Utah RB Tavion Thomas, OL Nick Ford Earn Pac-12 Player Of The Week Honors
Nov 1, 2021, 1:36 PM
Utah Utes running back Tavion Thomas (9) celebrates after his touchdown against UCLA at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. (Deseret News)
(Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – After strong performances in Utah’s 44-24 win over UCLA, running back Tavion Thomas and offensive lineman Nick Ford earned Pac-12 Player of the Week honors.
Tavion Thomas earned Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week after racking up a career-high 160 yards on 24 carries for four touchdowns. It’s his first Pac-12 weekly award after getting his third 100-yard rushing game of the season and fifth of his career.
THRILLER ‼️@pac12 offensive player of the week: @thiagoothomas9 #UBoyz pic.twitter.com/l72icO58v3
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 1, 2021
Nick Ford was named Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week. Ford moved over to left guard to fill in for the injured Keaton Bills, which allowed the Utes to put Paul Maile at center. The offensive line was a huge bright spot for the Utes on Saturday, allowing the offense to rush for 290 yards against a UCLA defense that allowed an average of 90 rushing yards per game.
It’s the second Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week award for Ford after taking the honor after their win over Arizona State.
.@pac12 offensive lineman of the week: @NickFord55 #UBoyz pic.twitter.com/fGLOmQoyd6
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 1, 2021
Linebacker Nephi Sewell was nominated for Defensive Player of the Week. Karene Reid was nominated for Freshman of the Week. Cam Rising earned Special Teams Player of the Week nomination after two impressive punts. Hauati Pututau was nominated for Defensive Lineman of the Week.
Here are the rest of the Pac-12 Player of the Week Awards:
- Defense & Freshman – Carson Bruener, ILB, Washington
- Special Teams – Peyton Henry, PK, Washington
- Defensive Line – Ron Stone, DE, Washington State
Utah will head to Palo Alto, California to face Stanford on Friday, November 5 at 8:30 p.m. MT on FS1.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.
