ORLANDO, Florida — Pat Fitzgerald said he and defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz were making adjustments until the final series, even as No. 14 Northwestern (7-2, 6-2 B1G) led Auburn (6-5, 6-4 SEC) by 22 points midway through the fourth quarter of its 35-19 Vrbo Citrus Bowl victory.
That just about sums up Hankwitz’s Northwestern tenure and the Wildcats’ season. Despite the game being firmly in control, the retiring Hankwitz was focusing on tightening up his own fundamentals, even with no goals for next season besides resting, traveling and reconnecting with friends.
The box score belonged to NU quarterback and game MVP Peyton Ramsey, who threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another score.