CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel's Joe Crochet has been named the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced Monday.

Crochet had a career day in the Bulldogs' 37-14 win at Western Carolina, leading The Citadel's defense that held the Catamounts to 122 yards of total offense and just 31 yards rushing. Crochet recorded a career-high 2.5 sacks, tied for the 11th-highest single-game total in FCS this season, for a career-high 2.5 tackles for loss and a career-best two fumble recoveries. The senior from Stone Mountain, Georgia, finished the game with four tackles and also forced a fumble on a strip-sack where he forced and recovered the fumble.

The Citadel defense held Western Carolina to the ninth-lowest offensive output in FCS this season and the fewest total yards by the Catamounts since 2014. The Bulldogs recorded eight sacks, tied for the most in an FCS game this season, and held Western Carolina to 0-for-8 on third down. At halftime, the Bulldogs had allowed only 21 yards on 24 plays, including negative-18 yards rushing.

Crochet earned the conference's weekly award for the first time in his career, and his recognition marks the fourth straight conference weekly honor after a game for the Bulldogs. B-Back Tyler Renew was named Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 146 yards and one touchdown in the season opener at Mercer, defensive back Dee Delaney was named Defensive Player of the Week after grabbing two interceptions in week two against Furman and DeAndre Schoultz picked up Special Teams Player of the Week after gaining 120 punt return yards, including an 81-yard punt return touchdown, at Gardner-Webb in week three. The Citadel had its bye in week four.

The 9th-ranked Bulldogs are 4-0 for the fifth time in program history and first time since 1992. After playing three of its first four games on the road, The Citadel returns to Johnson Hagood Stadium this week to take on North Greenville for Parents Day on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPN3. For tickets, visit CitadelSports.com/tickets or call The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843-953-DOGS (3647).

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