Jack Coan won the Notre Dame job in training camp. Coan became the Notre Dame starter after multiple years in Madison. The Badgers decided to push forward with Graham Mertz, not Coan. Right now, Badgers fans cannot be too happy about that one. Mertz had two interceptions, multiple issues with handoffs, and only 185 yards on 22 completions. Coan set a Notre Dame first-game record with 366 yards through the air. Four touchdowns on 26 competitions. Adding that fuel to the already anti-Mertz fire is not going to do anyone any favors in Wisconsin.

Jack Coan drop it in a BUCKET pic.twitter.com/k3x3UQpItO

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 6, 2021

This is probably a podcast topic for me when Notre Dame and Wisconsin meet, but here’s the thing. If the Badgers go with Coan, Mertz is probably transferring somewhere else. And the message is clear that even if you’re a four-star talent, you have to wait your turn. That is not how things are done in today’s college football. But do I think the Badgers may have overestimated the talent of Mertz? Perhaps. That is the huge question. If Mertz is nothing better than a group five quarterback then it’s a massive mistake.

4 TDs for Jack Coan in his 1st game.

Look away, Wisco fans. pic.twitter.com/HKb5ssCR1y

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 6, 2021

The two teams will meet in three weeks. I have to say, Wisconsin has a real shot in that game though. Notre Dame could not stop the run to save their souls. That’s a real issue against a Wisconsin team who likes to run the football.

Charlie.