JACK COAN

A promising young coach, a souped-up passing game and a couple turnover gifts from Oklahoma State’s offense weren’t enough to end Notre Dame’s January postseason misery.

Spencer Sanders accounted for 496 yards and threw three of his four touchdown passes to Tay Martin, and No. 9 Oklahoma State overcame a 21-point deficit to beat No. 5 Notre Dame 37-35 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Jack Coan threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns in a little more than a half and No. 6 Notre Dame had two defensive touchdowns in winning its sixth straight game, 55-0 over beleaguered Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Jonathan Doerer kicked a 48-yard field goal with 17 seconds remaining, capping a dramatic rally to give No. 14 Notre Dame a 32-29 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday night.

MinnesotaLW: 8; overall: 2-2; Big Ten: 0-1; next: at PurdueThe Gophers had their homecoming spoiled by Bowling Green on Saturday. MarylandLW: 7; overall: 4-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: No. MichiganLW: 4; overall: 4-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: at WisconsinRunning up the middle most of the time is fine when it’s working, as it did for the Wolverines’ nonconference wins. Penn StateLW: 2; overall: 4-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: IndianaPenn State had no trouble with Villanova, one of the better FCS programs, on Saturday. IowaLW: 1; overall: 4-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: at Maryland (Friday)The Hawkeyes hold on to the top spot here despite trailing Colorado State at halftime on Saturday.

Chris Tyree returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and Drew Pyne threw a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter in relief of an injured Jack Coan as No. 12 Notre Dame beat No. 18 Wisconsin 41-13 at Soldier Field.

No. 16 Arkansas' game against No. 7 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and No. 18 Wisconsin's meeting with No. 12 Notre Dame at Soldier Field in Chicago highlight the college football schedule on Saturday.

After escaping Florida State with a 41-38 overtime victory on the road to open the season, the Irish showed little improvement during a 32-29 comeback victory at home over Toledo. It has some wondering if Notre Dame is ripe to be picked off by Purdue, a longtime foe it hasn't faced since 2014. Notre Dame’s rebuilding offensive line, despite the presence of preseason All-Americans in center Jarrett Patterson and guard Cain Madden, has struggled to consistently open holes for Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree.

Jack Coan hit Michael Mayer for an 18-yard touchdown pass with 1:09 remaining for the third lead change in a wild fourth quarter and No. 8 Notre Dame held off Toledo 32-29.

New quarterbacks are leading last year's College Football Playoff teams.

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Familiar names in new places this fall could reshape the landscape for some college football programs, starting with Jack Coan at Notre Dame.

The starting quarterback for the Irish could be Jack Coan, the former Badger who on Monday night announced he’s headed to Notre Dame for his final season of eligibility as a grad transfer. Graham Mertz was the Badgers’ starting QB in 2020 after Coan suffered a foot injury in the preseason. @NDFootball pic.twitter.com/wKCEbWFgzY — Jack Coan (@jcoan17) January 5, 2021Wisconsin and Notre Dame are slated to meet Sept. 25 at Soldier Field. At Wisconsin, Coan passed for 3,278 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while completing 68 percent of his passes. Before his perspective college football career gained traction, Coan had committed to Notre Dame in lacrosse.

Wisconsin wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) gets away from Michigan defensive back Vincent Gray (4) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. 13 Wisconsin build a big lead in a 49-11 rout of Michigan on Saturday night. “It was great to get back to playing.”The Wolverines (1-3) fell behind 28-0 at halftime, their largest deficit at home since the Big House opened in 1927, and are off to their worst start since 1967. The team announced that 10 players would not be available to play at Michigan, but didn't say why they were out of the lineup. POLL IMPLICATIONSThe Badgers might up a little after slipping in the two weeks they were idle after rising to No.

More: Wisconsin still uncertain of starting QB vs. MichiganQ: I think many folks were surprised by how well Graham Mertz played Week 1 against Illinois. Had it been a normal offseason, I think Mertz and Coan would’ve had a true battle. Q: When Michigan fans think of Wisconsin, they often think of its run game. I think Wisconsin capitalizes on a few mistakes to take a lead, but the Wolverines keep it close throughout. Michigan players, families adjust to new Big Ten postgame protocolsColumn: Michigan has lost its identity on defenseRecruiting report: Where does U-M turn after missing on DT Rayshaun Benny?

9 Wisconsin canceled its game at Nebraska and paused team activities for at least a week after a dozen people in the program — including coach Paul Chryst — tested positive for COVID-19. Alvarez said the team had only one positive test two days before Friday's season-opening 45-7 victory over Illinois and 12 positive tests afterward. Alvarez said Wisconsin had reached the “orange/red” levels in the Big Ten protocols based on its rate of positive tests. The announcement followed reports that quarterback Graham Mertz had tested positive twice – which would require him to sit out at least 21 days under Big Ten protocols – and that backup quarterback Chase Wolf had tested positive at least once. “We’ll see where we are as far as testing, and we’ll make that decision as we move closer to the game,” Alvarez said.

What happens if an outbreak hits a team’s quarterback room? “Obviously this year there’s some things that will be unique,” Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said Monday without specifically discussing his players’ test results. “I think there certainly were those questions after the decision was made,” Ohio State team physician Jim Borchers said last week. And that’s all we really paid attention to.”Big Ten protocols say that athletes who test positive through point-of-contact daily testing must take a polymerase chain reaction test to confirm the first result. While Wisconsin awaits answers, Big Ten teams continue reminding quarterbacks about the potential risks inherent in this unusual season.

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz’s next game after his stellar debut could be against Michigan. After having a COVID-19 antigen test come back positive on Saturday, Mertz received a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on Tuesday to confirm, according CBS Sports. Wisconsin might have to start fourth-string quarterback Danny Vanden Boom in Saturday’s game at Nebraska after third-stringer Chase Wolf also tested positive, according to reports. However, Wolf’s positive test has not yet been confirmed. If a team’s positivity rate -- the number of positive tests divided by total number of tests administered -- based on a seven-day rolling average exceeds five percent, it would not be allowed to play.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It’s unclear whether Wisconsin will be without star QB Graham Mertz -- and possibly its top three quarterbacks -- when it travels to Ann Arbor in three weeks to play Michigan. Over the weekend, reports emerged that Mertz had tested positive for COVID-19. That first positive test came from an antigen test, and on Tuesday, CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd reported that Mertz tested positive for a second time -- presumably through a polymerase chain reaction test. That would be exactly 21 days from Mertz’s positive test, and according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, he would be allowed to return to action that day. Unfortunately, Wolf has also reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, though he hasn’t had a second positive test confirmed.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and Wisconsin State Journal both reported that Mertz had tested positive. The Journal-Sentinel reported Mertz’s positive test came Saturday, one day after the Badgers’ 45-7 season-opening home victory over Illinois. Both papers reported that Mertz would be undergoing a second test to determine if the first result was a false positive. Big Ten protocols say that athletes who test positive through point-of-contact daily testing must take a polymerase chain reaction test to confirm the first result. Chryst said he has no problem with the Big Ten’s 21-day policy, which is more stringent than those of most conferences regarding players who test positive.

14 Badgers beat Illinois 45-7 on Friday night to open the pandemic-delayed Big Ten football season. Mertz became the first-team quarterback after returning starter Jack Coan underwent foot surgery on Oct. 7, leaving him out indefinitely. After Illinois fumbled the ball away on the game’s second play from scrimmage, Mertz hit fullback Jason Stokke for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Mertz responded to Illinois’ touchdown by throwing a 34-yard completion to Ferguson and then hitting the senior tight end again for a 14-yard score with 1:06 left in the half. After Illinois went three-and-out on its next series, Mertz threw deep and found Danny Davis for a 53-yard touchdown pass with 28 seconds left until halftime.

Here are the top five quarterbacks Michigan will likely face this season. While it is no guarantee Coan faces Michigan on Nov. 14, he still has a better track record than several other quarterbacks in the Big Ten. The 6-foot-3, 218-pounder was limited to just three games as a true freshman in 2018 and six games in 2019. He set the program single-season record for completion percentage (68.8) while throwing for 1,394 yards and 10 touchdowns to four interceptions. Morgan was underwhelming in his six starts in 2018 but had a breakout 2019 season, earning second-team all-Big Ten honors while leading the Gophers to a surprising 11-2 record.

4 Ohio State aims to keep the train rolling down the tracks when the two Big Ten heavyweights collide Saturday in Columbus. 1 in total defense, passing defense, scoring defense and rushing defense, and Ohio State is No. Wisconsin's defense had been nearly invincible before last week, posting four shutouts in its first six games. Ohio State extended its winning streak to 13 games, second longest active streak in the nation, with a 52-3 victory last Friday over Northwestern. PREDICTION: Ohio State 31, Wisconsin 17More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

The unbeaten Badgers, following a 38-0 victory against Michigan State in Week 7, hope to continue their mastery of the Fighting Illini by notching their 10th consecutive victory in the series. LINE: Wisconsin -31.5"It's special when we're clicking on all cylinders," Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor told reporters. Illinois scored 25 unanswered points after falling behind 28-0 before eventually suffering a 42-25 defeat to 16th-ranked Michigan last week. Wisconsin has won 13 of the last 14 meetings with Illinois. PREDICTION: Wisconsin 48, Illinois 13More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Danny Davis III #6 of the Wisconsin Badgers is brought down by Josiah Scott #22 and Antjuan Simmons #34 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by StacyMADISON, Wis. - Jonathan Taylor rushed for two touchdowns, Wisconsin's defense posted its fourth shutout of the season and the No. 8 Badgers cruised to a 38-0 win over Michigan State on Saturday. But Michigan State was held to 149 yards, 30 rushing, and couldn't find any rhythm as the Badgers dominated time of possession 39:10 to 20:50. Michigan State lost at then-No.

- Wisconsin will continue its perfect season after defeating the Michigan State Spartans 38-0 Saturday. ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten)The Spartans' defense has been solid, but the offense has been up and down, ranking 10th in the Big Ten in scoring at 27.8 points per game. Michigan State P Jake Hartbarger is averaging a Big Ten-best 47.6 yards per punt, which also ranks seventh in the FBS. The Badgers are the only FBS team that has not trailed in a game this season. PREDICTION: Wisconsin 35, Michigan State 20More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

8 Wisconsin looks to stay perfect on the season when it hosts Michigan State on Saturday in a Big Ten Conference matchup. ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten)The Spartans' defense has been solid, but the offense has been up and down, ranking 10th in the Big Ten in scoring at 27.8 points per game. Michigan State P Jake Hartbarger is averaging a Big Ten-best 47.6 yards per punt, which also ranks seventh in the FBS. The Badgers are the only FBS team that has not trailed in a game this season. PREDICTION: Wisconsin 35, Michigan State 20More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

- Ninth-ranked Wisconsin looks to continue its hot start when it hosts Kent State to wrap up the non-conference portion of its schedule on Saturday. The Badgers blanked South Florida (49-0) and Central Michigan (61-0) by a combined 110-0 before knocking off No. ABOUT KENT STATE (2-2)Dustin Crum completed 26-of-31 passes for a career-high 310 yards and three touchdowns as the Golden Flashes racked up a program-record 750 yards of offense in the win against Bowling Green. "It was a really good and really strong performance by the guys," Kent State head coach Sean Lewis told reporters. Taylor has registered nine consecutive 100-yard rushing gamesPREDICTION: Wisconsin 48, Kent State 14More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

- Ninth-ranked Wisconsin looks to continue its sizzling start to the season when it hosts Northwestern on Saturday. The Badgers shut out South Florida (49-0) and Central Michigan (61-0) in non-conference play before trouncing No. "We just focus on ourselves and play as well as we possibly can," Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan told reporters. Northwestern is heading in the wrong direction following a 31-10 home loss to Michigan State in Week 4. PREDICTION: Wisconsin 42, Northwestern 17More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Josh Metellus #14 of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 14 Wisconsin. "We're excited to get going with Big Ten play and face a well-coached and talented Michigan team," Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst told reporters. Wisconsin has won five consecutive home meetings with Michigan. PREDICTION: Michigan 28, Wisconsin 24More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Josh Metellus #14 of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. - Tenth-ranked Michigan looks to record its first win in Madison in 18 years when it visits No. LINE: Wisconsin -3.5"We're just looking to go out there and make a statement it's as simple as that," Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson told reporters. "We're excited to get going with Big Ten play and face a well-coached and talented Michigan team," Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst told reporters. PREDICTION: Michigan 28, Wisconsin 24More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Wisconsin has been an offensive juggernaut so far this season, scoring 110 points against South Florida and Central Michigan. Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Camp Randall Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan has faced a nonexistent passing attack in Army and a weak offense in Middle Tennessee State this season. Kell Walker #5 of the Army Black Knights is tackled by Kwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines and Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Michigan Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wisconsin game is an opportunity to get back on track and the offense isn't the only unit with something to prove.