Connor McClellan ran for four touchdowns Saturday, Oct. 3, tying Middlebury's single-game school record as the Panthers beat Colby 32-2 at Youngman Field at Alumni Stadium.
McClellan gained 121 yards on 19 carries and scored from 34, 11, 2 and 9 yards. His four rushing touchdowns matched the performances of Tom O'Connor against Union in 1974 and Mark Conroy against Colby in 1981.
The Middlebury defense did not allow a touchdown or field goal. Colby's only points came on a third-quarter safety after a bad Middlebury snap went out of the end zone. The Panthers led 25-0 at halftime and improved to 2-1 in the NESCAC; Colby fell to 0-3.
Middlebury benefited from field position from the opening play. Gianluca Saracino forced a fumble, and James Woodward recovered at the Colby 37. Aidan Moss finished the resulting drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Luis Kuehberger.
McClellan's 34-yard run extended the lead in the first quarter. His 11-yard touchdown in the second followed a Matt Shaw interception that put Middlebury at the Colby 11. McClellan scored again with 26 seconds left before halftime, then added his fourth touchdown early in the final quarter.
The Panthers finished with 361 yards of offense to Colby's 165. Middlebury gained 198 yards rushing and 163 passing, while Colby managed 86 on the ground and 79 through the air. Moss completed 15 of 29 passes without an interception.
Kuehberger caught five passes for 80 yards and the opening touchdown. Kellen Murray added 42 rushing yards on seven carries, providing another part of Middlebury's ground game.
Woodward finished with eight tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. Michael Votta made seven tackles, including two for losses, while Calvin Szoradi recorded a sack and forced a fumble.
Colby quarterback Damon Taylor completed 14 of 27 passes and threw two interceptions. The Mules finished with eight first downs, compared with Middlebury's 20, and gained an average of three yards per offensive play.
Middlebury converted nine of 16 third downs and held the ball for 34 minutes, 46 seconds. Colby was 4-for-14 on third down and failed on all three fourth-down attempts.
The Panthers visit Amherst on Saturday, Oct. 10, for a 2 p.m. kickoff.
Sources:
https://athletics.middlebury.edu/boxscore.aspx?path=football&id=16225