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After IU edged out Penn State last night, BTN jumped right into the next game of their Big Ten doubleheader, as Michigan traveled to Welsh-Ryan Arena to play Northwestern. Like IU whenever they’re at the Bryce Jordan Center, things always tend to get a little weird when Michigan travels to Evanston.
Last night was no exception.
With under two minutes left and his team down 62-60, Northwestern coach Chris Collins had a... uhhh... very unique way of trying to rally his Wildcats to victory:
Think Chris Collins wants this @NUMensBball win? pic.twitter.com/pKNBuVsndD
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 5, 2018
Naturally once this image got to the internet, it caught fire.
There will never be a better image to describe "having a normal one" pic.twitter.com/qFzS7sYen4
— Bill Carmody Liker (@kicknyrgios) December 5, 2018
Here were some of the best reactions.
Some likened Collins to a household pet with his unorthodox maneuver:
Good boy pic.twitter.com/wbQhtjQJdh
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) December 5, 2018
it's important to remember that last night Chris Collins was briefly possessed by the spirit of Air Bud https://t.co/RDtUrmhUnJ
— Ace Anbender (@AceAnbender) December 5, 2018
Chris Collins taking 'Go Cats' to the next level pic.twitter.com/DVDBqLh2h1
— Official Jim Harbaugh Apologist Account (@kid_named_derek) December 5, 2018
Others said he embodied the spirit of his alma mater:
When Chris Collins lets out his Duke side. pic.twitter.com/qNAO0XfsA1
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) December 5, 2018
I just found out Chris Collins went to Duke, and somehow that makes all the sense in the world. https://t.co/CUJNOhohfB
— SGR (@sgeorgetter) December 5, 2018
Whereas others thought he might be following in Tom Izzo’s footsteps:
Can’t tell if Chris Collins is Pat Fitzgerald Football Edition or Tom Izzo Purple Version.
— B (@BKudron) December 5, 2018
Not sure which one is worse, either. https://t.co/0qnhv4LAaw
Chris Collins really putting together a strong resumé to become the next coach of MSU. https://t.co/MjxKKSgM9g
— Patrick (@PankDankTank) December 5, 2018
There were also references to other memes:
"THEY DID SURGERY ON A GRAPE" pic.twitter.com/vaG23q0pDM
— Patrick Barron (@BlueBarronPhoto) December 5, 2018
sir this is an arby's https://t.co/jQCucmaNRS
— mgoblog (@mgoblog) December 5, 2018
fellas you come home and your girl looks at you like this wyd???? pic.twitter.com/StZm8NXOTI
— Bill Carmody Liker (@kicknyrgios) December 5, 2018
— cal (@barashdavid) December 5, 2018
New Spider-Man movie has all kinds of Spider-Men in it but this one is a little too niche pic.twitter.com/b7UePbmBBK
— A CheesyCheesy Christmas (@CheesyCheesy2) December 5, 2018
— Cam Newton (@morrisoncrying) December 5, 2018
Ultimately, the all-fours stance did not work, as Northwestern lost 62-60 to undefeated #5 Michigan. But regardless, Collins now has the defining image of the Big Ten season thus far: a coach going to any possible length to get his team the victory against a top-five opponent.
With the loss, Northwestern fell to 0-2 in the conference, but perhaps Collins put himself in line for another Chicago-based gig?
Future Bulls coach Chris Collins trying to beat Michigan right now on Big Ten Network. Does he have the fire and spirit to win this game?
— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) December 5, 2018
I would be 1000% fine with Chris Collins being the next Bulls coach
— Dylan Connolly (DConn) (@DCONN24) December 5, 2018
If there was any doubt that Chris Collins will be coaching the bulls in less than 2 years there shouldn’t be now. Look at that grit and spirit @BullsBlogger https://t.co/FfaZEEjf5q
— JerryCalo (@JerryCalo11) December 5, 2018