WATCH: Controversial touchdown gives Notre Dame lead over Wisconsin
Notre Dame took a 10-3 lead after the referees confirmed that Fighing Irish wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. maintained possession as he crossed the goal line for a touchdown. Did he or didn’t he? You decide.
Notre Dame has seen success through the air offensively, while Wisconsin’s offense has struggled. The Fighting Irish are outgaining the Badgers 155-85. Facing his former team, quarterback Jack Coan has thrown for 152 yards and one touchdown. For Wisconsin, quarterback Graham Mertz has complied just five of 13 pass attempts for 71 yards and one interception.
The Fighting Irish are notably without defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, who was in the concussion protocol earlier in the week. He has played in 53 games and started 28 consecutive contests in his career with the Fighting Irish. Hinish has five tackles and one sack this season, and he received the game ball last week in Notre Dame’s victory over Purdue.
Notre Dame and Wisconsin are wearing special uniforms on Saturday. Changes to Notre Dame’s uniforms are subtle, but do carry meaning and represent the city of Chicago. The sleeves on the navy blue jersey are usually bare, but these special jerseys have two gold stripes that represent the rivers and waterways on Chicago’s city flag.
On the jersey, the numbers also represent the “City of Broad Shoulders.” Notre Dame’s helmets honor the Chicago flag with nearly the same design. The collar on the uniform displays Notre Dame football’s mission statement of “graduating champions.”
Wisconsin is wearing all-white “Forward” uniforms that were first released in June are a tribute to Wisconsin’s state motto, “Forward,” which is written across the top of the state flag. Both the helmet and pants will feature Wisconsin’s regular logo, the Motion W, and “Forward” will be written across the iconic symbol.