NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Notre Dame football is taking on Northwestern this Saturday. Head Coach Brian Kelly spoke about Saturday's matchup during a press conference Tuesday.

The Wildcats are 12-and-1 in their last 13 games and coming off back-to-back wins over ranked teams.

In particular, Kelly mentioned Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson. A 4 year starter, Thorson is averaging 256 yards per game and has 10 touchdowns so far this season, but Thorson has 10 interceptions, including 3 in the last 2 games.

"He can really hurt you. We've got to get pressure on him, so pass rush is going to be really, really important to us on Saturday because if you let him stand back there, he can make you look silly," Coach Kelly said.

While Kelly was very complimentary of the Wildcats, Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald was the exact opposite.  in Evanston, Fitz was uncharacteristically tight lipped and even a little defensive on the matchup.