Big Ten Media Day: Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald

(Northwestern is at Iowa on Nov. 7. … The Wildcats won their last two previous games at Kinnick Stadium. They rallied from a 17-3 deficit for a 22-17 triumph last year. … Northwestern's last win in a bowl was the 1948 Rose Bowl.)

CHICAGO -- Comments from Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald Monday at the Big Ten's football Media Day:

"I did vote for Tim Tebow, so let's make sure there's no question about that."

(Good opening line, and a crack about Steve Spurrier not voting Tebow for QB on the All-SEC preseason team).

"(The Alamo Bowl bid last year) ... really seeing the fruits of our labor on the recruiting trail."

"Maybe the most experienced offensive line we've had in a couple of years."

"We came out of the offseason, I believe, as the most improved football team in the country."

"The expectation is nothing but winning."

"The university has shown a tremendous commitment to myself and to our football program."

NOTES: The media voted OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor and MSU linebacker Greg Jones the Big Ten Offensive and Defensive preseason players of the year.

(on splurging after signing a big contract) "I bought a couple Wiffle balls for my boys."

"I'm proud of the way our coaches have recruited."

(Being inducted into the College Football Hall of a Fame as a player) "I'm very humbled and honored to represent my teammates. ... You could see from my illustrious NFL career (sarcasm) that I was so good."

In 1995-1996, Northwestern went 15-1 in the Big Ten. Fitzgerald was a linebacker on those squads.

"We've put together back-to-back-to-back recruiting classes on defense to build competitive depth."

(Fitzgerald is a very forceful, articulate speaker, and he's in his mid-30s. It's easy to see how players would respond to him.)

(Someone in the media just addressed him as "Fitz.")

"We've got as much competitive depth in the skill positions as we've ever had."

(My favorite Big Ten name is Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka. He can be a Kafkaesque nightmare to opponents.)

"He has a great arm. I think he throws better than any of us in this room want to give him credit for."

"I was heartbroken when I saw the schedule and didn't see Michigan or Ohio State (more sarcasm) That hasn't happened since 1926."

"Obviously we turned the attitude and changed the tides in the Big Ten. ... I think we're just scratching the surface. We're a program on the rise."

(On a 10-game Big Ten schedule, which will never happen) "I like everything the way it is."

"Thanks very much. Go Cats."