There was a underlying confidence at Colby College football practice this week. That comes with beating the defending conference champion. The Mules knocked off Middlebury 24-19 last week thanks to their best offensive effort since the 2005 season.

Now, coach Ed Mestieri said, the team needs to make that the norm.

"We have an air of confidence that comes with success," Mestieri said. "It's early, but we beat a good football team, and we did it by playing well."

The Mules gained 315 yards against Middlebury, including 223 on the ground. This week's opponent, Wesleyan, is next to last in the New England Small College Athletic Conference in rushing defense. The Cardinals (0-2) have allowed 389 yards on the ground in two games.

Colby spread the yards out against Middlebury, with running backs Dan Prunier and Mike Cuqua each gaining 64 yards and quarterback Patrick Burns gaining 62.

Wesleyan ranks last in the NESCAC in rushing, averaging just 55 yards per game during the first two weeks.

Led by freshman quarterback Blake DuBois, the Cardinals average 210 yards per game through the air. Wide receiver Ryan Walsh has 12 catches for 181 yards.

Wesleyan comes to Waterville on a short week after playing Hamilton on Sunday -- rain postponed the game from Saturday.

Mestieri doesn't see that as any advantage for his team and said the Mules just need to work to build off last week's strong performance.

"We showed what we're capable of doing, now the challenge is to perform on a weekly basis consistently," Mestieri said.

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Husson plays its third road game in a row this week, when the Eagles (2-2) play at Mt. Ida College.

Both Husson's losses came to Division II opponents, and the Eagles play Division III competition the rest of the season. Mt. Ida (2-1) has wins against Plymouth State and Becker as well as a loss to Norwich.

Mt. Ida leads the series with Husson, 3-2. Husson won last year's game in Bangor, 39-13.

Although the Eagles have been predominantly a running team this season, freshman Ben Grant is among the team's leading receivers. The Winslow native leads the Eagles with 162 yards receiving and has a team-high 27 yards per catch average.

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Both Bates and Bowdoin are looking for their first win of the season this weekend. Bates host Williams, while Bowdoin hosts Tufts.

Gardiner's Mike Lavallee is a freshman defensive lineman for Bates, which plays its first home game of the season on Saturday.

Bowdoin is last in the NESCAC in scoring defense, allowing 36.5 points per game.

Travis Lazarczyk -- 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com