Utah and BYU Players Shine in Big 12 Football Honors
In a week filled with thrilling matchups, players from Utah and BYU have emerged as standouts, earning prestigious Big 12 Football Player of the Week awards. The weekly honors showcase the talent and impact of these student-athletes, who have helped their teams secure impressive victories over ranked opponents.Elevating the Game: Utah and BYU Players Earn Big 12 Accolades
Micah Bernard's Offensive Dominance
Utah's running back Micah Bernard has been a force to be reckoned with on the field. His outstanding performance in the Utes' 22-19 win over Oklahoma State has earned him the Big 12 Football Offensive Player of the Week award. Bernard, a senior from Long Beach, California, rushed for a career-high 182 yards, showcasing his speed, agility, and power. This breakout game has propelled him to the forefront of Utah's offense, and he now stands just 78 yards away from setting a new career-best for rushing yards in a season.Bernard's emergence as Utah's top running back has been a key factor in the team's success this year. Through four games, he has amassed 456 yards on 66 carries, finding the end zone once. His ability to consistently gain yardage and keep the offense moving has been instrumental in Utah's victories. With his impressive performance against Oklahoma State, Bernard has solidified his status as one of the top running backs in the Big 12 Conference.Isaac Wilson's Impressive Debut
In the absence of the injured Cam Rising, true freshman Isaac Wilson stepped up and delivered a standout performance for Utah. Wilson, a former standout at Corner Canyon High School, earned the Big 12 Football Newcomer of the Week award for his impressive outing against Oklahoma State. The young quarterback passed for 207 yards and a touchdown, completing 58.6% of his passes.Wilson's ability to step in and lead the Utes' offense in a crucial game showcases his maturity and talent. Despite being a newcomer to the Big 12, he has already made a significant impact, demonstrating his potential to be a key contributor for Utah in the years to come. With his performance against the Cowboys, Wilson has proven that he can handle the pressure of the big stage and deliver when his team needs him most.Parker Kingston's Special Teams Heroics
Across the state, BYU's Parker Kingston has also been recognized for his outstanding contributions, earning the Big 12 Football Special Teams Player of the Week award. Kingston, a return specialist for the Cougars, had a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown in BYU's upset victory over then-No. 13 Kansas State.Kingston's electrifying return showcased his speed, agility, and game-changing ability. His touchdown gave BYU a commanding 31-6 lead over the Wildcats, and the Cougars went on to win the game 38-9, cruising to a dominant victory. Kingston's special teams performance was a crucial factor in BYU's success, and his recognition as the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week is a testament to his impact on the game.Rounding Out the Big 12 Honors
Alongside the standout performances from Utah and BYU players, the Big 12 also recognized other exceptional contributions from around the conference. West Virginia's Tyrin Bradley Jr., a senior linebacker, had an impressive all-around game, recording seven tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and an interception in the Mountaineers' come-from-behind win over Kansas.The weekly Big 12 football player honors showcase the depth of talent and the competitive nature of the conference. With players from Utah and BYU earning recognition, it's clear that the Beehive State is producing some of the best student-athletes in the nation. As the season progresses, fans can expect to see more standout performances and accolades from these talented individuals, who are elevating the game and representing their schools with pride.