Homecoming. A time when Elon alumni return home to rekindle old friendships and have the opportunity to cheer on the Phoenix at a football game at Rhodes Stadium.
This year’s homecoming game, however, feels more important than previous years given the recent resurgence of Elon Football.
Fresh off a 19-14 victory against then No. 13 Villanova, the Elon Football team looks to extend its seven-game winning streak to eight as they host the Towson Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Elon (7-1, 5-0 in the Colonial Athletic Association) has four victories over ranked opponents and joins No. 1 James Madison as the last two undefeated teams in CAA conference play. Updated playoff rankings were announced last night from the Football Championship Subdivision and Elon checks in at No. 7, with the top 8 teams receiving a first-round bye.
Even with star junior running back Malcolm Summers out for the season with a torn hamstring, the offense continues to click for first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Backup sophomore running back De'Sean McNair has answered the call for the Phoenix, rushing 48 times for 216 yards and two touchdowns over his last two starts.
Freshman quarterback Davis Cheek continues his stellar season for the Phoenix, throwing for 1,550 yards and 12 touchdowns. Ranking 16th nationally in pass completion percentage (63.9 percent) and 20th in passing efficiency rating (149.1), the two-time CAA Rookie of the Week has led the team to four fourth-quarter comebacks this season, and was recently added to the midseason watch list for the 2017 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) FCS National Performer of the Year.
With a victory over Towson (3-5, 1-4) this Saturday, the Phoenix will be one step closer towards clinching a potential FCS playoff berth for the first time since 2009. All the same, the football team must be wary of an upset-minded Tiger squad, who are coming off a shocking 18-17 victory over then No. 23 Delaware.
Kickoff for the Homecoming game is set for 2 pm at Rhodes Stadium.