On Monday, the OVC-Big South Association announced its weekly awards, which featured Lindenwood football student-athletes Sanjay Strickland and Christopher Bennett Jr. Strickland was tabbed the Defensive Player of the Week for the second time, while Bennett garnered Freshman of the Week honors.

Strickland led a Lindenwood defense that limited Tennessee State to just 168 yards in a 35-13-win last Saturday. The Lions held the Tiger to 36 rushing yards and less than one yard per carry. The Arvada, Colo. native finished his day with seven tackles, all solo and three stops for loss. He had one of Lindenwood's four sacks on the day and recovered a fumble.

So far this season, Strickland's 72 tackles rank fifth in the Association, as does his 38 solo tackles.

Bennett made some big plays in the return game against the Tigers, taking two kick offs for a total of 69 yards, including a long of 35. The true freshman also had 45 yards on three punt returns for a total of 114 all-purpose yards on the day. He ranks second in the Association with a 24.1 kick return average.

Strickland, Bennett and the rest of the Lions return to the field on Saturday in a road matchup against Western Illinois. Kickoff from Macomb is set for 1:00 p.m.