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Pat Fitzgerald on Ohio State’s pass rush: ‘We can’t make love to the ball’
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Pat Fitzgerald’s press conferences are always entertaining. Even with Northwestern competing for a B1G title on Saturday against Ohio State, one of the best teams in the country, the head coach delivered.
On Monday, Fitzgerald met with the media to talk about Northwestern’s B1G title matchup against Ohio State. And while there were plenty of serious questions about how the Wildcats plan to slow down the Buckeyes, Fitzgerald couldn’t help but have a little fun.
Fitzgerald was asked about the Wildcats’ underdog status heading into Saturday’s matchup, something he was upset about when Northwestern was tabbed as an underdog against Minnesota a few weeks ago. This time, though, the head coach didn’t seem to have an issue with it.
“I don’t know a lot of people who would pick us this week,” Fitzgerald said. “My mom and dad will, but I don’t think my sisters would.”
Northwestern is tabbed as a two-touchdown underdog against the Buckeyes.
Later, Fitzgerald was asked about Ohio State’s pass rush and how the Wildcats, particularly quarterback Clayton Thorson needs to handle it. In a roundabout way, Fitzgerald said getting rid of the football quickly was key.
“We can’t make love to the ball,” Fitzgerald said.
Ohio State will be one of the tougher opponents Northwestern has faced this season. The Wildcats also played Michigan and Notre Dame, taking both teams to the wire in Evanston. Neither of those teams had an offense quite as dynamic as the Buckeyes, though.
Fitzgerald’s best quote in regards to Saturday’s matchup against Ohio State might’ve actually come on Sunday’s teleconference when he was asked what scared him most about the Buckeyes. And in true Fitz fashion, he had a one-word response to sum it all up.
“Everything.”
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB