Wisconsin Football: 3 takeaways from ugly win over Northwestern

2. Northwestern defense kept Jack Coan in check

Over the first few weeks of the season, Jack Coan looked like he had taken a significant leap at quarterback for the Badgers. Even against Michigan, which held Coan to 128 yards through the air, the passer was still an efficient 13-of-16 throwing the ball. But Northwestern had the formula to keep Coan in check as they kept things close through the first half.

Coan ended the day just 15-of-24 for 113 yards. Averaging just 4.7 yards per attempt, the quarterback failed to reach the end zone and had a deep ball picked off late in the first half. The quarterback also failed to do much on the ground, netting two yards on his three credited carries. It was largely because of Coan’s struggles that the Badgers relied so heavily on their defense to score points and prevent Northwestern from keeping things close.

It was hardly the worst possible performance, especially considering that Wisconsin walked away with the win, but this regression to the mean should be concerning for the Badgers coaching staff. If Wisconsin is going to keep themselves in the mix for a Big Ten title and a trip to the College Football Playoff this season, they need Coan to step up against better defenses.