Three months after Northwestern claimed its second B1G West title in three years, the Wildcats are back on the practice field.

Northwestern announced on Tuesday that it has started the 2021 spring practice schedule. The team will conduct 15 practices, which is the allotted amount for all college football teams.

Last season, Northwestern finished with a 7-2 record, claiming a division title and appearing in the B1G Championship Game for the second time since 2018. The season ended with a 35-19 victory over Auburn in the Citrus Bowl.

The 2021 season will mark the 16th year that head coach Pat Fitzgerald has been in charge in Evanston. During his time, the Wildcats have posted a 106-81 record with appearances in 10 bowl games and finishing ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 five times.

Northwestern has also won a pair of division titles. The Wildcats’ No. 10 ranking at the end of last season was the highest-ever under Fitzgerald.

Northwestern will open up the 2021 season on Saturday, Sept. 4 against Michigan State.