Here's what Pat Fitzgerald said after Northwestern's Citrus Bowl win over Auburn
Northwestern finished the season, and Mike Hankwitz’s career, with a big performance Friday!
Appearing in the New Year’s Day Citrus Bowl against Auburn, the Wildcats rolled to a 16-point win over the Tigers behind an MVP performance from quarterback Peyton Ramsey. That margin of victory also proves to be the biggest margin of victory over an SEC opponent in school history for the Wildcats.
The win also wrapped up the legendary 51-year career for Hankwitz who joined Northwestern as defensive coordinator in 2008. Finishing his career with the victory gives him a total of 400 for his career, marking an epic accomplishment for the veteran.
In his postgame press conference, head coach Pat Fitzgerald discussed the accomplishments of Hankwitz. Fitz even included that Hankwitz appeared in 580 games as a coach, the most for any head coach or assistant coach in college football history.
Here is what Fitzgerald had to say after the win:
Fitz is reading out a list of appreciation, thanking everyone from Topgolf to the bus drivers to…the seniors!
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Hank's 580 career games coached is the most by any head or assistant coach in college football history.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Fitz on today with Hank, thanking him again for choosing to come to NU 13 years ago: "We're going and adjusting all the way to the last series." That just about sums it up.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Fitz calls Ramsey unflappable, said he was gritty and was decisive in making plays. Adds that third quarter rushing TD was huge.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
"Our guys just emptied the tank. They did it for the seniors, for each other and for Hank. I'm just to proud of our guys."
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Fitz on the defense: "Outside of one communication error today, it would've been a flawless performance from them."
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
Fitz says after they stopped Auburn on fourth-and-1 that "let the air out of the balloon" for Auburn and they just seized momentum at the line of scrimmage from that point on.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
"We're knocking on the door of where we want this program to be, winning Big Ten Championships…this thing is rolling." Then adds there's a lot of recruiting excitement. It SURE sounds like he's ready to return next year.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
"We'll see you in spring ball. 'Go Cats." That's all from Fitz this season.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) January 1, 2021
