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2025 Rhode Island vs Elon

Rhode Island Offense Shines, Scores 34 In Road Win Over Elon Football

Rhode Island Offense Shines, Scores 34 In Road Win Over Elon Football

Read the game recap and watch scoring highlights from the Rhode Island vs Elon football game on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Nov 8, 2025 by Andy Schamma
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The No. 10 Rhode Island Rams headed down south after a weekend off to take on Elon Phoenix football in a 2:00 p.m. kickoff in central North Carolina.

Undefeated in CAA play, the Rhode Island Rams hoped to continue their three-game win streak and take home a win in their seventh time playing against Elon—the series favored Elon 4-2 before the Rams win.

Elon Phoenix struggled to maintain their early season success, starting 4-2 before losing three in a row heading into the contest.

Time will tell if Tony Trisciani's squad can turn things around and get out of this season with a few more wins. Phoenix need rushing leader Jimmyll Williams to continue his nearly 60 yards per game contribution, helping Elon to second-most in the conference so far.

The Rams had their own offensive arsenal with and without superstar Antwain Littleton Jr. (suffered an arm injury against UAlbany), it was the defensive powerhouse in A.J. Pena that was in the top 10 across the FCS in TFL, putting up 11 solo by that point. 

Rhody's defense held opponents to just 20.8 points per game, the best in the CAA and amongst the top 20 in the FCS.

Watch the Rhode Island vs Elon football replay on FloCollege, kicking off Saturday, Nov. 8.

2025 Rhode Island vs Elon



Game Recap: Rhode Island Offense Shines, Scores 34 In Road Win Over Elon

Read the game recap and watch scoring highlights from the Rhode Island vs Elon football game on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Rhode Island Rams

  • Total Yards: 442
  • Pass Yards: 309
  • Rush Yards: 133
  • Penalties: 4-37
  • 1st Downs: 24
  • 3rd Downs: 7-13
  • 4th Downs: 0-0
  • Total Plays: 71
  • Avg Yds/Play: 6.2
  • Avg Yds/Completion: 12.9
  • Avg Yds/Rush: 3.2
  • Red Zone: 4-4
  • Time of Possession: 37:13
  • Fumbles-Lost: 1-0
  • Sacks (Def Yds): 4 (-30)
  • TFL (Def Yds): 7 (-40)

Elon Phoenix

  • Total Yards: 225
  • Pass Yards: 195
  • Rush Yards: 30
  • Penalties: 3-20
  • 1st Downs: 11
  • 3rd Downs: 4-14
  • 4th Downs: 1-2
  • Total Plays: 54
  • Avg Yds/Play: 4.2
  • Avg Yds/Completion: 10.8
  • Avg Yds/Rush: 1.4
  • Red Zone: 1-1
  • Time of Possession: 22:47
  • Fumbles-Lost: 0-0
  • Sacks (Def Yds): 4 (-40)
  • TFL (Def Yds): 5 (-44)

Elon Falls Short On Final Chance - 1:10 4Q

Rhode Island 34,  Elon 20

On 4th and 4, Lainez lined up with a back on his left in the shotgun. He underthrew a pass to Kenaz McMillian to turn over the ball and all but end the game.

URI Goes Three And Out - 2:00 4Q

Rhode Island 34,  Elon 20

Elon made the stop, holding Rhode Island to just 7 yards before punting it away to get the ball back with less than two minutes remaining.

Despite the small victory on the drive, it still seemed like too much to overcome for the Phoenix.

Lainez To Fuhrmann For 53 Yard Completion, Make FG - 3:15 4Q

Rhode Island 34,  Elon 20

With a 17-point deficit and just under five minutes remaining, the Phoenix have to keep things moving and go for the long shot if they want to be anywhere within reach of this very good Rhode Island team.

They did just that with a huge 53-yard bomb from Marco Lainez to Isaiah Fuhrmann, Elon's best asset in the air, who made it to the URI35 before being brought down.

The Rams made the stop just short of the redzone, though, allowing Luke Barnes to kick the ball through and add three more for the home team.

Their drive was 5 plays for 55 yards and took less than 90 seconds—a decent attempt.

Rhode Island In Complete Control - 4:57 4Q

Rhode Island 34,  Elon 17

At this point, the Rams offense can rely on their multitude of rushing options to run the clock out and walk the length of the field.

Littleton and Barrow combined for seven rushes in nine plays for 47 yards on the drive. Farrell officially passed 300 yards, with what looked like a lot of comfort and ease from the driver's seat.

In perfect form, URI ate up 7:12 in their only drive of the 4th quarter so far, 11 plays.

Rams Defense Overwhelm Phoenix Front, Elon Punts - 11:53 4Q

Rhode Island 34,  Elon 17

A.J. Pena and Moses Meus and the Rams front line is just too much for the Phoenix to stop from reaching Lainez.

Pena and Meus have added 7 solo tackles, 3 TFLs, and a sack each to URI's defensive stats.

Elon's drive went 7 plays for 14 yards, 3:01.

Touchdown: McClelland Runs In First Career TD - End of 3Q

Rhode Island 34,  Elon 17

Farrell didn't hesitate to pick up the URI steamroll downfield right where they left off, piecing together another extended drive for the Rams.

Brendon Barrow continued his double-digit contributions including a 20 yard rush up the middle for the third first down of the drive.

Barrow and Littleton are both averaging ~5 yards per rush, while Farrell has thrown an impressive 22 completions on 27 attempts. It's been impossible for Elon to stay on top of all of URI's threats.

Backup quarterback Alex McClelland entered the game to complete the drive and rush it in to the endzone for his first career touchdown.

Touchdown: Elon Swings Big, Returns Punt For TD - 5:08 3Q

Rhode Island 27, Elon 17

Elon saw some hope after forcing a fumble by Devin Farrell during a sack which resulted in a loss of 8 total yards by the time Jeremy Redd fell on the ball.

After a three and out and 4th and 13, URI sent out the punt unit to flip the field.

Elon's special teams unit had other plans. DJ James-Hamilton returned the James Allen punt all the way to the house to add another touchdown to the boards and a 70-yard return.

The first punt return for a touchdown by an Elon Phoenix football player since 2013.

Landen Clark Steps Out, Lainez In. Elon Punts - 10:30 3Q

Rhode Island 27, Elon 10

Iowa Hawkeyes transfer Marco Lainez stepped into the game at quarterback after Landen Clark was seemingly injured on the previous drive and went into the tent.

Lainez last played for the Phoenix against Davidson and Duke in the opening weeks of the season. He completed 2-7 so will be looking to just piece together a few first downs to start.

With Lainez in the shotgun, Elon's offense elected to go to the air. On 3rd and 13, Lainez threw it up the sideline to McMillian who was able to toe-tap and bring it down just two yards short of the plane.

After sending the offense back out for 4th and 2, they decided to punt it.

Farrell Completes To Gaines To Extend Twice, Field Goal - 10:35 3Q

Rhode Island 27, Elon 10

Devin Farrell added his 16th completion on 20 attempts after a 7 yard pass to Greg Gaines for the first down on 3rd and 3 from the URI32.

Just a few plays later, a busted play resulted in 35 yards as Ferrell scampered away from the pass rush to complete it to... guess who? Greg Gaines for another huge gain.

Farrell made a screen pass to the left to Buchanan that was broken up, an Elon defender came up with the ball thinking it was his but it was clearly a forward, incomplete pass. The officials agreed after a short discussion.

After a 3rd down sack for a loss of 6, URI settled for a 43-yard Garth White field goal on 4th and 11.

That ended a 9-play, 49 yard drive that lasted four and a half minutes.

Second Half Underway, URI Starts With Ball - 15:00 3Q

Rhode Island 24, Elon 10

The Rams start with the ball and it will be on Elon's defense to continue the success they found in the final two drives before the half.

Halftime Stats: Elon Clawing Back vs. Rams

Rhode Island Rams

  • Total Yards: 276
  • Pass Yards: 221
  • Rush Yards: 55
  • Penalties: 4-37
  • 1st Downs: 13
  • 3rd Downs: 4-6
  • 4th Downs: 0-0
  • Total Plays: 34
  • Avg Yds/Play: 8.1
  • Avg Yds/Completion: 15.8
  • Avg Yds/Rush: 3.4
  • Red Zone: 2-2
  • Time of Possession: 15:12
  • Fumbles-Lost: 0-0
  • Sacks (Def Yds): 3 (-17)
  • TFL (Def Yds): 5 (-24)

Elon Phoenix

  • Total Yards: 118
  • Pass Yards: 104
  • Rush Yards: 14
  • Penalties: 3-20
  • 1st Downs: 6
  • 3rd Downs: 3-9
  • 4th Downs: 1-1
  • Total Plays: 33
  • Avg Yds/Play: 3.6
  • Avg Yds/Completion: 8.7
  • Avg Yds/Rush: 1.0
  • Red Zone: 1-1
  • Time of Possession: 14:48
  • Fumbles-Lost: 0-0
  • Sacks (Def Yds): 1 (-13)
  • TFL (Def Yds): 1 (-13)

Touchdown: Elon Reels It Back In - End of 2Q

Rhode Island 24, Elon 10

Elon needed to add some points to close out this first half after finally stopping the Rams from their constant march into the endzone. Their wish was granted after a 4th and 2 attempt was successful to put them on the 6 yard line.

Landen Clark set up alone in the shotgun and quickly scrambled to his left for a gain of 6. An illegal substitution penalty on URI gave them another three yards with just 19 seconds remaining.

Clark was sacked for a loss of six which led to a quick snap to leave 4 seconds on the clock.

On the final play of the half, Clark floated a pass out to Isaiah Fuhrmann in double coverage in the left side of the endzone. He made an outstanding, leaping catch to bring it down. The play was immediately placed under review and confirmed.

Phoenix Make Stop After 13 Yard Sack by Kahmari Brown - 1:25 2Q

Rhode Island 24, Elon 3

The Elon defense made a huge stop to try to pull momentum back into control, forcing the Rams to their first three and out this afternoon.

It was all started by two stops at the line and then a huge sack for a loss of 13 yards by Kahmari Brown to send them to 4th and 21.

Elon Punts, Ofurie Sacks Clark - 2:24 2Q

Rhode Island 24, Elon 3

The offensive struggles continued for Elon Phoenix. They showed the most hope at the start of the drive with back-to-back 7 yard gains, one from a QB keeper up the middle and a second from Jimmyll Williams up the middle—just his second carry of the game.

Down 21, Yurk punted it away to end the 6-play, 14 yard drive as the home team searches for a path forward against the No. 10 team in the country.

Touchdown: Kwarteng Breaks Free Again - 4:57 2Q

Rhode Island 24, Elon 3

When it Rams, it pours.

On the first play of the drive, Aboraa Kwarteng caught the delivery from Devin Farrell up the left sideline to break out for at least 50 yards after the catch, breaking tackles along the way.

Rams extend their lead and make it 268 total yards in half the game.

Phoenix Unable To Advance - 5:30 2Q

Rhode Island 17, Elon 3

Jeff Yurk punted it away after a second straight three and out for the home team. The biggest gain, a 13 yard pass to Dylan Magazu up the sideline was called back by a holding call.

Touchdown: Farrell Hits Gaines Deep To The Left - 7:24 2Q

Rhode Island 17, Elon 3

Devin Farrell connected with Greg Gaines for a 4th completion and first touchdown pass of the game to put URI up 17-3.

Missed Tackle Sends Kwarteng Racing Up Sideline - 8:08 2Q

Rhode Island 10, Elon 3

After the Elon defense thought they had brought down the ball carrier Aboraa Kwarteng, he sprinted out of reach and up the sideline for another 30 yards to make it a 42 yard gain for the Rams. That was enough to put them at the doorstep of the redzone.

Phoenix Struggles Continue, Three And Out - 9:38 2Q

Rhode Island 10, Elon 3

Elon opened the drive with a 7 yard loss on a sack after URI's Moses Meus chased down Landen Clark and that would pretty much set the tone for the home squad's first three and out of the day.

Jeff Yurk punted it away, 69 yards to Angel Sanchez who returned it to the 30.

Garth White Nails 52-Yarder, Rams Add 3 - 11:06 2Q

Rhode Island 10, Elon 3

Garth White adds to his incredible streak of 50+ yard field goal attempts, tallying a 52-yard kick to add three and extend the Rams lead to 7.

That ended a 10-play, 46 yard drive that took 4:23 of time.

Watch Rhode Island vs Elon Football Free Live Stream

URI Opens With Strength - End of 1Q

Rhode Island 7, Elon 3

Rhode Island's offense took over the ball again with just 15 seconds remaining in the first quarter. A pass from Farrell to Gaines along the right sideline ate up some time as the officials reviewed the catch. Gaines dragged his feet as he made the catch for a 13-yard gain.

The Rams have been rolling through this Elon defense, showing different approaches but almost always adding 4-6 yards per play.

Clark Sacked Twice, Elon Punts - 00:30 1Q

Rhode Island 7, Elon 3

Landen Clark got back to work with a small deficit and a lot of well-rested Rhode Island Rams in front of him after the last extended drive.

Elon got to work on their passing game, completing passes to Fuhrmann and McMillian to get the ball moving.

The Rams defense surged, though, and brought down Clark twice behind the line of scrimmage to bring out the Phoenix punting unit.

Touchdown: Farrell Runs It In, URI Up - 3:49 1Q

Rhode Island 7, Elon 3

Devin Farrell kept the ball and ran freely into the endzone to score the first touchdown for URI this afternoon. Their opening drive went for more than seven minutes, 16 plays for 96 yards.

Finer tallied 41 yards on the drive. Littleton was responsible for 28.

Devin Farrell, Rams Offense Get To Work - 7:30 1Q

Rhode Island 0, Elon 3

Devin Farrell took over for the first time deep in the Rams territory, snapping the ball in his own endzone. They worked their way out with some well placed mid-length passes.

Rams fans will be happy to hear that Antwain Littleton Jr. is getting action today, seemingly recovered from his recent injury struggles.

On 3rd and 10, Farrell found Connor Finer wide open up the middle for a 20 yard gain to extend the drive.

Captain Greg Gaines got his first reception of the day for their next first down—continuing the Rams' methodical approach.

A few plays later, Finer made an excellent catch low to the ground, getting his hands under the ball just inches from the turf. After an official review, it was called complete for a 14 yard gain.

50 Yard Field Goal Puts Elon On Board - 11:30 1Q

Rhode Island 0, Elon 3

Luke Barnes set a personal best with a 50-yard kick between the uprights to put the Phoenix on the board for the first time this afternoon.

That kick capped off a first drive for the home team, 9 plays for 53 yards taking 3:25 off the clock.

Landen Clark Connects With Backey - 13:40 1Q

Rhode Island 0, Elon 0

The Elon faithful got loud after a perfect pass from Landen Clark hit Landyn Backey's hands on the run deep to the left for a 39 yard gain. That's a great start to give the home team some energy as they try to conquer the Goliath that is this Rhode Island defense in the early minutes of the quarter.

Elon Loses Toss, URI Kicks Off - 15:00 1Q

Rhode Island 0, Elon 0

URI wins the coin toss and defers to receive the ball in the second half.

Rhode Island's White Garth opened the game with a booming kick, after which Moses Meus made a huge stop at the 15-yard line just moments after Landyn Backey caught it.

Kickoff Is Next: All Set For Afternoon Gameday In Elon, NC

Just 10 minutes remain until the captains meet at midfield for the coin toss to get this CAA match-up underway between the top-ranked Rhode Island Rams and the hosting Elon Phoenix.

It's right around 70 degrees and holding at Rhodes Stadium with clouds in the sky. With a 5:15 p.m. ET expected sunset today, the sun will set over the home stands with shadows growing from the home sideline to the away sideline.

Another Player To Watch: Rhody's Golden Leg, Garth White

30 Minutes Til Kickoff: Phoenix Rising

More CAA Play This Weekend

As the season winds down, the stakes are rising each week as teams try to secure their spot in the 2025 FCS postseason. FloCollege is streaming all CAA football including Monmouth vs New Hampshire and Villanova vs Towson.

Follow Monmouth vs UNH football live updates here.

Saturday, Nov. 8

All Times Eastern

NCAA FCS Bracket Predictions: If The 2025 Playoffs Started After Nov. 1

"After a few weeks away, we’re back to take another look at the NCAA Division I FCS playoff picture.  

Have things gotten any clearer, or is it time to start figuring out all the tiebreaker scenarios? 

Most likely, half the teams in each conference fell well out of contention long ago, while the top part of the standings is a jumbled mess that won’t be sorted until the final whistle blows on the regular season. And, we’re here for the chaos.

If the season ended today, which teams would be in the mix for the FCS Playoffs?"

Read the full write-up by Matt Cannizzaro here.

One Player To Watch In Rhode Island vs Elon Game Today

Ayinde Johnson, Rhode Island Rams

Redshirt senior Ayinde Johnson is amongst the most dangerous DBs in the FCS with his 10 broken up passes and two interceptions. Although Elon tends to favor the running game more than most teams, expect Ayinde Johnson to be everywhere if the Phoenix decide to put the ball in the air.

Johnson drew all eyes earlier this season with a pick six to ice the game in the fourth quarter vs. Bryant.

Ishmel Atkins, Elon Phoenix

Redshirt Junior Ishmel Atkins out of Greensboro, NC has tallied 33 solo tackles and 3 interceptions, side-by-side with Ayinde Johnson as one of the best DBs in the league. With 6 broken up passes, Atkins will be one to avoid in the secondary this afternoon if quarterback Devin Farrell hopes to use the Rams' air superiority against the home team.

Rhode Island vs. Elon Football By The Numbers

Take a quick look at the brief history between these two teams and some of their stats heading into week 11 of the 2025 FCS football season.

Historical Record

  • 2022: Rhode Island 17 - 10 Elon (Kingston, RI)
  • 2021: Elon 43 - 28 Rhode Island (Elon, NC)
  • 2019: Elon 38 - 13 Rhode Island (Kingston, RI)
  • 2018: Elon 24 - 21 Rhode Island (Elon, NC)
  • 2017: Elon 35 - 34 Rhode Island (Kingston, RI)
  • 2016: Rhode Island 44 - 14 Elon (Elon, NC)

2025 Top Of The Line Stats

Rhode Island Rams (7-2, 5-0)

  • Points: 268
  • Total Offense: 3560
  • Passing Yards: 2435
  • Rushing Yards: 1125
  • Third-Down Conversion Percentage: 46%
  • Fourth-Down Conversion Percentage: 57%
  • Passing Yards Allowed: 1481
  • Rushing Yards Allowed: 1444
  • Time of Possession: 27:41

Elon Phoenix (4-5, 2-3)

  • Points: 239
  • Total Offense: 3376
  • Passing Yards: 1780
  • Rushing Yards: 1596
  • Third-Down Conversion Percentage: 39%
  • Fourth-Down Conversion Percentage: 50%
  • Passing Yards Allowed: 2230
  • Rushing Yards Allowed: 1121
  • Time of Possession: 29:45

How To Watch The Rhode Island vs. Elon Football Game

The game is streaming live on FloCollege, Flofootball and the FloSports app.

When is Rhode Island vs. Elon Football Kickoff?

The kickoff is at 2 p.m. ET. 

About The 2025 NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs 

The 2025 FCS Playoffs will feature a 24-team bracket. The top 16 teams will be seeded, and the top eight seeds will receive first-round byes. 

The rest of the field (the remaining 16 teams) will play in the first round, with the No. 9 through No. 16 expected to host, if possible. Their opponents are selected by regional proximity, if possible, to ensure the shortest trip possible for the teams. 

However, the first round will try to avoid any matchups featuring conference teams that have played each other.

Watch More FCS Football On FloCollege

Saturday, Nov. 8

All Times Eastern

AFCA FCS Coaches Poll For Week 10

  • 1. North Dakota State (9-0) — Previous: 1
  • 2. Montana (9-0) — Previous: 3
  • 3. Montana State (7-2) — Previous: 4
  • 4. Lehigh (9-0) — Previous: 7
  • 5. Tennessee Tech (9-0) — Previous: 8
  • 6. Monmouth (N.J.) (8-1) — Previous: 9
  • 7. Tarleton State (9-1) — Previous: 2
  • 8. Villanova (6-2) — Previous: 11
  • 9. South Dakota State (7-2) — Previous: 5
  • T-10. Mercer (7-1) — Previous: 13
  • T-10. Rhode Island (7-2) — Previous: 12
  • 12. UC Davis (6-2) — Previous: 6
  • 13. Harvard (7-0) — Previous: 15
  • 14. Southeastern Louisiana (7-2) — Previous: 16
  • 15. North Dakota (6-3) — Previous: 10
  • 16. Southern Illinois (6-3) — Previous: 17
  • 17. Illinois State (6-3) — Previous: 18
  • 18. Lamar (7-2) — Previous: 14
  • 19. Jackson State (6-2) — Previous: 20
  • 20. Abilene Christian (5-4) — Previous: 25
  • 21. Stephen F. Austin (7-2) — Previous: 23
  • 22. Youngstown State (5-4) — Previous: 19
  • 23. Presbyterian (8-1) — Previous: 22
  • 24. Western Carolina (6-3) — Previous: NR
  • 25. South Dakota (6-4) — Previous: NR

Others Receiving Votes: Lafayette, 29; West Georgia, 27; Alabama St., 12; Sacramento St., 12; Northern Arizona, 10; UT Rio Grande Valley, 10; Dartmouth, 8; Gardner-Webb, 7; North Carolina Central, 4; Austin Peay, 3; South Carolina St., 2; Yale, 2; Central Connecticut St., 1; Delaware St., 1.

Stats Perform FCS Top 25 After Nov. 1, 2025

  • 1. North Dakota State (9-0) — Previous: 1
  • 2. Montana (9-0) — Previous: 3
  • 3. Montana State (7-2) — Previous: T-4
  • 4. Lehigh (9-0) — Previous: 7
  • 5. Tennessee Tech (9-0) — Previous: 9
  • 6. Tarleton State (9-1) — Previous: 2
  • 7. Monmouth (8-1) — Previous: 10
  • 8. South Dakota State (7-2) — Previous: T-4
  • 9. Harvard (7-0) — Previous: 12
  • 10. Villanova (6-2) — Previous: 11
  • 11. UC Davis (6-2) — Previous: 6
  • 12. Mercer (7-1) — Previous: 15
  • 13. North Dakota (6-3) — Previous: 8
  • 14. Rhode Island (7-2) — Previous: 13
  • 15. Southern Illinois (6-3) — Previous: 16
  • 16. Illinois State (6-3) — Previous: 17
  • 17. Stephen F. Austin (7-2) — Previous: 20
  • 18. Abilene Christian (5-4) — Previous: 24
  • 19. Southeastern Louisiana (7-2) — Previous: 21
  • 20. Lamar (7-2) — Previous: 14
  • 21. Youngstown State (5-4) — Previous: 18
  • 22. South Dakota (6-4) — Previous: NR 
  • 23. Jackson State (6-2) — Previous: 23
  • 24. Western Carolina (6-3) — Previous: NR 
  • 25. Presbyterian (8-1) — Previous: 25

Dropped Out: Northern Arizona (19), Austin Peay (22)

Others Receiving Votes: Northern Arizona (5-4, 2-3 Big Sky), 70; Alabama State (6-2, 4-1 SWAC), 48; Delaware State (6-3, 2-0 MEAC), 23; Austin Peay (5-4, 3-3 UAC), 19; West Georgia (6-3, 3-3 UAC), 18; Lafayette (6-3, 4-0 Patriot), 15; Yale (5-2, 3-1 Ivy), 8; Sacramento State (5-4, 3-2 Big Sky), 7; New Hampshire (5-4, 3-2 CAA), 6.

When Do The 2025 FCS College Football Playoffs Start?

The FCS Playoffs begin Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, featuring 24 teams. 

The 2025 Division I FCS College Football Championship game will be played on Jan. 5, 2026, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Elon Football's Running Back Room Is Elite

Everybody eats at Elon. Three different running backs scored touchdowns in the Phoenix’s 41-20 win over Hampton this year.


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