After stifling Penn State’s offense to just 13 points, graduate student defensive lineman Brendan Flakes and redshirt senior defensive back Robert Fitzgerald were named to Pro Football Focus’ weekly honors, PFF announced Monday.
Flakes earned a spot on the PFF Week 5 National Team of the Week and the Big Ten Team of the Week, while Fitzgerald was also named to the conference team of the week.
Playing a major role in holding the Nittany Lions to just 48 rushing yards, Flakes earned an 87.5 defensive grade, the second-highest among FBS defensive linemen with a minimum of 15 snaps. His 90.3 pass-rushing grade was also the highest in the Power Four. The Orlando, Florida, native finished Friday’s inaugural New Ryan Field game with four total tackles and one pass breakup.
Lining up behind him, Fitzgerald recorded a 77.9 defensive grade, the second-highest among Big Ten safeties. His 77.3 run-defense grade and 76.6 coverage grade ranked 12th and 16th, respectively, among Power Four safeties in those categories. The 2025 All-Big Ten Second Team honoree posted three solo tackles, one pass breakup and a game-sealing interception against Penn State.
This marks the second time Fitzgerald has been named to the PFF Big Ten Team of the Week, following his performance against Nebraska on Oct. 25, 2025.
Northwestern looks to extend its winning streak at New Ryan Field when it squares off against Ball State at 11:30 a.m. CT Saturday, Oct. 10, on Big Ten Network as part of the 115th Homecoming.