What Pat Fitzgerald said as Northwestern prepares for No. 6 Michigan
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald discussed preparations for this week’s game against No. 6 Michigan and other things regarding this week’s game in his weekly press conference Monday.
Fitzgerald first discusses George Jewett, who was the first African-American to play football at either school. Jewett was at Michigan for 3 years before he transferred to Northwestern to attend medical school, where he also played football.
Fitz says the team is excited to honor George Jewett's legacy and compete for the trophy named after him this week.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 18, 2021
Fitzgerald also discusses the growth of quarterback Ryan Hilinski and how he has to play better against No. 6 Michigan.
"He's [Ryan Hilinski] just gaining experience. He didn't play a lot last year. I just think he's growing every day with every rep. He played pretty clean. Got away with a couple of throws that he won't get away with this week against the Wolverines." Fitz on the starting QB
— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 18, 2021
Fitzgerald also praised linebacker Chris Bergin.
"This guy is the energizer bunny. He comes everyday ready to work and grind." – Fitz on Chris Bergin
— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 18, 2021
According to Fitzgerald, the win over Rutgers was the best game this team has played so far.
"For the most part on Saturday, we probably played our best collective game so far." – Fitz on the win over Rutgers.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 18, 2021
Fitzgerald discussed how good Michigan is.
Fitz says that Michigan is by far the best team the 'Cats will have played so far this year.
"From what I've seen on film this year, it's not even close."
— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 18, 2021
The coach also talked about his team’s struggles on the road.
Fitz emphasized the need to play more cleanly on the road and expressed frustration over the team's poor road performances so far this season.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 18, 2021
Fitzgerald praised his defensive lineman for playing their best game of the year.
Fitz says that he thinks the defensive line played its best game of the year on Saturday. Credits them for a lot of the plays made by the linebackers, saying the LB's got to make unblocked plays with the D-Line doing their jobs so well.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 18, 2021
Fitzgerald ended his presser by expressing how impressed he was by the way this Michigan team plays together.
"They pride themselves on how physical they play in all three phases, and it just jumps off the page when you watch them. It seems like they're playing for each other and they're playing with great connectivity." – Fitz on what he thinks of this Michigan team
— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 18, 2021
