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Urban Meyer previews Northwestern, calls Pat Fitzgerald one of CFB’s best coaches
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Ohio State might’ve opened as a two-touchdown favorite over Northwestern in the B1G Championship Game, but Urban Meyer isn’t taking the winners of the West lightly.
Monday, Meyer met with the media to discuss Saturday’s matchup against the Wildcats. The Ohio State head coach has been impressed with Northwetern’s season, particularly on the defensive side of the football.
After watching three hours of film on the Cats, Meyer said they “play excellent defense,” and that they’ve got an advantage from being able to prepare for the Buckeyes over the last two weeks.
“They’ve won 15 out of 16 B1G games,” Meyer continued, praising Northwestern for its success in conference play over the last two seasons.
At 11-1, Ohio State is expected to run over Northwestern in the B1G Championship Game, but Pat Fitzgerald’s bunch has found ways to win regularly this season. It’s not always been pretty, but going 8-1 in the league is a pretty impressive task.
Meyer says that’s a credit to Fitzgerald.
“He’s one of the best coaches in college football,” Meyer said of Fitzgerald.
Ohio State played one of its most complete games of the season in a 62-39 drubbing of Michigan on Saturday. The Buckeyes would like a similar performance this weekend to claim a B1G title and keep their name in the mix for one of the four spots in the College Football Playoff.
Meyer made it clear, though, that Ohio State’s lone focus is on the B1G Championship Game and nothing beyond Saturday.
“It’s only special if you win it,” Meyer said of the B1G Championship Game.
Saturday’s matchup between Northwestern and Ohio State will be the first time the two teams have played since 2016.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB