Elon University’s football team was defeated by Duke University 45-17 in its first game of the season. With new starters on both sides of the ball, including redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark, the Phoenix tied the game multiple times and trailed by a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but a 35 point second half from Duke was too much to overcome.
Even with the loss, head coach Tony Trisciani believes there are some positives. He gave credit to Clark who was making his first ever collegiate start. Trisicani particularly cited his competitiveness as a major factor to the offense.
“He’s a talented athlete, I’m real proud of him for the job he did in this environment tonight,” Trisciani said. “When we were back up, down in their student section early in the game he did not flinch.”
It did take some time for the offense to gain momentum. Elon only managed one first down on their initial three drives, while also giving up three sacks.
However, Duke also struggled to generate early offensive production. With redshirt sophomore quarterback Darian Mensah starting in his first game after transferring from Tulane University, the Blue Devils were only able to settle for a field goal.
Things weren’t looking much better on Elon’s next possession as they faced a 3rd & 20. However, sophomore running back TJ Thomas Jr. took a misdirection run play 44 yards to Duke’s 41 yard line. Elon would string together a couple more first downs before sophomore kicker Luke Barnes tied the game with a 35 yard field goal.
The offense would continue its momentum on their next drive. After Duke took the lead on a four play drive, Elon marched down the field in nine plays thanks to a 28 yard run by junior transfer running back Jimmyll Williams and a 29 yard completion to redshirt sophomore wide receiver Zimere Winston who had to adjust to the ball.
Clark finished the drive off with his first career rushing touchdown to tie the game at 10. The score highlighted a strong second quarter by Elon’s offense. They scored more points than their last matchup against Duke while also racking up more total yards.
At the forefront of Elon’s attack was their rushing game. They outgained Duke 113 yards to 34 in the first half. Trisciani said he was proud of everyone responsible for the production, from the running backs to the offensive lineman.
Duke had multiple opportunities to retake the lead at the end of the half, but Elon’s defense stood tall both times. A read option run play was disrupted by redshirt sophomore linebacker Brodie Carroll and recovered by redshirt junior defensive end Dillon Pardue. Duke would then stall out on its final possession of the half despite starting at Elon’s 38 yard line.
With back-to-back stops, Elon headed into halftime with the score tied at 10. Trisciani said the team’s confidence level was soaring in the locker room. He got very excited looking at the areas where Elon was controlling the game such as clock management, rushing yards, and turnovers.
Duke’s offense began to click in the second half right away. Mensah opened both possessions completing 10 of his first 11 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns.
Elon responded to Duke’s second score with a 12 play drive that concluded with a three yard rushing touchdown by redshirt junior receiver Landyn Backey. They forced a 3rd & 1 on Duke’s following possession, but running back Anderson Castle broke free for a 63 yard rush. Mensah capped off the drive with his third touchdown of the game two plays later.
“He is the epitome of efficiency,” Trisciani said. “He makes really good with the ball and he’s a super player.”
Elon’s offense suffered a big blow when Clark went down with what appeared to be muscle tightness after Duke’s first touchdown in the fourth quarter. Trisciani said they haven’t fully evaluated the injury but seemed optimistic with Clark’s status going forward.
“We haven’t completely evaluated him, but he was able to walk off the field and he’s in good spirits,” Trisciani said.
Duke continued their second half onslaught with a punt return touchdown and a rushing touchdown to stretch its lead out to 45-17.
Despite the disappointing finish, Trisciani said he was very encouraged by Elon’s performance. He believes their effort will translate to wins if they continue to maintain the same intensity as tonight.
“When we play hard one snap at a time, and just trust each other, then we can be very successful,” Trisciani said. “We can win a lot of football games.”
Next for the Phoenix, they will face off against Davidson College at 6 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Rhodes Stadium.