Northwestern looks to secure quality bowl
EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — In line for a quality bowl, Northwestern has its ticket out and ready to be punched. That would appear to be little more than a formality for the Wildcats with a home game against Illinois on Saturday, except they know better. They know all about their recent history against the Illini, and it’s not good. That explains why they’re just a little apprehensive about Saturday’s game, no matter how poor the Illini are playing. ”There is no question this is a huge rivalry,” coach Pat Fitzgerald said. And there’s no debate, either, that his team has come up short against Illinois the past two years. Now, Northwestern (8-3, 4-3 Big Ten) appears to be in a good spot after beating Michigan State 23-20 and shaking off a brutal overtime loss at Michigan. That’s something the Illini (2-9, 0-7) can’t say. The free fall that began after…
Pat Fitzgerald happy to be ‘a knucklehead’
Big Ten coaches run the gamut of sideline demeanor. Nebraska’s Bo Pelini can’t escape his past (Texas A&M). Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz takes heat for being too stoic. Michigan’s Brady Hoke doesn’t wear a…
Wildcats’ Scott grows though hard work
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern defensive end Tyler Scott seems like the last player a coach would need to challenge. Whether he’s in the weight room (where Scott made his mark as a young…
Northwestern offense aims to go totally 80s
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald likened last week’s offensive struggles at Penn State to “having a road map to get home, and it’s the wrong map.” The map the Wildcats followed led to several…
Video: Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald
Go all-access with Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten Blog
Wildcats hope October sky turns purple
Whether the calendar read April, June or August, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald had October on his mind. Before getting into the grind of the season, where the next game and the next opponent…
Video: Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald talks about his team’s 5-0 start and the challenges that lie ahead in October, beginning at Penn State. Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten Blog
Previewing the Big Ten noon games
Happy start of Big Ten conference play. League action officially begins in a couple of hours, starting with three intraconference noon games. Here’s a quick preview of those early matchups: Indiana (2-1) at…
Podcast: Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald discusses his team’s 4-0 start, the strength of the Big Ten, his expectations for the rest of the year and more. Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten Blog
Weekend rewind: Big Ten
Just about everyone in the Big Ten would like to forget Week 2. But those who fail to study history are … well, you know. Let’s take a quick look back, before hoping…
