The Elon University football team lost 38-24 to The Citadel Saturday afternoon. The loss puts the Phoenix at 3-6 overall and 1-5 in the Southern Conference, guaranteeing Elon with a losing season both overall and in-conference.
The Citadel running back Darien Robinson led the Bulldogs on a big rushing day as they put up 366 total rushing yards. Robinson had 20 carries for 178 yards, including a touchdown with 2:33 remaining in the fourth quarter that put the Bulldogs ahead for the final score.
Elon was down 31-6 with 12:10 to play in the third quarter, aided by two touchdown runs and one scoring pass by The Citadel quarterback Aaron Miller. But the Phoenix put up 18 straight points to pull within one score with 8:49 to play. The Bulldogs, who had been stopped on three consecutive drives before that, went on a 14-play, 75-yard drive that ate up 6:16, ending with Robinson's touchdown run.
The Citadel quarterback Ben Dupree had 13 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown, while Miller rushed 13 times for 60 yards and the two running scores.
The Phoenix was led by senior quarterback Thomas Wilson. Wilson completed 37-of-50 passes for 351 yards and two scores, one each to sophomore wide receiver Kierre Brown and freshman running back Tracey Coppedge. Senior wide receiver Aaron Mellette had nine receptions for 102 yards, but had his six-game streak of at least two receiving touchdowns ended.
Elon senior kicker Adam Shreiner was 3-for-4 on field goals, making from 25, 42 and 33 yards and missing from 44.
The Phoenix struggled on third downs, converting just three of 14 attempts.
The Citadel now sits at 5-4 overall, 4-3 in the conference.
Elon will take on Samford University at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 10 in its final home game of the season.