MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Badgers linebacker unit suffered a big blow against Iowa. Redshirt freshman Mike Taylor was lost for the season with a knee injury leaving a hole to fill at middle linebacker.

Coach Bret Bielema hinted that position could be filled by junior Blake Sorenson.

"Blake’s been kind of one of the unsung heroes, you know. He has maybe statistically hasn’t popped up, but he’s been there," said Bielema. "He’s been really the backup for all three linebacker positions since fall camp, and a guy that came in with the hopes of being a starting linebacker, and still might be on Saturday, depending on how he practices this week."

When Taylor went down, special teams standout Chris Borland filled in for him, but he also is a very young player and is key part of a number of different units for the Badgers.

"Chris has got a lot on his plate and has been really productive for us in the way he’s been able to come in, especially on third down and in the sub packages," said Bielema. "So we kind of had to weigh and measure is he better off, you know, playing as an every down starter or a guy that can continue to fill that role for us and be productive."