Utah LB Francis Bernard Named Pac-12 Defensive Player Of The Week
Sep 3, 2019, 2:13 PM
Utah linebacker Francis Bernard (13) intercepts a pass from BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) and runs it back for a touchdown during the Utah-BYU football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. (Steve Griffin, Deseret News)
(Steve Griffin, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Pac-12 Conference announced that Utah linebacker Francis Bernard has been named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week.
He was awarded the honor for his performance against his former team, BYU in the Utes 30-12 win over the Cougars to open the 2019 season.
It’s Bernard’s first conference player of the week honor. He had four tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Same, tbh. pic.twitter.com/769rbcVDlo
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 3, 2019
The pick-six was his first of his career and came at a critical time in the game with the score tied at 3, Bernard gave the Utes the momentum with the turnover.
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson threw a second interception at the beginning of the fourth quarter to safety Julian Blackmon, who returned it for a touchdown as well.
Utah held BYU to one touchdown and two field goals, while their defense scored twice and their offense twice and added one field goal.
Utes running back Zack Moss was nominated for Offensive Player of the Week, but was ultimately awarded to Washington State quarterback Anthony Gordon.
The Utes will open their home schedule at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday at 11 a.m. on the Pac-12 Networks.
