Elon, N.C. – The Elon University Football team dug an early hole against No. 23 Richmond Saturday at Rhodes Stadium. After falling behind 27-7, the Phoenix tried to rally but failed to complete the comeback in a 27-17 defeat.
 
Richmond improves to 3-2 with the win, including a 1-0 record in CAA Football. Elon falls to 1-4 and 0-1 in the CAA.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The only scoring of the first quarter came on a first quarter Richmond field goal for the 7-0 lead.
• The Spiders added a touchdown and a field goal for a 13-0 second quarter lead. The Phoenix struck back on a Rushawn Baker 46-yard touchdown run to make it 13-7 with 3:50 left in the first half.
• Richmond immediately put together a 9-play scoring drive to go into the half with a 20-7 lead.
• The Spiders opened the second half with the ball and scored another touchdown to go ahead 27-7.
• Elon began to rally as Jack Berkowitz made a 37-yard field goal and TJ Thomas Jr. caught a pass from 10 yards out to make it 27-17 early in the fourth.
• That was all the scoring, though, as the Richmond defense held off Elon's offensive opportunities.

 
NOTES AND STATS

• Elon had 10,589 fans for the Family Weekend game, the fourth-highest attendance in Rhodes Stadium history.
• Rushawn Baker rushed for a season-high 66 yards and added a touchdown.
• Jack Salopek came off the bench to go 14-of-21 passing for 187 and his first touchdown pass in the maroon and gold. He added 35 yards rushing as well.
• Chandler Brayboy had six catches for a season-best 88 yards.
• Caleb Curtain led Elon with 11 tackles and Marco Patierno picked up nine.
• Khalil Baker finished with six tackles, one for loss, and a forced fumble.
• Cazeem Moore had two quarterback hurries to go with his eight tackles.
• Elon had 23 first downs for the game, three more than Richmond.
• Elon was -2 on turnovers, committing three and only forcing one.

 
UP NEXT

• Elon will have a bye week next before hosting New Hampshire Oct. 12 at 2:00 p.m.