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JOVAN BELCHER NAMED NATIONAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
College Football

October 14, 2008

ORONO, Maine – The honors continued to mount Tuesday for University of Maine senior defensive end Jovan Belcher (West Babylon, N.Y.), as he was named The Sports Network’s FCS National Defensive Player of the Week. The national honor comes on the heels of Belcher’s CAA player-of-the-week award on Monday. The Sports Network is the same news agency that runs the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is given annually to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player at the FCS level.

Belcher is among 16 candidates on the award’s “Watch List.”
Belcher earned the honors after his spectacular performance in Saturday’s 27-10 win over Delaware as he recorded seven tackles, two sacks (-15 yards) and two forced fumbles. His initial forced fumble came early in the fourth quarter in Delaware territory with the game tied at 10-10. The offense turned the fumble into points two plays later as quarterback Michael Brusko scored on a five-yard run to put Maine on top at 17-10.
 

With Maine holding a 20-10 lead late in the period, and Delaware trying to mount a comeback, Belcher turned in another outstanding play as he crashed through the offensive line and sacked Blue Hen quarterback Robby Schoenhoft, causing a fumble.
 

Jordan Stevens scooped up the loose ball and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to seal the win for the Black Bears.
 

Belcher is among the CAA leaders in four categories, including: tackles (5th, 8.7 tpg); sacks (T-3rd, 4.0); tackles for loss (4th, 8.0); and tackles by a defensive lineman (1st, 52). Belcher is also among the national leaders in sacks (T-32nd), tackles (T-55th) and tackles for loss (T-34th).
 

Belcher’s performance was one of many that helped propel Maine to its first win over a ranked opponent in more than two years. Overall, the defense forced five turnovers and limited Delaware to just 14 yards rushing -- the fourth lowest single-game rushing total in Blue Hen history. Maine also limited Delaware to just 10 points in a home loss for the first time since Sept. 16, 2006.
 

Maine (3-3, 1-2 CAA) returns home for three-straight homes at Alfond Stadium, beginning this Saturday versus Hofstra. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Tickets still remain for the contest and can be purchased by calling (207) 581-BEAR or toll-free (800) 756-TEAM.
For more information on Maine football, please visit the team’s page at www.GoBlackBears.com(.)
 

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