After passing the ball in the third period, Jack Coan of Notre Dame limps off the field. (0:19).
CHICAGO -- Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is "pretty hopeful" that quarterback Jack Coan will not miss next week’s showdown against No. 8 Cincinnati, after Saturday's victory against No. 17 Wisconsin was left with a left ankle injury.
Coan was facing his old team at Soldier Field and limped off with the score tied at 10-10. After a quick check at the medical tent, Coan was moved to the locker room.
Kelly stated that X-rays were clear and Coan's injury does not appear to be serious.
Kelly stated that it was a soft-tissue injury. Kelly said that it doesn't respond like a high-ankle sprain and they are optimistic that he will be back next week.
The No. The No. 12 Fighting Irish (4-0), host Cincinnati on October 2.
Notre Dame lost 13-10 to the Badgers and then scored 31 unanswered goals in the final 14 minutes. This began with a 96 yard kick return touchdown by Chris Tyree. Kelly became the school's all time coach wins leader with 106.
True freshman Tyler Buchner was unable to play in the last two games due to a hamstring strain. Drew Pyne, second-year quarterback, replaced Coan. He passed for 81 yards with a touchdown.
Kelly praised Pyne for choosing to stay with Notre Dame despite Coan's transfer from Wisconsin. However, the coach stressed that Coan will continue to be the starter as long as he is healthy enough. Kelly stated that Buchner will likely return next week.
Kelly stated that the Irish are still a developing team, dealing with inexperience at some spots and attrition at others. However, Kelly loves the group’s preparation approach. The defense of the Irish, which suffered in victories over Florida State, Toledo and other states, stopped the Badgers from converting on 13 of 14 attempts at third-down, including the first 10.
Notre Dame managed to run only 60 yards in quarter four, but it was the second FBS team to win the quarter by more than 28 points.
Kelly stated, "It's one thing practice, but it's another to have a performance mindset." They can flip it. They can prepare it and then flip it to perform, which is a great thing. They're improving each week, although we still have a lot to do. It's great fun to coach them.
They're not perfect, but they're going be better in November. That's the good part. This is what motivates you as coach.
Kelly opened his postgame news conference with a slap on the face for his "sticky Gatorade hairstyle," which was dipped in water by players. Kelly, now in his 12th season at Notre Dame, is 106-39 with two CFP appearances as well as a BCS title appearance in 2012.
Kelly stated that he was happy to have broken Rockne's record. I'm proud to be able to achieve this level of consistency. And, obviously, winning requires great players, great coaches, and great support. It's a great feeling to watch the development of a Drew Pyne going in there and Chris Tyree. It's more fun to watch Drew Pyne and Chris Tyree develop. This is why I do it. It's not possible to do it for 31 consecutive years if you want to beat Knute rockne's record.
"I don't mean any disrespect to Knute. But I'm glad it's over and we can move forward to trying to beat Cincinnati."
However, there is one caveat. The NCAA ordered the Irish not to accept 21 wins from the 2012 and 2013, as part of academic misconduct sanctions. In February 2018, the NCAA rejected an appeal. In February 2018, the NCAA denied Kelly an appeal. Kelly's record is now 85-39 over 12 seasons.
