No. 13 Rhode Island turned a 3-3 defensive battle into a fourth-quarter rout, scoring 28 points in the final period to beat previously undefeated Elon 31-10 on Saturday.
The Rams didn't score a touchdown through the first three quarters, but everything changed in the fourth. Rhode Island opened the quarter with an 18-play, 98-yard touchdown drive before Tyler Budge found Marquis Buchanan for another score and Mitchell Garner returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown.
Elon briefly showed life when TJ Crews returned at quarterback and threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Zimere Winston, but Rhode Island's defense slammed the door. The Rams forced five Elon turnovers, including three interceptions in the fourth quarter.
Rhode Island improves to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in CAA play, while Elon falls to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in the conference.
Relive the scores, highlights and biggest moments from No. 13 Rhode Island's wild 31-10 win over Elon below.
7:07 PM
FINAL - No. 13 Rhode Island 31, Elon 10
Rhode Island Wins
No. 13 Rhode Island turns a 3-3 tie entering the fourth quarter into a 31-10 win over previously undefeated Elon. The Rams explode for 28 points in the final period and force five Elon turnovers, including four interceptions and a fumble.
Rhode Island improves to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in CAA play, while Elon falls to 2-1 and 0-1.
Rhode Island Final Stat Leaders
Tyler Budge, QB: 15-of-27 passing, 178 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Brendon Barrow, RB: 12 carries, 42 yards; 4 receptions, 27 yards
Mitchell Garner, LB: 1 INT, 30-yard INT return TD
Elon Final Stat Leaders
Kamerin McDowell-Moore, RB: 21 carries, 102 yards
TJ Crews IV, QB: 10-of-23 passing, 154 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Zimere Winston, WR: 1 reception, 35 yards, 1 TD
6:54 PM
WATCH: Moses Meus Comes Up With Rhode Island's Fifth Turnover
Rhode Island defender Moses Meus gets in on the turnover party, grabbing a tipped TJ Crews pass for the Rams' fifth interception of the day and returning it inside the Elon 5-yard line.
5th INTERCEPTION!
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 12, 2026
On the 5th interception by Rhode Island on the day, Moses Meus catches this tip of the ball and brings it inside the 5.
📺: https://t.co/wiO5RqUos6@RhodyFootball | @CAAFootball#CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo pic.twitter.com/phrtEeh3xO6:52 PM
FINAL: No. 13 Rhode Island Goes From 3-3 To 31-10 In Wild Fourth Quarter
Final - No. 13 Rhode Island 31, Elon 10
Well, that escalated quickly.
Elon and Rhode Island enter the fourth quarter locked in a 3-3 defensive battle. Then the Rams completely blow the doors off the game, scoring 28 points in the final quarter to turn a nail-biter into a 31-10 win.
Rhode Island scores four fourth-quarter touchdowns, including Mitchell Garner's pick-six, while forcing three Elon interceptions in the final period. The Rams improve to 2-1 and hand previously unbeaten Elon its first loss of the season.
6:49 PM
Now Rhode Island Puts It Away With Late Touchdown
4th, 0:55 - No. 13 Rhode Island 31, Elon 10
Rhode Island turns Moses Meus' late interception into another touchdown as Tyler Budge connects with Aboraa Kwarteng for a 3-yard score.
The touchdown stretches the Rams' lead to 31-10 with 55 seconds remaining and caps a dominant fourth quarter for Rhode Island.
6:46 PM
Moses Meus Picks Off TJ Crews To Seal It For Rhode Island
4th, 2:51 - No. 13 Rhode Island 24, Elon 10
Rhode Island's defense delivers another dagger as Moses Meus intercepts TJ Crews deep in Elon territory and returns it to the Phoenix 3-yard line.
It's Elon's fifth turnover of the game and Crews' second interception, putting No. 13 Rhode Island on the doorstep with a 24-10 lead late in the fourth quarter.
6:40 PM
WATCH: TJ Crews Finds Zimere Winston For Elon Touchdown
TJ Crews returns at quarterback and launches a 35-yard touchdown pass to Zimere Winston, giving Elon life late in the fourth quarter against No. 13 Rhode Island.
THE PHOENIX HAS RISEN
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 12, 2026
Zimere Winston completes the 35-yard catch to bring the score to 10-24.
📺: https://t.co/wiO5RqUos6@ElonFootball | @CAAFootball#CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo pic.twitter.com/znWCCTGAaa6:37 PM
Rhode Island Pins Elon At The 1 With Game On The Line
4th, 2:42 - No. 13 Rhode Island 24, Elon 9
Rhode Island burns valuable time off the clock before punting, and the Rams pin Elon at its own 1-yard line with just 2:42 remaining.
TJ Crews and the Phoenix now need to go 99 yards as they try to overcome a 15-point deficit in the closing minutes.
6:33 PM
WATCH: Mitchell Garner Takes It To The House For Rhode Island
Mitchell Garner picks off Tanner Payne and takes it 30 yards to the house, giving No. 13 Rhode Island a commanding fourth-quarter lead over Elon.
PICK SIX!
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 12, 2026
Now it's 3 touchdowns in 5 minutes. Mitchell Garner brings the ball all the way back to the end zone to add another 6 to the board. The score now stands at 24-3.
📺: https://t.co/wiO5RqUWhE@RhodyFootball | @CAAFootball#CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo pic.twitter.com/l4cbNp5r1B6:30 PM
TJ Crews Returns And Immediately Throws Touchdown
4th, 4:12 - No. 13 Rhode Island 24, Elon 9
TJ Crews returns at quarterback after Tanner Payne's two interceptions and immediately provides a spark for Elon, connecting on back-to-back 35-yard passes.
Crews finds Aidan Voss for 35 yards before hitting Zimere Winston for a 35-yard touchdown, completing a four-play, 74-yard scoring drive.
6:25 PM
Rhode Island Pick-Six Blows Game Open
4th, 5:18 - No. 13 Rhode Island 24, Elon 3
Rhode Island has blown this game open. Mitchell Garner intercepts Tanner Payne and returns it 30 yards for a touchdown, giving the Rams a 24-3 lead.
It's Payne's second interception in as many possessions since entering the game and Elon's fourth turnover of the afternoon. Rhode Island has now scored 24 unanswered points after trailing 3-0 at halftime.
6:22 PM
Rhode Island Takes Control With Buchanan Touchdown
4th, 5:51 - No. 13 Rhode Island 17, Elon 3
Rhode Island has taken control in the fourth quarter. Tyler Budge finds star WR Marquis Buchanan for a 7-yard touchdown to extend the Rams' lead to 17-3.
The score caps a seven-play, 61-yard drive that takes 4:07 off the clock. After being shut out in the first half, Rhode Island has scored 17 unanswered points.
6:16 PM
Tanner Payne Picked Off On First Elon Drive
4th, 9:58 - No. 13 Rhode Island 10, Elon 3
Elon's quarterback change immediately turns costly as Tanner Payne is intercepted by Tyson Grimm on his first possession of the game.
Rhode Island takes over with a seven-point lead and less than 10 minutes remaining.
6:15 PM
Tanner Payne Enters At Quarterback For Elon
4th - No. 13 Rhode Island 10, Elon 3
Elon makes another change at quarterback as No. 16 Tanner Payne enters the game with the Phoenix trailing Rhode Island 10-3.
Payne becomes the second quarterback to play for Elon today after TJ Crews handled the first three quarters.
6:13 PM
Rhode Island Finally Breaks Through With First Touchdown
4th, 10:50 - No. 13 Rhode Island 10, Elon 3
Rhode Island finally finds the end zone as Terrence Campbell scores on fourth-and-goal from the 1 to give the Rams their first lead of the game.
The touchdown caps a massive 18-play, 98-yard drive that takes 8:31 off the clock. Rhode Island overcomes a holding penalty that erased Campbell's earlier touchdown run before eventually punching it in on fourth down.
6:05 PM
Rhode Island Touchdown Wiped Out By Holding Penalty
4th - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 3
Rhode Island appears to finally find the end zone as Terrence Campbell breaks loose for a 14-yard touchdown run, but a holding penalty wipes the score off the board.
The penalty pushes the Rams backward to the Elon 23 and keeps the game tied at 3-3.
6:02 PM
Rhode Island Knocking On The Door As Fourth Quarter Begins
4th, 15:00 - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 3
Rhode Island carries its longest drive of the game into the fourth quarter as the Rams look to take their first lead of the afternoon.
Tyler Campbell opens the quarter with a 9-yard run to the Elon 27, extending the possession to 10 plays and 71 yards. Rhode Island has found new life offensively after being held scoreless in the first half.
5:46 PM
Rhode Island Ties It With 51-Yard Field Goal
3rd, 6:33 - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 3
Rhode Island finally gets on the board as Ty Groff drills a 51-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.
Tyler Budge connects with Jonah Mensah for a 31-yard gain to move the Rams into Elon territory, but the Phoenix defense holds from there. Groff finishes the 10-play, 46-yard drive with the long field goal.
5:42 PM
WATCH: Jaedon Alford Picks Off Tyler Budge
PICKED OFF
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 12, 2026
At the start of the second half, Elon's Eric Jones steals an interception and returns it to the 35-yard line. #CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo 📺 | @ElonFootball pic.twitter.com/7L1taHYXbt5:39 PM
Elon Misses Chance To Cash In On Rhode Island Turnover
3rd, 10:33 - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Elon drives all the way to the Rhode Island 3 after Jaedon Alford's interception but comes away with no points.
Kamerin McDowell-Moore carries the Phoenix down the field with five straight runs, but the drive stalls at the goal line and Luke Barnes misses a 21-yard field goal. Rhode Island escapes a costly turnover with the deficit still just 3-0.
5:35 PM
Elon Picks Off Tyler Budge To Open Second Half
3rd, 13:57 - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Elon's defense wastes no time making another big play as Jaedon Alford intercepts Tyler Budge on Rhode Island's opening possession of the second half.
Alford returns the interception 14 yards to the Rhode Island 35, giving the Phoenix excellent field position and a chance to extend their 3-0 lead.
5:30 PM
Third Quarter Underway In Elon vs. Rhode Island
3rd, 15:00 - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
The second half is underway at Centreville Bank Stadium with Elon holding a 3-0 lead over No. 13 Rhode Island.
5:28 PM
McDowell-Moore Leads Elon Offense At Halftime
Halftime - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Kamerin McDowell-Moore has been the engine of Elon's offense, rushing 13 times for 72 yards in the first half.
The Phoenix outgain Rhode Island 154-84 and hold the ball for 18:53, despite committing two turnovers.
5:25 PM
Elon Defense Dominates First Half
Halftime - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Elon's defense puts together an outstanding first half, holding Rhode Island to just 84 total yards and three first downs.
The Rams go 0-for-7 on third down, while Tyler Budge completes just 5 of 14 passes for 51 yards. Rhode Island's best opportunity ends with a missed 36-yard field goal as time expires.
5:12 PM
Rhode Island Misses Field Goal, Elon Takes 3-0 Lead Into Halftime
Halftime - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Rhode Island gets one final opportunity to tie the game before halftime, but Ty Groff misses a 36-yard field goal as time expires.
Tyler Budge helps move the Rams into scoring range, including a 19-yard completion to Kevin Green Jr., but Rhode Island comes away empty. Elon takes a 3-0 lead into the locker room after a defensive first half.
5:07 PM
Luke Barnes Puts Elon On The Board First
ELON IS ON THE BOARD
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 12, 2026
Luke Barnes sinks in a field goal to put up the first points of the day. They lead Rhode Island 3-0.#CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo 📺 | @elonfootball pic.twitter.com/L03QH16AHw5:00 PM
Rhode Island Punts, Elon Gets Chance Before Halftime
2nd, 2:07 - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Rhode Island's offense comes up empty again as Elon forces the Rams to punt after a five-play, 19-yard drive.
The punt travels just 18 yards out of bounds, giving Elon possession at its own 43 with 2:07 remaining and a chance to extend its 3-0 lead before halftime.
4:58 PM
WATCH: Rhode Island Forces Huge Elon Turnover
Rhode Island's defense gets to TJ Crews and forces the Phoenix quarterback to fumble, with Tye Lubin recovering the ball for the Rams.
FUMBLEEEEE
— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 12, 2026
A fumble by Elon's TJ Crew IV results in it being picked up by Rhody's Trey Lubin, for a Rhode Island possession. #CAA | Aug 27 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo 📺 | @RhodyFootball pic.twitter.com/GfhUEdybCA4:55 PM
Elon Strikes First With 46-Yard Field Goal
2nd, 4:44 - Elon 3, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Elon finally breaks the scoreless tie as Luke Barnes drills a 46-yard field goal to give the Phoenix a 3-0 lead.
Kamerin McDowell-Moore powers the seven-play, 33-yard drive with runs of 16 and 10 yards, but Rhode Island stops TJ Crews on third-and-2 to force the long field-goal attempt.
4:37 PM
Rhode Island Forces Crews Fumble For Second Elon Turnover
2nd, 13:41 - Elon 0, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Rhode Island's defense strikes again as Tye Lubin sacks TJ Crews and forces a fumble, then recovers it himself at the Elon 44.
It's Elon's second turnover of the game and the third time Crews has been sacked. The Rams take over in Phoenix territory with a chance to break the scoreless tie.
4:27 PM
Rhode Island Pass Rush Wrecks Elon Drive
1st, 2:08 - Elon 0, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Elon starts at midfield but goes backward as Rhode Island sacks TJ Crews twice on a three-and-out.
C.J. McCoy drops Crews for a 6-yard loss before Case Mankins adds an 8-yard sack on third down. The Phoenix lose 10 yards on the possession and punt it back to the Rams.
4:25 PM
Elon Defense Forces Another Three-And-Out
1st, 3:42 - Elon 0, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Elon's defense continues its strong start, forcing Rhode Island into a quick three-and-out after just three yards.
Tyler Budge targets star WR Marquis Buchanan twice, but both passes fall incomplete, including one broken up by Robert Moss. Jalen Payton then returns the punt 14 yards to midfield, giving Elon excellent field position.
4:21 PM
Elon Drives 10 Plays into Rhode Island Territory, Comes Up Empty
1st, 4:44 - Elon 0, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Elon puts together its best drive of the game, marching 42 yards on 10 plays and taking 5:29 off the clock.
The Phoenix reach the Rhode Island 38, but two deep passes from TJ Crews fall incomplete. Elon punts, and the Rams take over at their own 15.
4:13 PM
Elon Defense Responds After Early Interception
1st, 10:13 - Elon 0, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Elon's defense bails out the offense after TJ Crews' early interception, forcing Rhode Island to punt despite the Rams taking over at the Elon 47.
A 15-yard personal foul pushes Rhode Island backward, and Tyler Budge's 15-yard run on third-and-25 isn't enough to extend the drive. Elon takes over at its own 20 with the game still scoreless.
4:07 PM
Rhode Island Picks Off TJ Crews On Opening Drive
1st, 12:23 - Elon 0, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
Disaster for Elon on its opening possession. With TJ Crews replacing the injured Brady Stober at quarterback, Crews is intercepted by Andre DePina-Gray, who returns it 19 yards to the Elon 47.
The Phoenix had moved from their own 25 to the Rhode Island 34 before the turnover gives the Rams excellent field position for their first possession.
4:05 PM
TJ Crews In At QB For Elon
1st- 13:30, Elon 0, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
A roster surprise on the opening drive. TJ Crews is at quarterback for Elon early against No. 13 Rhode Island as Brady Stober deals with an injury. Stober started each of the Phoenix's first two games, making Crews' appearance an important development to watch in today's CAA opener.
4:03 PM
Elon vs. Rhode Island Football Is Underway!
1st, 15:00 - Elon 0, No. 13 Rhode Island 0
We're underway at Centreville Bank Stadium. No. 13 Rhode Island is in navy, while Elon is dressed in white with white helmets for today's CAA opener.
Elon is set to receive the opening kickoff.
3:55 PM
Tony Trisciani Knows How To Beat Ranked Teams
Elon coach Tony Trisciani has 10 career wins over FCS Top 25 opponents, including five on the road. He gets another opportunity today against No. 13 Rhode Island in the CAA opener.
3:46 PM
Rhode Island Puts Its Home Winning Streak On The Line
No. 13 Rhode Island enters today's home opener riding a 15-game home winning streak dating back to the 2023 season.
The Rams went unbeaten at home in both 2024 and 2025 and will try to extend that streak against an undefeated Elon team.
3:39 PM
Elon vs. Rhode Island Football Kicks Off Soon
Elon and No. 13 Rhode Island are less than twenty minutes away from kickoff at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I.
The Phoenix enter 2-0 after dominant wins over Glenville State and Davidson, while the Rams are 1-1 and looking to bounce back from last week's loss to FBS opponent Temple.
3:36 PM
Rhode Island Players To Watch
- No. 1 WR Marquis Buchanan: All-American receiver who had 137 yards and a TD against FBS Temple last week.
- No. 10 QB Tyler Budge: Has started both games at quarterback for the Rams, while QB1 Devin Farrell recovers from a surgery.
- No. 0 LB Rohan Davy: Preseason All-American and Buck Buchanan Award watch-list selection.
- No. 97 DL Case Mankins: Preseason All-CAA defensive lineman and a key part of Rhode Island's pass rush.
3:32 PM
Elon Players To Watch
- No. 10 QB Brady Stober: Leads an Elon offense that has scored 80 points through two games.
- No. 22 RB Kamerin McDowell-Moore: Coming off 88 rushing yards last week and two TDs against Davidson.
- No. 26 RB Jimmyll Williams: Preseason All-CAA selection who scored twice last week.
- No. 33 LB Brodie Carroll: Preseason All-American and leader of an Elon defense that has allowed just seven points.
3:23 PM
Elon vs. Rhode Island Football: Last 5 Matchups
- Nov. 8, 2025: Rhode Island 34, Elon 20
- Oct. 15, 2022: Rhode Island 17, Elon 10
- Nov. 20, 2021: Elon 43, Rhode Island 28
- Oct. 26, 2019: Elon 38, Rhode Island 13
- Nov. 3, 2018: Elon 24, Rhode Island 21
3:20 PM
AFCA FCS Coaches Poll Rankings
- 1. Montana State (25 first-place votes) - 648 points
- 2. Montana - 591
- 3. South Dakota State (1) - 582
- 4. Illinois State - 575
- 5. Tarleton State - 551
- 6. UC Davis - 519
- 7. North Dakota - 448
- 8. Lehigh - 425
- 9. Stephen F. Austin - 417
- 10. Youngstown State - 372
- 11. Tennessee Tech - 357
- 12. South Dakota - 352
- 13. Rhode Island - 333
- 14. Mercer - 316
- 15. Austin Peay - 237
- 16. William & Mary - 216
- 17. Lamar - 195
- 18. Villanova - 163
- 19. Yale - 142
- 20. South Carolina State - 132
- 21. Richmond - 130
- 22. West Florida - 102
- 23. Northern Arizona - 101
- 24. Idaho State - 75
- 25. Abilene Christian - 71
Others Receiving Votes
Wofford 53; Cal Poly 44; Southern Illinois 41; Prairie View A&M 32; Elon 31; Colgate 25; Campbell 23; UT-Rio Grande Valley 15; Alabama State 13; Jackson State 13; Robert Morris 13; UIW 13; Harvard 12; Furman 10; Southern Utah 10; UT Martin 10; Southeast Missouri State 8; Central Arkansas 6; Chattanooga 6; Portland State 5; Western Carolina 5; Dartmouth 4; Monmouth 4; East Tennessee State 1; Eastern Washington 1; San Diego 1; The Citadel 1.
3:14 PM
Rhode Island Football 2026 Schedule
- Aug. 28: at Merrimack, W 34-7
- Sept. 5: at Temple, L 38-14
- Sept. 12: vs. Elon, Noon ET
- Sept. 19: at Stony Brook, 2:30 p.m. ET
- Sept. 26: at North Carolina A&T, 4 p.m. ET
- Oct. 3: vs. Brown, Noon ET
- Oct. 17: at Yale
- Oct. 24: vs. UAlbany, Noon ET
- Oct. 31: vs. Maine, Noon ET
- Nov. 7: at New Hampshire, 1 p.m. ET
- Nov. 14: vs. Towson, Noon ET
- Nov. 21: at Bryant, 1 p.m. ET
3:10 PM
Elon Football 2026 Schedule
- Aug. 27: vs. Glenville State, W 42-7
- Sept. 5: at Davidson, W 38-0
- Sept. 12: at No. 13 Rhode Island, Noon ET
- Sept. 19: vs. Sacred Heart, 6 p.m. ET
- Sept. 26: vs. Maine, 2 p.m. ET
- Oct. 3: at New Hampshire, 1 p.m. ET
- Oct. 10: vs. Wofford, 2 p.m. ET
- Oct. 17: at Stanford, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Oct. 31: at North Carolina A&T, 1 p.m. ET
- Nov. 7: vs. Hampton, 2 p.m. ET
- Nov. 14: vs. Campbell, 2 p.m. ET
- Nov. 21: at Towson, 1 p.m. ET