This third-down sack by Walker, his ninth of the season, forced an intentional grounding penalty. Ursinus punted on the next play, leading to the Mules’ second touchdown.

The Mules (5-1, 2-1), who came into the game ranked first in Division III in total defense, lowered their average to 153.7 yards per game allowed. The Bears (1-5, 0-2) managed only nine first downs and had minus-1 yards rushing. The last time Muhlenberg held an opponent to negative yards rushing was in a 2000 shutout of Franklin & Marshall (minus-11).

Muhlenberg has allowed only one offensive touchdown in its last 18 quarters.

Junior cornerback Mike McCurley led the defense, making a

Sophomore tight end Stephen Montalto caught a career-high four passes. This 22-yard reception, after a one-handed catch, kept the Mules’ second touchdown drive alive.

career-high 12 tackles and tying a school record with four pass breakups. Senior linebackers Ryan Peer (two sacks, two forced fumbles) and Dan Walker (six tackles, 2½ tackles for loss) also contributed to the defensive effort.

Walker set up the first touchdown of the game when he intercepted a pass on the first play after Ursinus returned an interception 79 yards to the Muhlenberg 18-yard line. Walker returned his second career pick 43 yards to the Bear 42.

Four plays later, senior Nick Rosetti lofted a perfect pass to sophomore wide receiver Chris Giannini in the end zone for a 31-yard touchdown with 3:37 left in the first quarter.

Muhlenberg needed seven plays to reach the end zone on its next possession, which started at the Ursinus 46 after a short punt into the wind. The score came when freshman running back Matt Johnson took a direct snap and hit sophomore fullback Keith Shalvoy in the end zone from 2 yards out on the second play of the second quarter. It was Johnson’s first career touchdown pass, and Shalvoy’s team-leading third TD of the season.

The teams traded third-quarter field goals to account for the final score, with Mule freshman Jordon Grube booting a 26-yarder for his first career points.

Freshman running back Ross Tanner had his first 100-yard game, with 105 yards on 28 carries.

The win was the 50th in the eight-year career of Mike Donnelly. He is the fourth football coach in Muhlenberg history to reach the half-century mark.

Click here for box score.