Northwestern University Athletics
Bergin Earns Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Honors
11/9/2020 2:42:00 PM | Football
Evanston, Ill.- Northwestern senior linebacker Chris Bergin was named as the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Week following his tremendous performance against Nebraska on November 7.
This is the first defensive player of the week honor for Bergin, who was named as the Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week in 2019 (Week 12). The Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, native snatched his first career interception and recorded a career-high two pass breakups in the Wildcats' 21-13 victory over the Cornhuskers. Bergin was one of three players to compile double-digit tackles for NU (11), joining fellow senior linebackers Blake Gallagher (14) and Paddy Fisher (13). It was the second time in Bergin's career that he posted double-digit tackles in consecutive games.
Bergin, Gallagher and Fisher have all compiled at least 10 tackles in back-to-back games. Northwestern hasn't had three Wildcats record double-digit tackles twice in a season since 2013, and the impressive feat hasn't been done in consecutive outings since NU's final game of 2013 (Nov. 30, 2013 vs. Illinois) and the season opener of 2014 (vs. California on Aug. 30, 2014).
Bergin and the Northwestern defense has yet to allow a point in the second half this season, with the 'Cats outscoring their Big Ten foes 34-0 during the third and fourth quarter through three games. NU is 3-0 for the first time since 2015 and has won its first three Big Ten matchups for the first time in 20 years (2000).
Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald and Co. look to remain perfect in their visit to the Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. CT in West Lafayette, Ind.
