A Quarterback Duel Fizzles, but the Irish Explode
The New York Times
Jack Coan, who transferred to Notre Dame from Wisconsin, looked more solid than his Badger replacement, though he left the game in the third quarter with an injury.
Saturday’s game between Notre Dame and Wisconsin had an air of suspense before the two teams even took the field. Did Wisconsin Coach Paul Chryst make the right decision in sticking with quarterback Graham Mertz over Jack Coan? How would Coan, now Notre Dame’s quarterback, fare against his former team? Would this game add Coan to a growing list of quarterback transfers who elevate their new programs upon arrival?
Coan only had three quarters to make his case. He appeared to injure his leg after taking a sack in the third quarter, and after walking gingerly off the field, he didn’t return. The 12th-ranked Fighting Irish didn’t miss him much, toppling No. 18 Wisconsin, 41-13, with third-string quarterback Drew Pyne.
Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly said after the game that Coan had a soft tissue injury but clean X-rays, and he was optimistic that Coan would return next week against Cincinnati.
