2016 Poinsettia Bowl: BYU’s Francis Bernard is out vs. Wyoming

With less than one hour to kickoff it has been learned that BYU will be without their starting linebacker Francis Bernard for this Poinsettia Bowl matchup against the Wyoming Cowboys.

This is a big loss for the Cougars — and a boon for the Cowboys offense — as Bernard leads the BYU defense in tackles with 79 and is second on the team in interceptions with three. He also has 5.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks.

The Cougars rush defense is one of the best in the country as they are 8th in rushing yards per game and 12th in yards allowed on the ground at 3.38. BYU will likely use a rotation of Kavika Fonua and Morgan Unga in place of Bernard.

With Bernard out this should open up the running lanes for Wyoming’s offensive line and allow Brian Hill to have a big game, and with their top linebacker out it should give Josh Allen more time to throw the ball.