Here’s what Pat Fitzgerald said during his Monday press conference

Ahead of Northwestern’s in-state rivalry game against Illinois, the Wildcats may be favored but they have something to prove.

On Monday, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald spoke during his press availability about the upcoming game. The Wildcats are currently No. 15 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll as they earned a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game over the weekend.

With the appearance in the conference championship game, Northwestern has a shot, admittedly slim, of making the College Football Playoff. This past weekend, Northwestern’s game against Minnesota was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols.

Northwestern is 5-1, their only hiccup this season coming in a 29-20 loss to Michigan State two weeks ago. Saturday against the Illini is a chance to rebound for Fitzgerald’s team.

Here is what Fitzgerald said on Monday during his press conference, touching on his practice schedule and turnovers as well as the magnitude of this rivalry game:

Fitz opening up thanking the seniors and their families for everything they've given to the program as they open up Senior Week before Illinois.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

Fitz: "Any time you play your rival it's a huge game."

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

Fitz said middle of the week last week was "modified practice" for those with significant playing time.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

Fitz said middle of the week last week was "modified practice" for those with significant playing time.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

On Newsome: "Greg is a great Northwestern fan…He's a shutdown corner, one of the best in out league." Adds that he's one of the best corners in the country and arguably one of the best DBs to play at NU.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

Fitz said the guys enjoyed their celebration Saturday morning but Sunday he told them to turn the page to Rivalry Week.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

Fitz says he told all the seniors last week that he wants them all to come back next year. That would be significant if a good chunk of them came back.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

Fitz says he told all the seniors last week that he wants them all to come back next year. That would be significant if a good chunk of them came back.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

He's harping on points off turnovers in prior matchups against Illinois as a key this Saturday.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

Fitz said originally the guys were disappointed the game at Minnesota was canceled but toward the end of the week the guys were okay with having the week off.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020

"It's just hard to win Big Ten games, and this is a really unique year. I'm proud of our guys and what they've done, and now it's time to finish the year the right way."

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 7, 2020