Northwestern’s 21-17 upset victory over 13th ranked Iowa came with a cost. Quarterback Dan Persa will be out for the rest of the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, Coach Pat Fitzgerald said at the post-game press conference. He will undergo emergency surgery later tonight and be forced to sit the sidelines for the ‘Cats remaining three games.
The injury occurred after the game winning touchdown pass to Demetrius Fields with 1:22 left in the game.
“This was a freak deal,” Fitzgerald said. “The year that Danny has been absolutely spectacular. He is a warrior. This will pass.”
Persa has the highest completion percentage in the Big Ten and is Northwestern’s leading rusher. He went out with style in his final game of the season throwing two touchdown passes and running in one more. His 318-yard passing performance and team-leading 78 yards rushing were huge factors in the ‘Cats success today.
“If there is one thing about Dan he puts everything he can into this team,” sophomore wide receiver Demetrius Fields said. “If he was in the training room celebrating we felt it.”
Redshirt freshman Evan Watkins will replace Persa for the season’s final two games, starting next week at Wrigley field against in-state rival University of Illinois.
“Evan is poised and prepared,” Fitzgerald said. “Unfortunately through someone’s difficult situation, it becomes another man’s opportunity and all you can do is be prepared for it and he will be.”
Fields described Watkins as a “talented physical specimen” and he is confident that Watkins will be able to lead the offense. Fitzgerald echoed the sentiments.
“I know one guy that probably won’t sleep tonight and that’s Evan,” Fitzgerald said. “And I got a feeling the guy I’m going to see the most this week will be Evan. A Chicago kid getting his first college start in Wrigley field against our rival. I don’t know if you could script a better opportunity.”
Fitzgerald did express his certainty that Persa will be back next season. “The one thing I know about Dan is you better look out because he is going to come back with a vengeance.”