Kingston, R.I. – No. 25/22 Rhode Island overcame a halftime deficit to hand No. 14/18 Elon its first loss against an FCS team this year as the Phoenix fell 17-10 on the road Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd on Homecoming at Meade Stadium.
 
Elon led 10-3 at the half but was unable to sustain enough second-half drives to put the game away. Rhode Island improves to 4-2 on the season and 2-1 in CAA Football play with the win. Elon falls to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play with the defeat.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Elon led 3-0 after one quarter of play on a Skyler Davis field goal that came on the ensuing possession after Jeff Yurk's 59-yard punt was downed at the one-yard line.
• Rhode Island tied the game on a 21-yard field goal but the Phoenix answered back.
• Elon used a 12-play, 75-yard drive for the first touchdown of the contest. Jalen Hampton capped it with his fifth rushing touchdown on the season, scoring from four yards out.
• Rhode Island tied the game late in the third quarter on a seven-yard rushing touchdown and then went ahead midway through the fourth on a 16-yard interception return for a score.
• Elon had just one more possession and moved the ball past midfield, but came up short on a fourth down attempt. Rhode Island was able to run out the clock from there.

 
STATS AND NOTES

• The Elon defense gave up a second-half touchdown against an FCS opponent for the first time this. But the Phoenix defense has still allowed just 16 points in the final 30 minutes against its six FCS opponents
• All-American candidate Skyler Davis was 1-for-1 on field goal attempts, connecting from 33 yards out. He improved to 11-for-14 on the year with the make
• Jalen Hampton finished with 20 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown
• Bryson Daughtry has caught at least one pass in 37 straight games
• With five catches for 55 yards, he extends his streak of at least two catches and 40 yards receiving, which stands at all seven games this year
• Omar Rogers led Elon defensively with seven tackles, adding a forced fumble
• True freshman Cazeem Moore had the team's only sack of the day
• Jeff Yurk punting five times for a 47.0 yard average, pinning two inside the 20. Since the calendar turned to October, Yurk is averaging 46.1 yards on 17 punts
• Johncarlos Miller II blocked a field goal for the second time in three games
• Elon entered the game tied for the nation's lead with nine fumble recoveries. The Phoenix added a tenth in the first half as Nick Veloz picked up his first of the season
• Elon led the time of possession battle for the sixth time this year, holding onto the ball for 31:50
• Elon still leads the all-time series against Rhode Island, 4-2

 
UP NEXT

• Elon heads on the road to face the only CAA Football team remaining with an undefeated conference record. The Phoenix play at New Hampshire, 5-2 overall and 4-0 in conference play, Saturday at 1:00 p.m.