opponents. In Western's third game of the 2024 season, the Catamounts travel to Elon, NC to face the Phoenix. Western faces Elon for the 45 time overall, the two teams last played in Cullowhee in 2013.
Elon finished the 2023 season with a 6-5 overall record.
Game #3 - Elon Phoenix
Time: 6 pm
Where: Rhodes Stadium, Elon, NC
Where: Rhodes Stadium, Elon, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV / video: FloFootball
TV / video: FloFootball
Conference: Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)
Nickname: Phoenix
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Enrollment: 7,117
Message Board: ElonFans
The Series: In only the 45th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 18-24-2 record overall against the former Southern Conference foe. Western is 6-15-1 against the Phoenix in games played in Elon.
Last Game vs. Elon (Oct. 26, 2013) - WCU halted a seven-game slide against Elon; it was the Catamounts' first win over the Phoenix since 2005 ... WCU improves to 3-3 against Elon in games played in Cullowhee. Western Carolina head coach Mark Speir won his first game against a NCAA Division I opponent, while also earning his first victory against a Southern Conference opponent;
Head Coach: Tony Trisciani - Named the 23rd head football coach at Elon University on Dec. 17, 2018, Tony Trisciani will begin his sixth season at the helm of the program in the fall of 2024. Widely familiar with the CAA Football landscape, the 2023 season marked Trisciani's 28th year as a football coach and his 18th year coaching at a CAA Football institution. Known for developing champions, Trisciani's career has featured multiple conference championships on the field while guiding his defensive units to national leaders in multiple categories and coaching numerous all-conference and All-American student-athletes.
Nickname: Phoenix
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Enrollment: 7,117
Message Board: ElonFans
The Series: In only the 45th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 18-24-2 record overall against the former Southern Conference foe. Western is 6-15-1 against the Phoenix in games played in Elon.
Last Game vs. Elon (Oct. 26, 2013) - WCU halted a seven-game slide against Elon; it was the Catamounts' first win over the Phoenix since 2005 ... WCU improves to 3-3 against Elon in games played in Cullowhee. Western Carolina head coach Mark Speir won his first game against a NCAA Division I opponent, while also earning his first victory against a Southern Conference opponent;
Last Season's Record (2023): 6-5 overall, 4-2 home, 2-4 away, 6-2 CAA
The Phoenix are picked to finish sixth in the 16 team CAA football poll for 2024, and had two first team All-conference players, Chandler Brayboy a senior wide receiver and Caleb Curtain a junior safety. Elon All-America safety Caleb Curtain was selected as the preseason Defensive Player of the Year after recording 80 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a league-high four interceptions in 2023. Brayboy also received honors on Special Teams as kickoff return. The Phoenix also were ranked #18 in the 2024 Craig Haley pre-season top 25.
Elon head coach Tony Trisciani, safety Caleb Curtain, quarterback Matthew Downing (CAA interview at media day)
Matthew Downing is set to guide Elon's attack on offense following his start in nine games during the 2023 season. Downing was the ninth-best passer in the country, amassing 1,915 yards through the air and 19 touchdowns. The senior, standing 6'6" and weighing 206 pounds, is stepping into the season with a strong foundation, having shown impressive performances in the last four games of the 2023 season.
Wide receiver Chandler Brayboy has come back after 589 yards receiving in 2023. He's been named to the All-Conference team three times and is coming with more than 1,600 yards from catches and 1,000 yards from kick returns. Jamarien Dalton set a new team record with five receiving touchdowns last year and is expected to move into a starting position. Tight end Tyler Devera was absent from the 2023 season but still managed to rack up over 400 yards from catches at Stony Brook from 2020 to 2022.
Elon's defense team is poised to become one of the top groups in the CAA this season. Caleb Curtain will take charge of the secondary following his selection as an All-American in 2023. Throughout the season, he recorded 80 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, and six pass breakups. Bringing in former North Carolina Central defensive back Khalil Baker will strengthen Elon's safety duo, making it one of the best in the country. Baker received the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award and was recognized as a first-team All-American by multiple selectors in 2022. The Phoenix will need to find replacements for both starting cornerbacks, but Senquavious Alsobrooks is anticipated to play a more significant role after starting two games as a freshman.
Returning All-Conference Players: Caleb Curtain (1st Team; DB), Chandler Brayboy (Honorable Mention; WR)
Notable Incoming Transfers: Khalil Baker (North Carolina Central; DB), Rushawn Baker (Bucknell; RB), Brandon Smiley (Western Carolina; DL), Nathan Kibambe (Appalachian State; DB), Tyler Devera (New Mexico State; TE), Jack Salopek (Western Michigan; QB)
Rushing Offense: 1418 yards
Yards per game: 129
Yards per rush: 3.6 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 82
TDs rushing: 10
Passing Offense: 2248 yards or 204.4 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 7.9 yards
Passing 1st downs: 86
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 283-159-6
TDs Passing: 21
Total Offense: 3666 yards or 333.3 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 13-5
3d Down Conversions: 45 of 151 (30%)
4th Down Conversions: 14 of 26 (54%)
Field goal attempts: 12 - 15
On-side kicks: 0-1
Red Zone Scores: 23 of 28
Red Zone Touchdowns: 14 of 28
Total Offense: 3666 yards or 333.3 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 13-5
3d Down Conversions: 45 of 151 (30%)
4th Down Conversions: 14 of 26 (54%)
Field goal attempts: 12 - 15
On-side kicks: 0-1
Red Zone Scores: 23 of 28
Red Zone Touchdowns: 14 of 28
PAT-attempts: 32 of 34
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