Wisconsin QB Hornibrook sits out again

Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook missed his second straight game Saturday against Big Ten rival Purdue. Hornibrook also sat out last week's loss to Penn State as he continues to deal with concussion-like symptoms that also caused him to miss a game versus Northwestern on Oct. 27. Although Hornibrook returned the following week against Rutgers, he struggled before exiting the game due to concerns about his head injury. Sophomore Jack Coan made his third start of the season and led Wisconsin to a 47-44 victory over Purdue in three overtimes, completing 16 of 24 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Coan had a rough game against Penn State, getting sacked five times, committing four turnovers and completing only 9 of 20 passes for 60 yards. In a relief effort versus Rutgers, Coan was 5 of 7 for 64 yards and a touchdown. In his start against Northwestern, Coan finished 20 of 31 for 158 yards and a touchdown. Hornibrook has dealt with concussion issues in the past, missing the 2016 Big Ten Championship Game against Penn State because of a concussion. He also was limited in the Cotton Bowl against Western Michigan that same year after suffering a concussion in the regular-season finale. In eight games this season, Hornibrook has 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He had 21 scoring passes and 15 picks in 13 games in 2017. Wisconsin (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten) trails Northwestern by two games in the conference's West Division. Purdue is 5-6, 4-4.