What Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said during his weekly press conference
Heading into Saturday’s big-time showdown with Wisconsin, Northwestern appeared to be the team with something to prove.
Well, the Wildcats surely proved themselves as they used an impressive defensive performance to down the Badgers and stay unbeaten.
Now, Northwestern rises in the polls and talk of CFP and more surrounding the program. Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald likely knows that, but still has to coach a team with a few potential trap games ahead in Michigan State and Minnesota.
Fitz says it's a huge challenge ahead with the holiday week ahead and another well-rested opponent.
— Inside The Fightin’ Rece Davises (@insidenu) November 23, 2020
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald says he has seen MSU’s defense playing “really hard.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 23, 2020
Fitzgerald says MSU’s personnel “is back and even better” this year. Different schematically on offense. “They’re incredibly talented.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 23, 2020
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald says MSU is different schematically but the same intensity exists with how hard the Spartans play under Mel Tucker, adds, based on talent, "They're not very far removed from being at the top of the Big Ten."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 23, 2020
After Saturday’s win, a lot of attention came Northwestern’s way. Linebacker Blake Gallagher and safety Brandon Joseph earned Big Ten player of the week honors for their performance against the Badgers.
Fitz said he's thrilled for Gallagher and Joseph earning Big Ten weekly honors. Then says he's got a ton of respect for new MSU head coach Mel Tucker.
— Inside The Fightin’ Rece Davises (@insidenu) November 23, 2020
Besides the players, assistant coaches are also starting to become household names.
Fitz describes DC Mike Hankwitz, to whom the country is just being introduced, as unselfish and humble.
— Inside The Fightin’ Rece Davises (@insidenu) November 23, 2020
Fitz praising LB coach Tim McGarigle for his work with the unit and says this current corps is the best Fitz has ever coached.
— Inside The Fightin’ Rece Davises (@insidenu) November 23, 2020
Of course, what would be a 2020 Northwestern article without mentioning Rece Davis and Joey Galloway.
Fitz: "I think our guys are playing as well as Joey Galloway," and then adds that Rece Davis joined the team meeting this morning via Zoom and they had a great time.
— Inside The Fightin’ Rece Davises (@insidenu) November 23, 2020
While there’s plenty of positive talk surrounding the Wildcat program, Fitzgerald is still looking for ways to improve. That includes the Northwestern offense and its running game.
In the run game, Fitz says it's a collective effort, and they need to create and hit better seams. Adds they've faced some really good defenses that have contributed to the recent struggles.
— Inside The Fightin’ Rece Davises (@insidenu) November 23, 2020
