When the Big Ten announced plans to play more games on Friday nights in November 2016, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald was a vocal opponent of the decision saying, “”I believe Fridays are for high school football first and foremost. I think playing on a short week is a mistake. I’d prefer to keep Big Ten football on Saturdays. I get it, doesn’t mean I like it.”
Evidently, Fitzgerald’s comment made an impact, as the league has decided to move its two scheduled Friday night games to Saturday afternoon, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Wildcats will now play Maryland on October 14th, instead of the 13th and Michigan State on October 28th, instead of the 27th.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Fitzgerald called the move, “good news.”
Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Purdue, Rutgers and Wisconsin will all play Friday night games in 2017.
