As Northwestern prepares for a tough road test against Michigan State on Saturday, the Wildcats continue to stress one aspect that has haunted them early this season.
Turnovers.
The Cats’ defense has forced only five turnovers through the first five games, ranking NU second-to-last in the Big Ten in turnover differential, ahead of only Minnesota.
“We need to get more turnovers,” Fitzgerald said after NU’s 28-16 loss to Michigan Saturday. “The lack of turnovers is obviously hurting our defense right now from a big-play momentum side. We’ll continue to stress that in practice, and our guys will continue to work at it.”
Senior linebacker Adam Kadela said the coaching staff has harped on defenders to practice forcing turnovers early in practice this week.
Although NU is also focusing on improving a pass defense that has had only two interceptions so far
