EVANSTON, Ill. -- There is no game this weekend. There was a press conference Monday morning. Here are some of the more notable topics coach Pat Fitzgerald touched on.
- The number of players Pat Fitzgerald listed that would be either “limited” or “out” if there were a game this week is staggering. The latter category includes running backs Treyvon Green, Mike Trumpy and Venric Mark, defensive ends Dean Lowry and Tyler Scott and linebacker Colin Ellis.
-- Northwestern fans have at least one thing to be excited about: the Wildcats’ special “Wounded Warrior” jerseys, which carry no trace of purple but offer plenty of patriotic pizazz. We published a post with pictures showcasing the special edition threads, which will be auctioned off online after the Michigan game with (all proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project) from a few different angles.
https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/397400976211972096
-- It’s unclear whether Venric Mark is interested in returning for another season, Fitzgerald said. The two have not discussed that topic. Fitzgerald also said it will not be made public whether Mark is eligible for a fifth until after the season.
-- With so many injuries, it’s reasonable to wonder whether Fitzgerald would be tempted to take a few true freshmen off their redshirts. The answer? Probably not.
-- After losing his starting spot to true freshman Matt Harris, redshirt freshman cornerback Dwight White played one of his best games of the season Saturday at Nebraska. He intercepted a pass and made a few nice tackles. Fitzgerald said he was impressed with the way White played.
-- Tuesday’s practice, per the usual with Northwestern’s bye weeks, will feature only “junior varsity” players. I’m not sure Fitzgerald and his staff would be able to put its first team through a workout right now; half of Northwestern’s starting lineup would probably be better off working with the training staff.
-- Before Pat Fitzgerald fielded questions, lacrosse coach Kelly Amonte Hiller announced the Wildcats will play a game against USC at Wrigley Field on April 26, 2014. More on that here.