After each win this season, the Carolina coaching staff will select players of the week who excelled in the three phases of the game. This week's honored players were center Russell Bodine, defensive tackle Sylvester Williams and tailback/punt returner Giovani Bernard.
Offense - Russell Bodine, Center
In just his third career start after spending most of his redshirt freshman season backing up senior Cam Holland, Bodine was stellar against Elon. The Scottsville, Va., sophomore recorded a team-best 17 knockdown blocks on just 44 plays and graded out at 95 percent for the game. Carolina finished the game with 524 total yards, 24 first downs and 62 points - the most by a Tar Heel offense in 17 years.
Defense - Sylvester Williams, Defensive Tackle
Williams, the anchor of the Carolina defensive line, helped lead the Tar Heels to their first shutout since 1999. The senior from Jefferson City, Mo., had a pair of sacks for a total of 12 yards and caused constant problems for Elon, which finished with just 170 total yards on 70 plays and a mere 42 net yards rushing.
Special Teams - Giovani Bernard, Tailback/Punt Returner
Despite playing just two quarters and only moving onto the depth chart at punt returner late in training camp, Bernard displayed the electricity that makes him one of the nation's most exciting players. He took his first career punt return 30 yards before breaking his second attempt for a 70-yard touchdown. In addition to his 100 punt return yards, Bernard also scored a rushing and receiving touchdown to earn recognition from the Paul Hornung Award for the nation's most versatile player. The Davie, Fla., sophomore also helped the Tar Heels break an ACC record for total punt return yards that had stood since 1987.
