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Here’s what Pat Fitzgerald had to say about matchup vs. Duke in weekly presser
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The Northwestern Wildcats are 1-1 in the early goings of the 2021 season.
The Wildcats have looked sluggish in both of their outings against Michigan State and Indiana State.
After a win, though, looking sluggish does not sting as bad comparatively too after a loss. The Wildcats beat the Sycamores 24-6 at Ryan Field Saturday afternoon.
Northwestern is preparing to go on the road for the first time this season to face the Duke Blue Devils.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald spoke to the media today ahead of this weekends’ game.
Fitz named who was the offensive and defensive of players of the week to open up the press conference.
Fitz starts the presser by naming Evan Hull the offensive player of the week, but also mentioned that their was no “offensive playmaker of the week”. Adetomiwa Adebawore got both defensive player of the week and playmaker of the week, and Ray Niro took the honor for Special Teams
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 13, 2021
Fitz talked a lot about his respect for Duke’s head coach David Cutcliffe and the program.
“I have the utmost amount of respect for Coach Cutcliffe and his staff … he’s one of the best of the best.” — Pat Fitzgerald
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 13, 2021
Fitzgerald mentioned how last time Northwestern played Duke (2018) they didn’t execute well offensively, lacked explosive plays and made critical turnovers that cost them.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 13, 2021
Fitz on what he’s come to expect from Duke, “They’re tough, physical, play up tempo. I’m impressed with their depth and they’ve got a lot of guys. Cutcliffe has built a culture and has done a great job there. I’m a huge fan of them except when they’re playing Northwestern.”
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 13, 2021
Here’s the rest of what Fitz said in the press conference ahead of this weeks’ game against the Blue Devils:
“I am really proud of the complete package he’s become. He’s taken full advantage of this opportunity, and we’re really proud of what he’s done.” Fitzgerald on Evan Hull’s performance so far this season.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 13, 2021
Fitz on Hunter Johnson’s performance against Indiana State, “I think he managed the game just fine. I think we might have adjusted some of our play calling, but we wanted to control the line of scrimmage and run the ball.”
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 13, 2021
Fitzgerald said that the defensive performance against Indiana State still wasn’t to their level, but was an improvement upon how they did against Michigan State. Ended by saying they still have a long way to go.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 13, 2021