By: Jack Greven
The Tribe start the second half of the season with a matchup against the Elon Phoenix as alumni return to campus for Homecoming.
The Tribe are coming off a bye week, with their last game being a 38–34 comeback victory over NC A&T on October 4. Elon suffered their first conference loss last Saturday against No. 18 Villanova, 29–21. The two teams last met in Williamsburg this past November, when the Tribe lost a heartbreaker, 40–36, after an Elon touchdown with five seconds remaining.
Let’s take a look at this week’s opponent:
Elon Phoenix
Conference: CAA
2025 Record: 4–3
The Phoenix have built a solid program in their 26 years since joining the FCS in 1999. They have made the FCS Playoffs three times since 2017 and haven’t recorded a losing season since the 2021 spring campaign. Elon has had the Tribe’s number recently, winning each of the past three matchups.
This season has been another strong one for the Phoenix and seventh-year head coach Tony Trisciani, as they’ve gone 4–2 in FCS play. Statistically, Elon ranks among the best in the conference, sitting second in both points scored (29.1) and points allowed (23.0) per game. They also lead the CAA in rushing yards per game (190.3), sacks (18), interceptions (7), red-zone offense (90%), and red-zone defense (71.4%). However, the Phoenix rank just seventh in third-down conversions (37.2%) and eighth in sacks allowed (16).
Offense
The Phoenix are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark, who has stepped into the starting role this season and looked comfortable. While Clark has struggled with accuracy—completing just 54.6% of his passes with an 8:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio—he’s been a threat on the ground, rushing 109 times for 324 yards and six touchdowns.
The ground game has been the centerpiece of Elon’s offense, thanks to junior Jimmyll Williams and sophomore TJ Thomas Jr. Williams, a transfer from Division II Virginia State, has been electric, racking up 581 yards on just 60 touches. Thomas Jr. has been equally effective, with 451 yards on 87 touches and six touchdowns.
In the passing game, Elon primarily relies on two targets: sophomore Isaiah Fuhrmann and redshirt junior Landyn Backey. Fuhrmann has accounted for nearly a third of Elon’s receiving production, hauling in 27 passes for 478 yards and three touchdowns. Backey has been a deep threat with 14 receptions for 280 yards and three scores, though he’s caught only one pass in each of the last three games.
Elon’s offensive approach is clear: get an early lead and control the game on the ground. Clark has more rushing attempts than completions, but his 3.0 yards per carry show his runs are often the result of pressure rather than design. While the offensive line has opened strong running lanes, pass protection has been an issue—allowing 16 sacks and forcing Clark to scramble frequently.
For the Tribe, the key will be generating consistent pressure while keeping a spy on Clark to contain his mobility.
Defense
The Phoenix defense has been a standout unit through the first half of the season. It’s a young group—five of the top eight tacklers are sophomores, and none are seniors. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Brodie Carroll leads the team in tackles (53), tackles for loss (7.5), and forced fumbles (2). Fellow redshirt sophomore linebacker Asher Cunningham has been all over the field, recording two interceptions and two sacks.
In the secondary, redshirt junior Ishmel Atkins has been a ballhawk with three interceptions and six pass breakups. He’s paired with sophomore Brycen Scott, who also has six breakups. Sophomore Kahmari Brown leads the team in sacks (3) and quarterback hits (6).
For the Tribe, continuing the offensive momentum from the past three games will be crucial—especially on the ground. Rashad Raymond had a breakout performance against NC A&T, rushing 14 times for 124 yards and a touchdown. The Tribe’s big-play potential was on full display in that game, with three plays of 66+ yards, and more explosive gains could prove decisive against a disciplined Elon defense.
Special Teams
Redshirt senior punter Jeff Yurk has been a field-position weapon, averaging 48.3 yards per punt—second in the FCS, sixth in all of Division I, and nearly six yards more than any other CAA punter. That distance creates return opportunities, and Elon has allowed the third-most punt return yards in the conference. A big return could swing the momentum in the Tribe’s favor.
The Tribe face their toughest home test of the season but will have a packed crowd of students and alumni behind them on Saturday.
Pack Zable and Let’s Go Tribe!
Photos courtesy of Tribe Athletics.
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