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Despite struggles, Pat Fitzgerald encouraged by individual performances, what Northwestern returns in 2022
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Pat Fitzgerald spoke to the media on Monday following the 32- 14 loss to Purdue at Wrigley Field.
Now Northwestern will look to keep the Land of Lincoln Trophy in Evanston for the 7th year in-a-row with the Wildcats going on the road against their rival Illinois.
While this year hasn’t gone the way that Northwestern had hoped, Fitzgerald is still keeping a positive attitude about the future.
“I think we’ve stayed real positive internally and that we’ve worked really hard to develop this young group. I’m really excited about the guys we got coming back.” – Fitz on the performance of the team this year and looking forward to next year
— Inside National Champs (@insidenu) November 22, 2021
Fitz says that in the offseason the team needs to do a lot of work in the weight room and get stronger across the board.
— Inside National Champs (@insidenu) November 22, 2021
Fitzgerald also stated that while there are a lot of players doing well right now, the group needs to get better as a whole.
“Some of our guys are playing their best football of the year right now. We aren’t collectively as a team, but some guys are playing really well right now.” – Fitz
— Inside National Champs (@insidenu) November 22, 2021
Lastly, Fitzgerald spoke about what it takes to beat a rival like Illinois. Stating that you have to prepare a lot differently than how you would for a normal game, comparing it to a bowl game.
Northwestern (3-8) and Illinois (4-7) fight for the Land of Lincoln Trophy at 3:30 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.
“A rival is a rival. You have to approach that game differently know matter where you are or who you’re playing. This is like out bowl game.” – Clair on the upcoming HAT game
— Inside National Champs (@insidenu) November 22, 2021
Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.