NC State and Duke both recorded big wins over the weekend, earning each team a player on the ACC’s weekly award winners.
Duke cornerback Bryon Fields was named Defensive Back of the Week after his pick-six interception sealed the Blue Devils’ win over UNC. With Duke leading 20-17, Fields picked off UNC quarterback Chazz Surratt and ran 61 yards for his ACC-record fourth career interception return for a touchdown. It was his second touchdown return of the season, which is a Duke school record as well. Fields also made a fourth-down tackle to give the Blue Devils the ball back in the final minute of the 27-17 win.
It’s the sixth straight season that Duke has had a defensive back win the weekly award. Fields joins Deondre Singleton (2016, 2013), Jeremy Cash (2015, 2014, 2013), Walt Canty (2012), Jordan Byas (2012) and Ross Cockrell (2012) as recent winners.
NC State beat Florida State 27-21 in Tallahassee, and defensive end Bradley Chubb was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week.
Chubb had seven tackles, five solo tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in the Wolfpack’s win over the Seminoles.
It’s the third straight season that Chubb has won Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. He won the award on Oct. 10, 2016, and shared the award on Nov. 9, 2015.
Former ECU quarterback Kurt Benkert won the Offensive Back of the Week award after leading Virginia to a road win at Boise State. Teammate Andre Levrone won Receiver of the Week.
The other winners for the week were: Georgia Tech’s Parker Braun, Offensive Lineman of the Week; Syracuse’s Parris Bennett, Linebacker of the Week; Pitt’s Quadree Henderson, Specialist of the Week; and Clemson’s Travis Etienne, Rookie of the Week.
