NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns sophomore cornerback Dwight Bentley was named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday.

Bentley led the Cajuns defense with two interceptions, four solo tackles and a pass break-up in a 38-34 victory over North Texas.

He took his first interception of the game 70 yards for a touchdown to erase an early 3-0 deficit.  The return was the sixth longest interception return in school history.  Bentley’s second pick and 26-yard return set-up a Cajuns field goal to extend the UL lead to 10-3.

Bentley became the third Cajuns defender to post two interceptions in a Sun Belt Conference game and tied a Cajun Field record with two picks at home in the same game.  The Cajuns had three interceptions in the game to up their season total to eight after five games.  UL hasn’t had a team collect double figures in interceptions since 2003.

Bentley was also Honorable Mention National Defensive Back of the Week by College Football Performance Awards (http://collegefootballperformance.com/performers-of-the-week/) and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Defensive Player of the Week.

Also taking home LSWA honors were Richie Falgout and Andrew Joseph.  The duo, who combined for their own special play in the North Texas win, split the special team honor.  Falgout blocked his first career kick, a Mean Green punt from the 40-yard line which Joseph scooped-up and returned 33 yards to give the Cajuns a 14-point lead. The score was the seventh touchdown on a blocked kick under head coach Rickey Bustle on the 38^th blocked kick in that span. The 33-yard return marked the second longest blocked punt return in school history.