went for it all, as Tommy Armstrong Jr. heaved a passed into the end zone, looking for Stanley Morgan.

But Dixon was in position and saved the day:

Dixon played a big role in the victory, making three tackles and recording an interception, as well. But that deflection was the most important play he made all evening.

Team MVP: T.J. Watt, LB

Anyone who can make a play like this deserves to at least be on the short list as a team’s top player:

Watt was not only Wisconsin’s top defender, he was one of the best in the conference. He finished the year with a conference-leading 11.5 sacks and 13 hurries on quarterbacks this season. He totaled 63 stops for the Badgers this year, including 15.5 tackles for loss. The linebacker also forced two fumbles and had that improbable interception.

Just like his older brother, Watt became one of the most feared defenders for B1G quarterbacks.

Because of his efforts this season, Watt was an All-B1G selection

Overall grade: A

Against such a tough schedule and uncertainty at quarterback, nobody expected Wisconsin to really be a factor in the B1G this year. Instead of rolling over, they recorded another 10-win season, won the West and brought a Cotton Bowl victory back to Madison.

The Badgers exceeded all expectations this season. For that kind of work, they set the curve for the division.