A week after being shut down by Trinity College’s defense, the Colby men’s football team was unable to contain a powerful Middlebury College offense and dropped its second game of the season by a score of 41-15. Despite a career day from linebacker Mike Hyatt ’14, who had 18 tackles and a fumble recovery, Middlebury was still able to amass 553 yards of total offense. First-year quarterback McCallum Foote was outstanding for the Panthers, picking up 380 yards and four touchdowns on 28-44 passing.

Middlebury came out firing on its first drive, marching 80 yards down the field in a mere 2:01, jumping out to a 7-0 lead after Remi Ashkar’s two-yard touchdown plunge and a converted kick. A fumble on the Middlebury three-yard line ended Colby’s ensuing drive, but Middlebury gave the ball right back two plays later, setting up junior David Bendit’s 25-yard field goal.

After Mike Dola’s field goal stretched the Panther lead to 10-3, Foote took over the game. Touchdowns of 33 and 11 yards to Zach Driscoll and Ashkar, respectively, brought the score to 24-3.

Not ready to go down without a fight, Colby quarterback and tri-captain Nick Kmetz ’12 took over with 1:45 to play in the half on his own 20-yard line. 12 plays and 80 yards later, Kmetz found fellow tri-captain Connor Walsh ’12 for his third reception of the drive, this one a touchdown from two yards out. A pass interference penalty from the previous play had given the drive new life, and the Mules capitalized as time expired in the half, making the score 24-9.

The second half didn’t prove to be much better for Colby. Dola’s second field goal opened the scoring in the third quarter, and Foote converted again with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Driscoll, his third of the game. Middlebury finished scoring with 9:38 left in the game on Foote’s fourth touchdown pass of the game, this one to Billy Chapman.

Colby first-year Luke Dunklee put forth a stellar effort of his own, rushing six times for 73 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown rounded out the scoring for the game with 1:55 to play, bringing the game to its final result of 41-15. Dunklee tacked on an additional 62 yards on two kick returns, giving him a total of 135 all-purpose yards on the day.

Kmetz finished 19-34 for 170 yards with a touchdown and an interception, as well as 50 yards rushing. Walsh had eight receptions for 64 yards.

Tri-captain Tom Duffy ’12 expressed disappointment with the outcome, but gave credit to the Panthers for a well-played game. “They played quick and precise, and they took advantage of our mistakes,” he said. “They were clearly the better team yesterday, that’s what it comes down to.”

The Mules travel to Wesleyan next weekend, hungry for their first win, Duffy added. “We know what needs to be done, and the guys are ready to make it happen.”