FRISCO, Texas – Lamar University seniors Kristian Pugh and Ben Woodard have been named Southland Conference Players of the Week announced league officials Monday morning. Pugh was named league defensive player of the week, while Woodard received special team honors. Both players are recognized for their efforts in Saturday's upset victory over No. 4 South Dakota.
 
Officially the program's biggest win against a non-conference opponent, Lamar rallied from an early 10-0 deficit to defeat the Coyotes, 20-13. While South Dakota slightly edged out LU in terms of total yards, Big Red's defense was near flawless in the second half allowing just three points and 85 yards of offense. The defense also forced three turnovers Saturday (two fumbles and one interception).
 
Pugh was a leader for the Cardinals' defense finishing third on the team with five tackles – one solo – and an interception. Pugh's pick – his first of the season – set up the Cardinals' first score of the second half which gave Lamar its first lead of the game. The Cardinals never trailed after that.
 
Woodard scored eight points in a game that was decided by seven. The Plano native was a perfect 2-of-2 on field goals (30 and 26 yards) and 2-of-2 on PATs. His first field goal came late in the first quarter putting a stop to a 10-0 USD run to open the game. He came back in the second half to give Lamar its first lead and Big Red did not face another deficit for the rest of the evening.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday when they travel to Houston to face Texas Southern. The game against the Tigers is set for a 6 p.m. kick off.