Pat Fitzgerald discusses Ryan Hilinski's start vs. Ohio, QB battle moving forward

Northwestern rolled to a big win over Ohio, and the Wildcats had a new starting quarterback in Ryan Hilinski.

In last week’s loss to Duke, the trio of Hilinski, Hunter Johnson, and Andrew Marty all saw snaps. Johnson headed to the bench after an ugly string of turnovers with Marty providing a spark. Unfortunately, he was injured in the second half with Hilinski finishing the game.

Entering the Week 4 game against Ohio, head coach Pat Fitzgerald made the move to start Hilinski with Marty still sidelined. Hilinski was far from perfect but completed 12 of 20 passes for 88 yards without an interception.

Here’s what Fitzgerald had to say about Hilinski earning the start and what it means moving forward:

“We just felt like it was the right time to make a change,” Fitz says of picking Hilinski to start this week. He notes that he is still really proud of Hunter Johnson, who he expects to be ready if/when his number is called.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 25, 2021

“I wouldn’t tell you anyways,” Fitz says if Hilinski solidified his role as the starter today.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) September 25, 2021

Why Hilinski started at QB over Johnson: “We’ve got to take care of the football better. I felt like it was the right time to make a change.”

“I’m proud of the way he played.”

— Louie Vaccher (@WildcatReport) September 25, 2021