EVANSTON, Ill. — Following a 45-14 win over Ball State, Northwestern fifth-year defensive back Robert Fitzgerald earned a spot on Pro Football Focus’ National Team of the Week, while fourth-year quarterback Aidan Chiles and fourth-year wide receiver Griffin Wilde were named to the PFF Big Ten Team of the Week.
Fitzgerald recorded an interception returned for a touchdown late in the second quarter, as well as three tackles in the victory over the Cardinals. The Dallas, Texas, native had a 93.7 PFF defensive grade, as well as a 92.6 coverage grade — the highest among any player in the country who played at least 15 snaps this past week.
Theran Johnson was the last Wildcat to record a pick-six, coming in the 2024 season. In addition, Fitzgerald was just one of four players nationally to record a pick-six during Week 6.
This marks the second consecutive week that Fitzgerald has landed on the PFF Big Ten Team of the Week.
Northwestern has had a player on the PFF National Team of the Week for four consecutive games, after fourth-year defensive lineman Michael Kilbane (vs. Colorado), third-year tight end Luke Dehnicke (@ Indiana) and fifth-year defensive lineman Brendan Flakes (vs. Penn State).
Chiles completed 73.9% of his pass attempts (17-of-23), totaling 272 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown. He became the first Wildcat to reach these numbers up in a game since Clayton Thorson in 2016. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound signal caller had a 90.5 offensive grade and a 92.8 passing grade, the third-highest mark nationally. He delivered three big-time throws with zero turnover-worthy plays.
Wilde was Chiles’ top target against Ball State, bringing in eight catches for 144 yards and one touchdown. His 144 receiving yards, marked the most by any Northwestern player since Bryce Kirtz had 215 against Minnesota in 2023. In his most explosive game as a Wildcat, Wilde posted a 90.5 offensive grade and a 90.4 receiving grade, ranking third and second, respectively, among wide receivers nationally in Week 6.
Northwestern returns to Big Ten play looking to extend its winning streak to three, as it travels to East Lansing, Mich. to face Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 17. Kickoff from Spartan Stadium is set for 11 a.m. CT on Peacock and WGN Radio 720.