Fitz Presser

[NJCat83588]

A few comments from Pat's press conference today:
- Nick Roach to be game 1 honorary captain. Great NU player.
- Kuhar was in pads today. Doubtful for Saturday but that is a good sign down the road.
- Would not answer the question "what kind of QB is Clayton"? "We'll see Saturday", he said. Dodged all questions about the offensive game plan. "This isn't the pro's, I don't have any preseason games".
- Hydration will be important given the heat and humidity forecast for Saturday.
- Wouldn't speculate on any freshmen other than Jordan Thompson playing Saturday.
- Thorson has been "unflappable" in practice. Unusual for a redshirt freshman.
- Wants to get back to where they were on special teams in 2012. Punting has to be better.
- Frustrated that NU didn't catch all 59 punts they caused last season.
- Feels much better about the preparation this year because of the few injuries compared to last season.

 

[shakes3858]

A few comments from Pat's press conference today:
- Nick Roach to be game 1 honorary captain. Great NU player.
- Kuhar was in pads today. Doubtful for Saturday but that is a good sign down the road.
- Would not answer the question "what kind of QB is Clayton"? "We'll see Saturday", he said. Dodged all questions about the offensive game plan. "This isn't the pro's, I don't have any preseason games".
- Hydration will be important given the heat and humidity forecast for Saturday.
- Wouldn't speculate on any freshmen other than Jordan Thompson playing Saturday.
- Thorson has been "unflappable" in practice. Unusual for a redshirt freshman.
- Wants to get back to where they were on special teams in 2012. Punting has to be better.
- Frustrated that NU didn't catch all 59 punts they caused last season.
- Feels much better about the preparation this year because of the few injuries compared to last season.

This is made up. Fitz doesn't do press conferences. Getting into to the NU football offices are harder than getting into the Kremlin, the Pentagon, and Area 51 combined.

 

[nycat33]

I knew it was fake when Fitz said he wanted to catch more punts...obviously not real

 

[villox]

Fitz's answer to half the questions: "We'll see how that plays out."

 

[theProducer]

I just tried to watch it and couldn't get through 3 minutes. Torture. I wanted to hear about the Thorson decision. All I got was nonsense.
Maybe help your fans get excited about the season and deliver a decent soundbite that will sell a few tickets.

 

[villox]

I just tried to watch it and couldn't get through 3 minutes. Torture. I wanted to hear about the Thorson decision. All I got was nonsense.
Maybe help your fans get excited about the season and deliver a decent soundbite that will sell a few tickets.

What did you honestly expect him to say about Thorson? Do you really think anything he said in a press conference would change the mind of someone who was thinking of attending the game?

 

[Fitz51]

What did you honestly expect him to say about Thorson? Do you really think anything he said in a press conference would change the mind of someone who was thinking of attending the game?

I was planning on attending the game, but immediately decided not to and informed my rep I will not renew next year after not hearing what I wanted to about Thorson.

 

[theProducer]

How about say anything interesting that isn't just babbling? Watch the follow up to the "won all the metrics" comment. But I know we gotta keep it close to the vest!
We have a new quarterback. There is almost no video of him. So why not give us some insight? But coaches don't do that anymore. Sometimes I feel like Fitz acts like he's the coach of a major program or an NFL team where people will show up regardless. It was humorless pointless exercise is all I'm saying. And I'm someone who comes to between 1 and 4 games a year (from Ohio). I'm considering coming up this week.

 

[NJCat83588]

How about say anything interesting that isn't just babbling? Watch the follow up to the "won all the metrics" comment. But I know we gotta keep it close to the vest!
We have a new quarterback. There is almost no video of him. So why not give us some insight? But coaches don't do that anymore. Sometimes I feel like Fitz acts like he's the coach of a major program or an NFL team where people will show up regardless. It was humorless pointless exercise is all I'm saying. And I'm someone who comes to between 1 and 4 games a year (from Ohio). I'm considering coming up this week.

As a huge Fitzgerald critic, I actually was OK with the way he handled the QB questions. He is walking a fine line, trying to downplay expectations for Clayton and also keep the other two QB's motivated. We'll all find out Saturday what his strengths are. Like he said, he has one game where no one knows what to expect, and he is going to use whatever advantage that gives NU. most press conferences are pointless exercises unless there is something really notable happening. And for NU this year, it is a relief that there is nothing notable before game 1: no suspensions, injuries, union distractions, pre-season ranking, just football.

 

[SmellyCat]

We're all sooooo hungry for football right now that even a tiny morsel would last us five more days. Doesn't sound like he was giving out too many morsels. In like 115 more hours we'll have real football to watch and it's going to be a feast.

 

[villox]

How about say anything interesting that isn't just babbling? Watch the follow up to the "won all the metrics" comment. But I know we gotta keep it close to the vest!
We have a new quarterback. There is almost no video of him. So why not give us some insight? But coaches don't do that anymore. Sometimes I feel like Fitz acts like he's the coach of a major program or an NFL team where people will show up regardless. It was humorless pointless exercise is all I'm saying. And I'm someone who comes to between 1 and 4 games a year (from Ohio). I'm considering coming up this week.

I'm sure if most coaches had their way, they wouldn't bother with press conferences at all. I just honestly don't know what you expected him to say or what he could say that made you happy. He praised his maturity and poise, but he's not going to say "He throws a damn good deep ball and if nobody's open he's a lot like Dan Persa with his legs."

If he revealed anything even mildly interesting you'd have just as many people screaming on here that he's revealing too much to Stanford.

 

[GlideCat]

A few comments from Pat's press conference today:
- Nick Roach to be game 1 honorary captain. Great NU player.
- Kuhar was in pads today. Doubtful for Saturday but that is a good sign down the road.
- Would not answer the question "what kind of QB is Clayton"? "We'll see Saturday", he said. Dodged all questions about the offensive game plan. "This isn't the pro's, I don't have any preseason games".
- Hydration will be important given the heat and humidity forecast for Saturday.
- Wouldn't speculate on any freshmen other than Jordan Thompson playing Saturday.
- Thorson has been "unflappable" in practice. Unusual for a redshirt freshman.
- Wants to get back to where they were on special teams in 2012. Punting has to be better.
- Frustrated that NU didn't catch all 59 punts they caused last season.
- Feels much better about the preparation this year because of the few injuries compared to last season.

After our (mine included) hyper-reaction to the Vegas website misprint, all I read in the above is "Thorson is not injured."

That is all I needed to read.

I am happy.

 

[Catreporter]

I'm sure if most coaches had their way, they wouldn't bother with press conferences at all. I just honestly don't know what you expected him to say or what he could say that made you happy. He praised his maturity and poise, but he's not going to say "He throws a damn good deep ball and if nobody's open he's a lot like Dan Persa with his legs."

If he revealed anything even mildly interesting you'd have just as many people screaming on here that he's revealing too much to Stanford.

The players seemed very fired up. Lots of engaging answers. Vitale was really good about the poise and leadership Thorson has shown in the preparations. Defensive players talked about all the film they are watching of Hogan, the Stanford QB. All seemed very fired up to play this game. We shall see. Yes, Fitz played it quite close to the vest, but he did announce his starting QB (and made him available to the media), something he didn't have to do and he talked about why he did that which I thought was quite interesting.

 

[shakes3858]

What did you honestly expect him to say about Thorson? Do you really think anything he said in a press conference would change the mind of someone who was thinking of attending the game?

When the reporter asked Fitz what type of QB Thorson is, I think Fitz should of said, "I think Clayton is a very good quaterback." Right now, I don't know if Fitz thinks Clayton is a good QB or a bad QB. He never told me in a press conference. (sarcasm alert)

But serious, you're 100% off. If Fitz were to start dropping serious WWE style pipebombs on the microphone, we'll probably increase attendance by 6 tickets and every ticket counts.

 

[Turk]

The players seemed very fired up. Lots of engaging answers. Vitale was really good about the poise and leadership Thorson has shown in the preparations. Defensive players talked about all the film they are watching of Hogan, the Stanford QB. All seemed very fired up to play this game. We shall see. Yes, Fitz played it quite close to the vest, but he did announce his starting QB (and made him available to the media), something he didn't have to do and he talked about why he did that which I thought was quite interesting.

This team is going to kick Stanford's ass. They are ready to go, but more importantly, the big thing between this year and last year is the Team leadership. Imo, that's the single most brightest reason I'm pumped about this year. We had a talented team last year but the leadership was very poor and imo that really cost us. A lot of these abstract things are huge in college football.

 

[Fitz51]

But serious, you're 100% off. If Fitz were to start dropping serious WWE style pipebombs on the microphone, we'll probably increase attendance by 6 tickets and every ticket counts.

I hear CM Punk has offered to train Fitz in pipebombing.

 

[Fitz51]

And I'm someone who comes to between 1 and 4 games a year (from Ohio). I'm considering coming up this week.

I am *seriously* surprised you missed the very end of his presser - maybe the feed cut off early? - where Fitz stated, with authority - hold on, let me find the direct quote - "If you are considering coming up from Ohio for the game, Clayton is going to make your trip worthwhile!"

 

[DonatelloCat]

I am *seriously* surprised you missed the very end of his presser - maybe the feed cut off early? - where Fitz stated, with authority - hold on, let me find the direct quote - "If you are considering coming up from Ohio for the game, Clayton is going to make your trip worthwhile!"

it kind of dragged on though after we went though about the first 4 states. i listened to the end waiting to see if any states weren't pre-approved, but no.

 

[NJCat83588]

The players seemed very fired up. Lots of engaging answers. Vitale was really good about the poise and leadership Thorson has shown in the preparations. Defensive players talked about all the film they are watching of Hogan, the Stanford QB. All seemed very fired up to play this game. We shall see. Yes, Fitz played it quite close to the vest, but he did announce his starting QB (and made him available to the media), something he didn't have to do and he talked about why he did that which I thought was quite interesting.

The very last bit about Anthony Walker and swagger was hilarious........Henry saying its the from Broward Country FL not Dade where Walker is from. Thorson had the line of the day when asked how he will sleep the night before: "I'll put my head on my pillow.........."

 

[MRCat95]

Justin Jackson's mention of using more two running back sets was interesting. It could be much ado about nothing as that has been used at least sparingly in the past, but his mention of it could mean its going to be featured more prominently... or not.

 

[No Chores]

How about say anything interesting that isn't just babbling? Watch the follow up to the "won all the metrics" comment. But I know we gotta keep it close to the vest!
We have a new quarterback. There is almost no video of him. So why not give us some insight? But coaches don't do that anymore. Sometimes I feel like Fitz acts like he's the coach of a major program or an NFL team where people will show up regardless. It was humorless pointless exercise is all I'm saying. And I'm someone who comes to between 1 and 4 games a year (from Ohio). I'm considering coming up this week.

What do you mean "considering"? Get your ass out to Evanston! I'll be driving out from Pa. per usual.

 

[willycat]

I knew it was fake when Fitz said he wanted to catch more punts...obviously not real

Exactly. Maybe if Fitz doesn't constantly run onto the field waving his arms with the decline sign the players would actually think that it is OK to catch a punt.

 

[theProducer]

I have 3 kids under 8 and a wife who hates football. I'd like to be convinced I'm going to at least see competitive football since I'll probably be bringing two of them with me.

I was shocked and pleased he went with Thorson. It makes me think that Thorson likely won convincingly. If it was really as close a battle as he claims it was, I'd think he'd have gone with the upperclassman. Thus, I was interested to hear an honest answer as to why he went with Thorson. I was foolish to think that maybe this first presser of the season would be different. It won't happen again.

To me there's a difference between a guy like Kirk Ferentz who can't help being boring and a guy like Fitz who's going out of his way to be as boring as possible because he thinks that what coaches are supposed to do. It's like a Harbaugh/Belichick thing. Pete Carroll probably delivers the same BS most of the time, but at least he makes an effort to be interesting.

 

[Deep Purr]

How about say anything interesting that isn't just babbling? Watch the follow up to the "won all the metrics" comment. But I know we gotta keep it close to the vest!
We have a new quarterback. There is almost no video of him. So why not give us some insight? But coaches don't do that anymore. Sometimes I feel like Fitz acts like he's the coach of a major program or an NFL team where people will show up regardless. It was humorless pointless exercise is all I'm saying. And I'm someone who comes to between 1 and 4 games a year (from Ohio). I'm considering coming up this week.

Chris Peterson at Washington will not reveal his qb choice until game time. Fitz is way ahead of Coach Peterson.

 

[mikewebb68]

I am *seriously* surprised you missed the very end of his presser - maybe the feed cut off early? - where Fitz stated, with authority - hold on, let me find the direct quote - "If you are considering coming up from Ohio for the game, Clayton is going to make your trip worthwhile!"

Was this before of after he talked about the Fitzamaniacs running wild and asked the assembled media if they could smell what the coach was cooking?

 

[mikewebb68]

I have 3 kids under 8 and a wife who hates football. I'd like to be convinced I'm going to at least see competitive football since I'll probably be bringing two of them with me.

I was shocked and pleased he went with Thorson. It makes me think that Thorson likely won convincingly. If it was really as close a battle as he claims it was, I'd think he'd have gone with the upperclassman. Thus, I was interested to hear an honest answer as to why he went with Thorson. I was foolish to think that maybe this first presser of the season would be different. It won't happen again.

To me there's a difference between a guy like Kirk Ferentz who can't help being boring and a guy like Fitz who's going out of his way to be as boring as possible because he thinks that what coaches are supposed to do. It's like a Harbaugh/Belichick thing. Pete Carroll probably delivers the same BS most of the time, but at least he makes an effort to be interesting.

Now now, don't be dissin' on Fitz and Ferentz. They can't all be as entertaining as Beckman.....

 

[shakes3858]

Was this before of after he talked about the Fitzamaniacs running wild and asked the assembled media if they could smell what the coach was cooking?

Whoa whoa whoa.... You can't quote Hulk Hogan anymore.

And if you're not down with that I got two words for ya

 

[Jonny2TheP]

it kind of dragged on though after we went though about the first 4 states...

Yeah, it quickly started to feel a lot like a Huey Lewis song.

 

[EvanstonCat]

Whoa whoa whoa.... You can't quote Hulk Hogan anymore.

And if you're not down with that I got two words for ya

I thought the Rock was the one who always talked about what was cooking. No wonder he's so damned big, he's always so damned hungry

 

[shakes3858]

Oh

I thought the Rock was the one who always talked about what was cooking. No wonder he's so damned big, he's always so damned hungry

Ecat... The first half about Fitzamaniacs running wild was Hulk Hogan (see hulkamaniacs). The second smelling what the coach was cooking was the rock.

You wanna get in a debate with me about football, I'm gonna win. You wanna debate me on wrestling, I will end you. And that's bottom line line because Shakes3858 said so. (That was Stone Cold Steve Austin)