Oct. 27, 2001
Recap?|? Final Stats?|? Notes
Northwestern head coach Randy Walker
"We have no reason to hang our heads. The team played hard, but obviously we made mistakes. Purdue is a well-coached team, and we didn't make the plays we needed to. Overall we gave up some big plays. The turnover in the beginning was big. Our idea was to come out and play fast. And that play hurt us."
- On losing three out of last four games
"Ohio State took it from us from the beginning. Penn State - we just let them off the hook. Today, we felt good about our play, but the turnovers cost us, with the shanked punt and the fumble."
- On Purdue's offense
"The main factor was that Purdue ran the ball on offense and kept us off the field. We could not stop their run effectively. That's not to say that Purdue doesn't have a great defense. I'm just saying we were not on the field too long on offense."
Northwestern quarterback Zak Kustok
- On misdirection plays
"I really enjoy misdirection plays. This way the defense isn't prepared, and it worked today on several occasions."
- On Northwestern's offense
"Purdue's defense is effective, but we played well as an offense. We made mistakes, but that's explainable against such a strong line."
On Purdue's defense
"Purdue has great defense. Their two defensive tackles and ends are physically and aggressively strong. Stu Schweigert also does a good job of keeping his defense under control."
- On the rest of the season
"We, as seniors, have four more games. We have to improve on our offense for the next week and the next four games."
Northwestern cornerback Marvin Ward
"It's all about us, not about them. We can't worry about what they're going to do. I expect to make my own plays, and for my team to go out and make big plays. Inexperience will help us move into the future. So many young players get playing time, which will help them get set for next year."