(side note: caption photo?)
Pat Fitzgerald didn't spotlight anyone from the Michigan game on offense or special team, other than defensive players and practice players. Obviously, he points out players of the week, before Q&A at each weekly press conference.
20 year reunion of 1995 championship team this week. Coach Barnett is honorary captain. Homecoming Game vs. Iowa
Praised Iowa, Kirk Ferentz and the outstanding 6-0 start. Was very positive about Iowa, Ferentz and the Iowa program, overall during the media conference.
Thought Jordan Canzeri was outstanding, record day. C.J. Beathard mentioned as positive as simply C.J., then praised LB corp and Phil Parker specifically mentioned. Special teams. Talked about Desmond King.
Player was lost from Michigan game ... broken bones in face. Didn't get name.
Throw back uniform from Under Armor for 1995 tribute uniform. He was obviously proud.
Northwestern didn't win enough of the 1 on 1s vs. Michigan. There defense is outstanding up front. Northwestern wasn't physical enough. Didn't win on the 50/50 balls.
No chance in getting momentum back @ Michigan. They thought they could.
Can't put ourselves in the situations that we did at Michigan. Offensively frustrated, leadership group on offense mentioned, because they were prepared for everything Michigan did on defense for our offense per Pat Fitzgerald.
First trail of the season ... real big. Follow-up question.
Defensively gave up more explosive plays than total all year. Starting defense gave up 17 points. He is not upset with his starting defense.
Northwestern has confidence; but couldn't get it done vs. Michigan. Praised Iowa for being good up front, as well. LBs and secondary comments, again.
Michigan won the 1 on 1. Run schemes wouldn't work against Michigan.
It will be interesting to see how they respond against Iowa. From his later comments on Kinnick vs. Ryan, there appears to be some confidence playing the Hawkeyes at home.
Question from Media talks about Ryan Field becoming like Big House and The 'Shoe.
Ryan Field ... absolutely Pat Fitzgerald ... homer question, if there ever was one.
How many Iowa fans will be there vs. Northwestern fans on Homecoming?
One of the player's was interviewed - called it one bad game. Said Jake Rudock was a good QB, makes good decisions, good control of the offense.
He talked about winning 1 and 1s. Blocking for Rudock; new where to step up ... called it a great game by Rudock, along with offensive line.
He said crowd at Ann Arbor wasn't a factor.
Back to Pat Fitzgerald:
Question on 1995 season ... typically Pat Fitzgerald doesn't talk about self, Fitz said. Talks about Teams, not himself individually. The fun they had in 1995 ... brotherhood.
Pat Fitzgerald says he is old. Days go slow, years go fast ... in reflecting on the 1995 team.
Critical Game Question ... First time this year seeing how team reacts after being knocked down. Fitzgerald liked how his team was responding this morning. It sounds like Northwestern, like Iowa practices in the morning.
How would Jake Rudock have liked morning practices with his academic schedule? I ask, because would his academics conflict for a morning practice schedule? A former NW QB said he had issues while at Northwestern with a pre-Medicine academic calendar.
Back to Fitzgerald's answer, if Iowa game brings more to it, based on his feelings towards the Hawks.
Iowa is hot ... must rise to the occasion speaking of his team.
I had lunch today with a couple of Northwestern grads. They were wearing purple. - They suggested they are due for a win, since treated so badly at Big House. I reminded them of last year's Iowa game. The PhD didn't know much about Iowa Football.
Coach Barnett will speak to team on Friday.
Favorite homecoming game ??? for Fitzgerald. Fun with the Band ... spirit session with band ... packed a bunch of guys into a VW car for the fun of it. Talking about his past Homecoming's as a player at NW.
Michigan - didn't win on key plays; 4 explosive plays and 3 third down plays --- he wouldn't get into specifics. Apparently, this is the sixth game he would not give specific comments. (much like any coach).
Asked about his views on Iowa ... extra motivation. Yes, they are in the lead. Commented about Iowa's injuries and overcoming them against Illinois. Talked not playing at Ryan Field enough.
In the past 10 years, anyone know, how many more in Iowa vs. NW? Obviously, 3 of last 4 were at Kinnick.
Rough in punt game ... at Michigan. Peppers didn't have a return yard. Question was on punt game.
Watched a little highlights of the Northwestern - Michigan game. Sounds like if Iowa can play solid in the trenches and avoid explosive plays, like vs. Illinois, they should be very competitive.
How many play-makers does Northwestern have?
This game reminds me of the typical Iowa vs. Iowa State match ups, but Northwestern has a better RB and not as good of passing attack. Close games will favor home team. Iowa needs to get separation and keep it.
28-22 is the average number for Ferentz in Ryan Field, but I think he is something like 2-4?
