The most unique season in Big Ten history kicked off on a Friday night in October as the Wisconsin Badgers took it to Illinois despite missing quarterback Jack Coan. Last season’s starter was not spectacular, but seemed like a solid option to lead the team once again. Instead, a foot injury to Coan thrust redshirt freshman Graham Mertz into action, and he showed up in a big way against the Illini.
That was the last time we saw the Badgers play a game, however. Literally the next day, Mertz tested positive for Covid-19, and soon enough players and coaches tested positive to sideline the team for two weeks.