The Elon University football team came into its Oct. 8 game against Towson University on a four-game winning streak and ranked No. 14 in the Football Championship Subdivision. Elon has only allowed six points in the second half to FCS opponents through the four games before today. 

Not much changed defensively this game, as after giving up just one touchdown in the first half, the defense only allowed one field goal in the second half. Head coach Tony Trisciani praised his players and staff for their ability to make adjustments in the second half of games.

“Our defensive staff has just done a really good job there of getting our guys settled down,” Trisciani said. “I just think we really tackle much better in the second half too, guys are flying around to get a better feel. Guys are playing hard.”

The defense not only held Towson to 10 points during the game, but they forced five turnovers and had four sacks on the day. Senior linebacker Marcus Hillman said the defense has a turnover goal each week and after not meeting it last week, they carried the goal to this week. 

Hillman said after the first turnover, they get a feel for the opponent to try and force more turnovers.

“We say turnovers, they come in bunches once you get one. That’s what we’re saying on the sideline, they just continue to come to us,” Hillman said.

Thanks to the defensive efforts, the offense was able to control the ball the majority of the game. Senior wide receiver Jackson Parham finished the game with seven receptions for 152 yards. Parham said that the wide receiver group has some strong offensive players, and working together helps to score and control the game.

“We have a lot of good receivers in the receiver room,” Parham said. “So just running around to the best of your ability and trusting Matt, the O-line, running backs, tight ends everybody’s going to do their job.”

Being ranked in the top 25 can cause pressure on players as opponents prepare for the game. But Trisciani said the Colonial Athletic Conference is always competitive, no matter who they play.

“I don’t care what your record is, you go into every week and it’s just a CAA game,” Trisciani said. “I don’t think Rhode Island is going to look at us and say we need to take down the whatever-ranked team. They’re going to be playing at home. They’re going to want to beat Elon.”

Following the win Saturday, the team will head to Kingston, Rhode Island to face the University of Rhode Island at 1 p.m. Oct. 15.