Elon, N.C. – ETSU scored 17 first quarter points and the Elon Football team was not able to recover in a 34-14 non-conference loss Saturday night at Rhodes Stadium. Elon concludes non-conference play with a 1-3 record, while ETSU improved to 2-2 with the victory.
 
Both teams were receiving votes in the various top 25 polls entering the contest and ETSU comes away with a playoff resume-building victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Elon struggled throughout much of the first quarter, falling behind 17-0 quickly. But the Phoenix put together an 11-play, 70-yard drive capped off by a three-yard TJ Thomas Jr. touchdown rush on the opening play of the second quarter to make it 17-7.
• The game remained that way and Elon had possession to start the second quarter. But the Phoenix were unable to build momentum and ETSU posted touchdowns on its next two drives.
• Down 31-7, Elon had a 7-play, 66-yard drive in which Chandler Brayboy scored on a 15-yard reception to make it 31-14.
• The Phoenix, though, was unable to threaten a full comeback and ETSU made a fourth quarter field goal for the 34-14 final.

 
NOTES AND STATS

• Rushawn Baker had a season-high 48 yards rushing, leading the team.
• Jamarien Dalton had five catches for 71 yards.
• Chandler Brayboy caught his 13^th touchdown of his career, moving him into a tie for fifth in the program's NCAA Division I history.
• Ishmel Atkins led Elon with eight tackles and had 1.0 for loss.
• Cazeem Moore had Elon's lone sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
• Elon was -1 on the turnover battle but did recover one fumble. Chuck Nnaeto forced it and it was recovered by Josh Johnson.
• Senquavious Alsobrooks had a team-high two pass break-ups.
• Jeff Yurk had a season-long 64-yard punt.
• Elon lost the time of possession battle for the first time in 2024 with only 27:31.
• Four different players completed a pass for Elon, including punter Jeff Yurk and quarterback-turned-wide receiver William Lankford.

 
UP NEXT

• Elon heads into conference play Saturday by hosting Richmond for Family Weekend. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m.
• Elon and Richmond have built a rivalry recently with the two programs splitting the last six meetings and no team winning more than two in a row.