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‘You learn a lot about your squad in the opener’: Pat Fitzgerald cautiously excited about Northwestern’s outlook
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Pat Fitzgerald is one of the coaches who is confident about his team, but not so confident that he’s willing to surrender focusing on the little things. Those are still of the most importance in Evanston.
Even after a B1G West title run last season, Fitzgerald is a little hesitant to show much behind the curtain. Yes, he’s optimistic that this year’s version of Northwestern can continue to be a contender in the division, but he also knows that the biggest test is still ahead.
A Week 1 game against Stanford on the West Coast looms large for the Wildcats. It’s the first glimpse we’ll get of the West’s defending champions. It’s also when Fitzgerald believes he’ll find out just how ready his team is to defend its crown.
“You learn a lot about your squad in the opener,” Fitzgerald said. “There’s no way to know what you’re gonna get.”
Fitzgerald also believes that the depth and talent on the roster in 2019 is some of the best the Wildcats have ever had on his watch. That’s a pretty big statement for a team that’s won 10 games three times and just won a division title.
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But Fitzgerald is right, Northwestern’s first test is a big one. We’ll find out quickly if they’re ready to start challenging to take the next step, not just to win the division title, but compete for a B1G crown.
Northwestern’s opener against Stanford on the road is the only top 25 opponent a B1G team will face in Week 1.
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