ORONO - University of Maine senior defensive end Jovan Belche was named the CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for his performance in Saturday's 27-10 win over 20th-ranked Delaware

Belcher, who was named the league's 2008 preseason defensive player of the year, earns a weekly award from the conference for the first time this season.

Belcher, a candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award, was spectacular in Saturday's win over the Blue Hens 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 spectacular 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.