All college football programs have intensive conditioning regimes, but the work put in by Northwestern under strength coach Alex Spanos is second to none.

The Wildcats have definitely taken their conditioning to another level, including putting in some intense work after the conclusion of practices. This kind of stuff is not for the faint of heart, and head coach Pat Fitzgerald discussed why the Wildcats are so focused on conditioning.

During his BTN Bus Tour appearance, Fitzgerald explained that it’s well known that the Wildcats play in lots of close games. It is also well known that his team wins most of those games, and he credits that ability to the strength and conditioning program. Being in elite physical condition separates the Wildcats in those close games and allows them to focus while tired:

“We’re gonna be able to run all day,” explained Fitzgerald. “I’m sure it’s well-documented we play in a lot of close games. And we win ’em because of that (conditioning). We win them because we don’t breakdown mentally. We don’t flinch mentally. We’re in great cardiovascular shape. As you know being in the arena, the first thing to go when you get tired is your mind. When your mind goes, you don’t execute…and you make mistakes.”

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The Wildcats will look to repeat as B1G West champs in 2019. Their journey starts August 31 against Stanford.