What Pat Fitzgerald said after Northwestern's loss to Ohio State in Big Ten Championship

The Big Ten Championship Game was a treat.

No. 6 Ohio State was the favorite and nobody really questioned it. Yet, with 10 minutes remaining, No. 21 Northwestern trailed the Buckeyes by just 7 points. Of course, once all was said and done, Ohio State won 45-24.

Dwayne Haskins was incredible. But, Northwestern fought hard. Numerous times throughout the night, it was within one score of one of the best teams in the country.

As a Wildcat fan, it would be hard to fault the team for the performance they gave. Too many turnovers? Sure. A questionable call here or there? Which game doesn’t that happen in?

But Northwestern showed heart.

After the 21-point defeat, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald spoke with the media:

Fitz: “We weren’t able to make the next step and tie the game.”

Says he’s immensely proud of the senior class for setting a new standard.

— Inside NU (@insidenu) December 2, 2018

Pat Fitzgerald: “Dwayne Haskins is as advertised."

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) December 2, 2018

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald on this stage: “I’d like it to be the new normal. … I think we proved we weren’t just happy to be here.” Loved the fight of his guys, laments a few self-inflicted errors, credits Ohio State’s playmakers pic.twitter.com/pMIUcy2pbD

— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) December 2, 2018

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald on seniors: “They created a new standard in our program. To see them emotional in the locker room after the game — you’re a mentor first. It breaks my heart.” Says NU has never won 3 bowls in a row and that’s the goal now. pic.twitter.com/EgC54OwCeC

— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) December 2, 2018