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The University of Utah Athletics
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Bernard Named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week
9/3/2019 11:41 AM | Football
SAN FRANCISCO – University of Utah linebacker Francis Bernard has been named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Utah's 30-12 victory over rival BYU, the first Pac-12 player of the week honor of his career.
Bernard, who transferred to Utah from BYU in 2018, shined for the Utes in his third career start, recording four tackles that included 1.5 tackles for loss and a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Herriman, Utah, native is currently on track to graduate in December with a degree in sociology.
His pick-six was the first of his career and his 58-yard return was the second-longest in the Pac-12 in week one. It was his second interception as a Ute and fifth of his career after notching three at BYU.
Bernard was integral in Utah shutting down BYU's offensive threats, starting in the first quarter. Bernard came up big when had back-to-back tackles to force a third-and-long and then a failed fourth down attempt on BYU's opening drive, forcing the Cougars to turn the ball over on downs.
His interception came in the second quarter with 11:03 left on the clock after Zach Wilson felt the heat from the Utah defensive line. Bernard picked off the pass and ran it 58 yards to the end zone to break the 3-3 tie and put Utah in the lead for the rest of the game.
He also assisted on a tackle for loss on a first-and-10 to force a second-and-long late in the game before making a stop at the line of scrimmage for no gain on a third-and-two, forcing BYU to punt once again.
Bernard and the Utes will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 7 for Utah's home opener against Northern Illinois. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. MT on Pac-12 Networks.
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Bernard, who transferred to Utah from BYU in 2018, shined for the Utes in his third career start, recording four tackles that included 1.5 tackles for loss and a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Herriman, Utah, native is currently on track to graduate in December with a degree in sociology.
His pick-six was the first of his career and his 58-yard return was the second-longest in the Pac-12 in week one. It was his second interception as a Ute and fifth of his career after notching three at BYU.
Bernard was integral in Utah shutting down BYU's offensive threats, starting in the first quarter. Bernard came up big when had back-to-back tackles to force a third-and-long and then a failed fourth down attempt on BYU's opening drive, forcing the Cougars to turn the ball over on downs.
His interception came in the second quarter with 11:03 left on the clock after Zach Wilson felt the heat from the Utah defensive line. Bernard picked off the pass and ran it 58 yards to the end zone to break the 3-3 tie and put Utah in the lead for the rest of the game.
He also assisted on a tackle for loss on a first-and-10 to force a second-and-long late in the game before making a stop at the line of scrimmage for no gain on a third-and-two, forcing BYU to punt once again.
Bernard and the Utes will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 7 for Utah's home opener against Northern Illinois. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. MT on Pac-12 Networks.
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Players Mentioned
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