What Pat Fitzgerald said following Northwestern's loss to Michigan State
Northwestern couldn’t clinch the Big Ten West division today as they were upset by Michigan State, 29-20.
A 17-6 halftime deficit was too much for the Wildcats to overcome and they’ll surely be sliding down the polls as they were No. 8 in the country going into this game.
Quarterback Peyton Ramsey had his worst game of the season as he went 21-for-43 with 223 yards with no touchdown passes and two interceptions. He was one of the main reasons why the Wildcats just couldn’t put it together today.
With their first loss of the season now, here’s what head coach Pat Fitzgerald had to say after the game.
Fitz speaking now, says he thought they had a great week of prep but gave up an explosive play early. Thought the guys responded well and were ready to play.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
Fitz adds they just lost some one-on-one battles on the offensive line. Said they handled their pressure well but was impressed with the MSU front.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
Fitz credits Michigan State and says they came to play tonight.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
MSU only turned the ball over once tonight after being -9 in the turnover margin coming in.
Fitz: "Credit Rocky, he played his best game all year."
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
"We've got to be better against the quarterback draw…it's really disappointing for us to not play that play correctly."
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
Fitz adds they just lost some one-on-one battles on the offensive line. Said they handled their pressure well but was impressed with the MSU front.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
Fitz: "I thought there were adjustments on both sides…I think the differences were the turnovers."
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
Fitz again mentions one-on-one battles as something they lost today.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
Fitz says he thought the second fourth down attempt in the first quarter should've been "first down 'Cats and not interception Michigan State." Says fourth down is not an automatic kick down, and he'll be aggressive because he believes in his guys.
— Inside NU (@insidenu) November 29, 2020
Northwestern’s next chance to punch their ticket to the Big Ten Championship game will come next Saturday against Minnesota. The time and television info are still yet to be determined for the game.
