Among concerns over the formation of the CFP, was preserving the importance of college football's regular season. Some wondered if college football coaches (like their counterparts in the NFL) might resort to engineering late-season tankings to protect their best players and a championship run. 

Given its current position in the B1G West, why would Pat Fitzgerald be locked in on beating Notre Dame in Evanston, next Saturday?

Northwestern is not known for championship football. Unranked and 5-3, Northwestern will not be playing for a national championship, in 2018. Beating ND will not make NU a CFP contender - even if it runs the table and wins the B1G.

However, the Wildcats are contending for a B1G championship, in 2018.

Why would Fitzgerald risk trying too hard against Notre Dame, when key injuries could derail Northwestern's B1G quest?

Northwestern's remaining B1G schedule: