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Jack Coan starts for Badgers; Alex Hornibrook in concussion protocol

College Football, Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin sophomore Jack Coan started at quarterback against Northwestern on Saturday as Alex Hornibrook continues to recover from a concussion.

Badgers coach Paul Chryst told the Big Ten Network prior to the game that Hornibrook, a fourth-year junior who is 25-5 as Wisconsin's starting quarterback, "won't play" after reporting symptoms Monday and being in protocol this week.

Coan was 20-for-31 for 158 yards and a touchdown -- he also lost a fumble -- in the No. 20 Badgers' 31-17 loss to Northwestern.

Coan had yet to play this season, as the Badgers want to capitalize on the new redshirt rule, which allows players to retain a season of eligibility if they appear in four games or fewer. He appeared in six games as a freshman in 2017 and completed all five of his pass attempts.

"We had complete faith in Jack," fullback Alec Ingold said after the loss. "He was poised out there. Everyone else had to step up and we didn't get it done."

Hornibrook, who led the Badgers to a win over Illinois last week, has 1,251 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. 

He also suffered a concussion against Minnesota in 2016 and missed the Big Ten Championship Game. He started every game in 2017 and each of the first seven games this fall.

Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) trails the Wildcats (5-3, 5-1) in the Big Ten West.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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