Great Danes Suffer Setback in Homecoming Loss to Elon
Key Stat Lines
- Quarterback Myles Burkett passed for 214 yards and a TD on 18 completions.
- MarQeese Dietz led the receiving room with six receptions for 97 yards.
- Caden Burti caught the Great Danes only passing touchdown.
- Jojo Uga was able to find the end zone on the ground.
- Dontae Lunan recorded a team leading 12 tackles, including nine solo tackles.
- Thomas Joe-Kamara recorded a TFL and a sack on the day.
- Owen Lason finished with four punts that landed inside the Elon 10-yard line.
Head Coach Greg Gattuso:
"Very disappointed in the outcome of the game. I gave them [Elon] three points before the half, two kickoff touchdown returns; it’s very difficult to win a football game like that. Very disappointed in front of a great crowd for Homecoming who came out to see us play."
How it Happened:
- The Great Danes opened the game with a hard-fought drive, marching 65 yards on 12 plays to take a 7-0 lead. The drive was capped by a two-yard run from freshman running back Jojo Uga.
- However, Elon punched right back with Chandler Brayboy taking the ensuing kickoff 94 yards to the house to tie the game.
- The Phoenix made it 14-7 as time expired in the first quarter. Quarterback Matthew Downing found tight end Cody Hardy for a one-yard hookup, finishing off a six-play 52-yard drive.
- Elon was able to put three more points on the board as time expired in the first half to extend the lead to 17-7. After taking over at midfield, the Phoenix settled for a 40-yard field goal from Jack Berkowitz.
- Punter Owen Lawson enjoyed a spectacular first half for the Great Danes, landing punts at the Elon seven-yard line, two-yard line, and two at the one-yard line.
- UAlbany finished the first half with 34 rushing yards and 63 receiving yards. Elon finished with 58 rushing yards and 59 receiving yards.
- Elon made increased the lead to 24-7 on the first drive of the second half. TJ Thomas Jr. ran it in himself from eight yards out on a 4th-and-1 to finish a seven-play, 75-yard drive.
- The Great Danes got back into the game midway through the third when Caden Burti stretched for the pylon to score a nine-yard touchdown. His score was the final play of a four-play, 47-yard drive to make it 24-14.
- Similar to UAlbany’s first score, Elon punched right back on the ensuing kickoff. Brayboy took another to the house, this time 93 yards, to make it 30-14. The extra point attempt was no good.
- The Great Danes missed a 41-yard field goal attempt with 2:24 remaining in the third.
Conclusion:
The Great Danes suffered a setback in their Homecoming game against Elon, falling 30-14. The team’s inability to prevent kickoff return touchdowns ultimately cost them the game.
FAQs:
Q: What was the final score in the game?
A: The final score was 30-14 in favor of Elon.
Q: What was the key play in the game?
A: The two kickoff return touchdowns by Elon were the difference in the game.
Q: What was the performance of UAlbany’s quarterback?
A: Myles Burkett passed for 214 yards and a TD on 18 completions.
