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Everything Pat Fitzgerald said at his weekly press conference following disastrous Week 1 performance
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After falling to Michigan State on Friday night 38-21, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald had the entire weekend to get ready to meet the media for his Monday morning press conference.
Of course, that also gave him more time to dwell on the loss.
The typically tough Wildcat defense gave up 38 points, and allowed Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III to rush for 264 yards and four touchdowns. As a result, the Wildcats didn’t name a Defensive Player of the Week for their opening stanza, and if they had, according to Fitzgerald any player named would’ve likely declined.
Fitz was able to find some positives, as he was pleased with the play of his quarterback, Hunter Johnson. He also discussed the running back position, which he said will likely see more of Evan Hull being utilized at the RB1 spot.
The Wildcats host Indiana State on Saturday, Sept. 11 and Fitzgerald also touched on the significance of playing on 9/11 during his press conference.
That, along with more of what the Northwestern coach had to say is below.
Fitz mentions 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks at the front of his opening statement. "It's a heavy hearted week, I think, for our entire country," he says.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 6, 2021
"This week makes you remember those we lost and those that, when tragedy hit, they didn't run from it, they ran to it," Fitz said of the upcoming 9/11 anniversary.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 6, 2021
No defensive player of the week for Northwestern, per head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Wildcats gave up 38 points to Michigan State. Spartans RB Kenneth Walker III earned B1G Offensive POTW honors for his big game.
— Paul Harvey 🔨 (@HammerHarvey) September 6, 2021
"We weren't able to capitalize and they were," Fitz says of MSU game.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 6, 2021
"Obviously the chemistry that he and Bryce have going back to Brownsburg, that's pretty cool," Fitz says of Johnson. Mentions how proud he is of HJ for overcoming adversity.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 6, 2021
"If I could tell it was gonna happen, I'd change it," Fitz says of history of September losses.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 6, 2021
Communication issues were partially to blame for defensive red zone struggles, Fitz says.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 6, 2021
"I think everyone will have a role, but there's no question I thought Evan played really well on Friday night," Fitz says, when asked if it will remain RB by committee or whether Evan Hull will become a more carries-dominant RB1.
"I think Evan's earned that."
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 6, 2021
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.