By Craig Lynch
The Northwestern University football team enters into the final leg of the 2021 season 3-7 overall and a 1-6 record in the Big Ten Conference. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald is realistic about the Wildcats’ shortcomings. “We have made too many turnovers and we haven’t tackled well,” Fitzgerald said earlier this week.
Fitzgerald still thinks his team has a lot to play for starting Saturday Nov. 20. The Wildcats will meet visiting Purdue in an 11 a.m. Big Ten Conference game at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
“This is a great opportunity for us. I know that both teams will be excited to play in a historic venue,” said Fitzgerald. In 2010 the Wildcats played Illinois at Wrigley Field. “When we played Illinois there Gameday (Saturday morning college football television pre-game show) came and there was a lot of excitement. We will be excited to play at Wrigley Field on Saturday.”
Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski is looking forward to the last two games of the season. Skoronski’s grandfather, the late Bob Skoronski, played tackle at Wrigley Field for the Green Bay Packers (1956-1968) against the Bears.
“My dad has a picture of my grandfather coming of the dugout at Wrigley so I am glad the Cubs have allowed us to play there.
Skoronski talked about the game at Illinois, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27. “No matter what the teams records, that game is a big game. I have friends who go to Illinois so I am ready to do some trash-talking.”
Linebacker Bryce Gallagher agrees. Gallagher hails from the Boston area. “I root for my hometown team the Red Sox. However, playing at a great venue like Wrigley will be exciting.” Gallagher is excited about the Illinois game in two weeks. “It is a rivalry game. The battle for the (Lincoln) hat is always a game we look forward to.”