Saturday, November 29, 2025

Wolfpack Crushes UNC Behind Balanced Attack and Stifling Defense

11:53 PM

RALEIGH – NC State left no doubt in its regular-season finale, overpowering North Carolina 42-19 at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack scored touchdowns on their first four possessions, built a 28-10 halftime lead, and never looked back, finishing 7-5 overall and 4-4 in ACC play. The Tar Heels closed their season at 4-8 (2-6).

 

Running back Will Wilson was the difference-maker, scoring four rushing touchdowns on just 12 carries. Quarterback CJ Bailey added balance with 201 passing yards and two scores, plus 65 rushing yards. Together, they gave NC State the kind of offensive rhythm that UNC never matched.

 

First-Half Control

NC State’s opening drives set the tone. Bailey capped the first with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Wesley Grimes, then Wilson finished the next with a 7-yard run. UNC answered briefly with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Gio Lopez to Jordan Shipp, but the Wolfpack responded with two more scores before halftime, including Bailey’s quick-strike drive to Justin Joly in the final minute. 

 

By intermission, NC State led 28-10, having scored on every possession.

 

Second-Half Push

UNC managed two field goals from Rece Verhoff, from 49 and 29 yards, but Lopez exited in the third quarter with an injury. Backups Max Johnson and Au’Tori Newkirk split time, with Newkirk adding a late touchdown pass to Jordan Owens. 

 

Wilson’s fourth-quarter touchdowns sealed the outcome, one on a 15-yard run and another after a fumble recovery set up a short field.

 

Defensive Edge

NC State’s defense registered four sacks and held UNC to 265 total yards. Caden Fordham led with 12 tackles and a sack. The Wolfpack also converted all four of their fourth-down attempts, underscoring their aggressive approach. 

 

UNC’s offense was hampered by penalties (11 flags for 129 yards) and a ground game limited to 70 yards on 24 carries.

 

Rivalry and Records

The win marked NC State’s fifth straight victory in the rivalry, reinforcing its recent dominance over the Tar Heels. It also secured a winning season and bowl eligibility, giving the Wolfpack momentum heading into December. 

 

For UNC, the loss capped a frustrating campaign defined by inconsistency. Shipp’s 90 receiving yards stood out, but the team managed just two offensive touchdowns and struggled to sustain drives.

 

Top Performers

NC State 

  • Will Wilson: 12 carries, 54 yards, 4 TD 
  • CJ Bailey: 21/30, 201 yards, 2 TD; 65 rush yards 
  • Wesley Grimes: 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD 
  • Caden Fordham: 12 tackles, 1 sack 

North Carolina 

  • Jordan Shipp: 8 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD 
  • Rece Verhoff: 2 FGs (49, 29 yards) 

 

The Takeaway

NC State didn’t just win – It controlled every phase of the game. Behind Wilson’s scoring, Bailey’s efficiency, and a defense that kept UNC off balance, the Wolfpack turned a rivalry clash into a statement. For the Tar Heels, the season ended with disappointment, while NC State heads into bowl season with confidence and momentum.

Wolfpack Crushes UNC Behind Balanced Attack and Stifling Defense

Charlotte Offense Stalls in Season-Ending Defeat Against Tulane

11:29 PM


NEW ORLEANS – Charlotte closed its 2025 season with a 27-0 loss at Tulane, finishing 1-11 overall and 0-8 in conference play. The 49ers were held scoreless despite forcing turnovers and creating one red zone opportunity in the second quarter.  

Tulane scored touchdowns on its first two possessions, both one-yard rushes, and added another short run late in the second quarter following an interception. Charlotte’s best chance to respond came after recovering a fumble at the Tulane 12, but Liam Boyd missed a 25-yard field goal attempt.  

The 49ers offense struggled throughout. The team netted minus three rushing yards on 21 attempts. Running back Cameren Smith carried six times for 24 yards, including a 12-yard gain. Thai Baldwin added six yards on one carry, while Rod Gainey Jr. finished with seven carries for four net yards. Quarterback Grayson Loftis lost 24 yards on sacks.  

Loftis completed 18 of 25 passes for 140 yards, with his longest completion covering 24 yards. Zach Wilcke went 2 of 3 for three yards. Charlotte’s receiving leaders were Sean Brown with five catches for 49 yards and Javen Nicholas with four receptions for 40 yards. Nicholas also returned a punt 17 yards. E. Jai Mason added two catches for 27 yards, while Miles Burris had one reception for nine yards.  

Special teams were heavily involved. Punter Bronson Long kicked nine times for 378 yards, averaging 42 yards per punt with four downed inside the 20. Boyd missed his lone field goal attempt and his only kickoff went out of bounds.  

Defensively, Charlotte forced four fumbles and recovered one. Thai Baldwin returned a fumble 33 yards, while Yamil Talib recorded a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Ja’Qurious Conley and Kadin Schmitz each intercepted passes, though neither turnover led to points. Linebacker Shay Taylor led the defense with 10 tackles, and Reid Williford added seven.  

Tulane finished with 463 yards of offense and converted six of 12 third downs. Charlotte managed only two conversions on 13 attempts. The 49ers produced seven first downs compared to Tulane’s 24 and were shut out in their only red zone trip.  

With the season now complete, Charlotte turns its attention to the offseason. After finishing 1-11 and struggling to generate consistent offense, the 49ers will need to use the transfer portal to strengthen key positions and rebuild depth across the roster. The program’s ability to add experienced contributors will be critical as it works to reset for 2026.

Charlotte Offense Stalls in Season-Ending Defeat Against Tulane

Duke Claims State Championship with 49-32 Victory Over Wake Forest

7:41 PM

DURHAM – Duke captured its second consecutive North Carolina “state championship” with a 49-32 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium, completing a season sweep of the Old North State's ACC programs.


The Blue Devils (7-5, 6-2 ACC) secured back-to-back state titles for the first time since 1961-62, defeating NC State, North Carolina and Wake Forest in successive seasons. The victory also gave Duke six ACC wins for the first time since 2013 and marked just the fourth time in program history the Blue Devils have reached that conference win total.


Quarterback Darian Mensah made history in the third quarter, throwing his 27th touchdown pass of the season to set a new Duke single-season record. The sophomore connected with Sahmir Hagans on a 30-yard scoring strike to extend the lead to 28-17 with 9:45 remaining in the third period.


Running back Nate Sheppard had a breakout performance, rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns while establishing new Duke freshman records. His 13-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter was his ninth rushing touchdown of the season, breaking the previous freshman mark of eight. The performance also pushed Sheppard to 865 rushing yards for the year, another freshman program record.


Anderson Castle complemented Sheppard's ground game with two short touchdown runs, giving him 11 rushing scores on the season. That total ties for eighth-most in a single season in Duke program history. Castle finished with 21 yards on 12 carries.


Wake Forest (8-4, 4-4 ACC) quarterback Robby Ashford completed 27 of 43 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score as well. However, the Demon Deacons were plagued by turnovers, losing three fumbles while Ashford threw one interception.


Duke established control early, taking a 7-0 lead on its opening drive when Sheppard scored from five yards out. The 75-yard march marked the fourth time in five games the Blue Devils had scored on their first possession.


The Demon Deacons responded with a 42-yard Connor Calvert field goal to cut the deficit to 7-3, but Mensah answered on the final play of the first quarter with a four-yard touchdown run for a 14-3 Duke advantage. The score was Mensah's first rushing touchdown as a Blue Devil and second of his career.


Wake Forest's Sawyer Racanelli caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Ashford early in the second quarter to make it 14-10, but Duke responded after stopping the Demon Deacons on fourth down at their own 36-yard line. Castle's one-yard touchdown plunge with 1:38 left in the half extended the lead to 21-10.


Ashford connected with Karate Brenson on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 29 seconds remaining in the half to bring Wake Forest within 21-17 at the break.


The third quarter proved decisive for Duke. After both teams punted on their opening possessions, Mensah found Hagans for the record-breaking touchdown pass. Ashford answered with a 10-yard rushing touchdown and successful two-point conversion on the final play of the quarter to cut the deficit to 35-25.


Hagans provided the game's most explosive play moments later, returning the ensuing kickoff 80 yards to the Wake Forest 13-yard line. Sheppard capped the short drive with his record-setting ninth touchdown run, pushing the lead to 42-25 with 13:57 remaining.


Wake Forest's Ty Clark scored on a one-yard run to make it 42-32 with 11:13 left, but Duke's defense took control down the stretch. The Blue Devils forced fumbles on consecutive Wake Forest possessions, with linebacker Luke Mergott recovering two of them.


Mensah sealed the victory with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Hasley with 23 seconds remaining. The sophomore finished 24 of 35 for 268 yards and two touchdowns through the air while adding the rushing score.


Cooper Barkate led Duke's receiving corps with eight catches for 83 yards, while Sheppard added five receptions for 60 yards to complement his rushing performance.


For Wake Forest, Racanelli hauled in seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown, while Carlos Hernandez added six receptions for 93 yards. Running back Demond Claiborne rushed for 58 yards on 13 carries.


The victory improved Duke's four-year ACC win total to 20, the second-most in program history behind only the 21 conference victories from 1960-63. The senior class tied the program record for most wins in a four-year span with 33.


Both teams will learn their bowl destinations on Dec. 7.

Duke Claims State Championship with 49-32 Victory Over Wake Forest

App State Bowl Hopes Crushed by Erased Touchdown and Final Minute Drive

6:26 PM

BOONE - Appalachian State was seconds away from securing bowl eligibility, but a late penalty erased a would-be game-clinching touchdown and opened the door for Arkansas State’s 30-29 comeback win Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium.


Leading 26-23 with under two minutes to play, App State appeared to seal the game when J.J. Kohl delivered a fourth-and-one touchdown strike to Dillon Galloway from the Arkansas State 6. Kidd Brewer Stadium erupted – until an illegal-formation flag wiped the score off the board. Backed up to the 11, the Mountaineers settled for a 29-yard Dominic De Freitas field goal with 1:34 left, extending the lead to six instead of ten.


That margin proved fatal.


Arkansas State (6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt) raced 75 yards in seven plays, with quarterback Jaylen Raynor completing five straight passes in a rapid 52-second march. His 34-yard strike to Corey Rucker put the Red Wolves on the doorstep, and Kenyon Clay scored from a yard out with 42 seconds remaining. The extra point gave Arkansas State its first lead since early in the fourth quarter.


App State (5-7, 2-6) still had a final chance, but De Freitas’ 45-yard field goal attempt on the last snap fell short, ending the Mountaineers’ bowl hopes in the first season under head coach Dowell Loggains.


Before the chaotic finish, App State had turned the game around after trailing 16-13 at halftime. Kohl opened the third quarter with a sharp seven-play, 66-yard scoring drive capped by a 16-yard touchdown pass to Sam Mbake, part of a strong day for the sophomore quarterback. He finished 26-for-39 for 271 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.


Mbake caught nine passes for 68 yards, while Jaquari Lewis paced the ground game with 108 rushing yards on 22 carries.


De Freitas kept the Mountaineers in front for much of the second half, hitting five field goals from 48, 45, 43, 38 and 29 yards. His only misses were the desperation kick at the end and a second-quarter attempt that Arkansas State blocked.


App State’s defense repeatedly bent but held Arkansas State to field-goal range on key possessions in the second half. Kevin Abrams-Verwayne led the way with 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks, part of a unit that produced several backfield stops before Arkansas State’s final, decisive possession.


Raynor, though, was the difference late. He threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns and repeatedly found Rucker, who caught 10 passes for 90 yards and two scores.


Arkansas State managed only 85 rushing yards, but Raynor’s accuracy and the Red Wolves’ quick-tempo passing game eventually broke through.


App State had controlled much of the early action, jumping ahead 13-3 in the second quarter after Kohl found Dalton Stroman for a 37-yard touchdown. But a late-half meltdown flipped momentum when Arkansas State scored twice in 17 seconds—first on an eight-yard pass to Rucker, then on a short-field strike to Tyler Fortenberry after a muffed kickoff.


The Mountaineers steadied themselves with a late field goal before halftime and carried the lead into the fourth quarter, but could never extend it far enough to withstand the penalty-marred final sequence.


The loss ended the Mountaineers’ season at 5-7 and denied them a chance to reach the postseason for the first time under Loggains.

App State Bowl Hopes Crushed by Erased Touchdown and Final Minute Drive

East Carolina Buries Florida Atlantic 42-3 With Explosive First Half

5:28 PM

BOCA RATON, FL – East Carolina dismantled Florida Atlantic 42-3 on Saturday afternoon at Schellenberger Field, scoring all of its points in the first half to improve to 8-4 overall and 6-2 in American Conference play. The six conference victories represent the most in program history since joining the American in 2014.


Quarterback Katin Houser directed the offensive attack, completing 20 of 29 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns while adding 67 yards and two more scores on the ground. Running back Marlon Gunn Jr. rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt as East Carolina finished with 524 total yards of offense.


The Pirates needed just 4:33 to score on their opening possession, driving 75 yards on 13 plays before Gunn Jr. plunged in from one yard out with 10:27 remaining in the first quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Florida Atlantic fumbled the ball away after a short reception by Easton Messer. Linebacker Jordy Lowery forced the fumble and defensive back Jasiyah Robinson recovered at the FAU 27-yard line.


One play later, Houser hit Desirrio Riles for a 27-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0 just 17 seconds after the first score. The quick-strike sequence set the tone for a dominant first half.


East Carolina struck again following a FAU punt, marching 84 yards on six plays in 2:14. Houser connected with Brock Spalding for a 22-yard touchdown pass at the 7:04 mark, pushing the lead to 21-0. The three scoring drives consumed a total of just 7:17 of game time.


Florida Atlantic (4-8, 3-5 American) got on the board with a 33-yard field goal by Garrison Smith with one minute left in the opening quarter, but that would be the Owls' only score of the afternoon.


The second quarter brought more of the same for East Carolina. After a 14-play, 75-yard drive that took 5:06 off the clock, Houser scored on a four-yard run to extend the lead to 28-3. The Pirates converted six of six third-down attempts in the second quarter alone, keeping Florida Atlantic's defense on the field.


Defensive back Teagan Wilk intercepted FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp in the second quarter and returned it 35 yards to the Florida Atlantic 39-yard line. The turnover led to another East Carolina touchdown drive, this one covering 61 yards on 10 plays. Running back Rion Roseborough scored from one yard out to make it 35-3 with 3:10 left in the half.


East Carolina saved its most efficient drive for last in the opening half. Starting from their own 24-yard line with 1:42 remaining, the Pirates drove 76 yards on nine plays in just 1:28. Houser capped the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run with 14 seconds left before halftime, sending the Pirates to the locker room with a 42-3 advantage.


The first-half dominance was evident in the statistics. East Carolina converted nine of 10 third-down attempts in the first 30 minutes while rushing for 197 yards on 35 carries. The Pirates controlled possession for 20:56 of the first half and built an insurmountable lead.


Riles finished with seven receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown, while Spalding caught five passes for 76 yards and a score. Running back London Montgomery added 53 yards on 17 carries as East Carolina averaged 4.8 yards per rush as a team.


The East Carolina defense forced three turnovers and recorded four sacks. Safety Ja'Marley Riddle intercepted Veltkamp twice, returning one for 10 yards in the third quarter and recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter at the ECU four-yard line to snuff out Florida Atlantic's best scoring opportunity of the second half.


Veltkamp completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards with two interceptions and was sacked four times. Backup quarterback Zach Gibson entered in the second half and completed 12 of 20 passes for 116 yards with one interception. The Florida Atlantic offense managed just 39 yards rushing on 22 attempts, averaging 1.8 yards per carry.


Defensive end Zion Wilson recorded two sacks for the Pirates, while linebacker Kevon Merrell led the team with eight total tackles. East Carolina held Florida Atlantic to three of 15 conversions on third down and recorded nine tackles for loss totaling 43 yards.


The second half became a formality with East Carolina's large lead. The Pirates played conservatively and did not score after halftime, instead running clock and giving playing time to reserves. Backup quarterback Mike Wright Jr. saw action and also handled punting duties.


Florida Atlantic's most sustained drive came late in the third quarter and extended into the fourth. The Owls drove from their own 26-yard line to the East Carolina four-yard line, covering 70 yards on 11 plays over nearly 14 minutes. However, Gibson fumbled on a rush from the one-yard line, and Riddle recovered to end the threat.


Messer led Florida Atlantic with 10 receptions for 86 yards, and running back Gemari Sands had 34 rushing yards on nine carries to pace the ground game. The Owls finished with 338 total yards but could not capitalize on their 34:39 time of possession advantage.


The Pirates now await their bowl destination, having secured postseason eligibility for the fourth time in the last five years. Be sure to check Carolina Gridiron’s Bowl Season page for the latest information.

East Carolina Buries Florida Atlantic 42-3 With Explosive First Half

Elite Eight Decided: Regional Finals Set as Playoff Field Narrows

12:02 AM

Thanksgiving week delivered a feast of football drama as North Carolina’s high school playoff field was trimmed to the Elite Eight across most classifications. From razor-thin finishes to statement wins, the fourth round and regional championships brought the kind of tension that defines late-November football.


1A: Robbinsville, Wilson Prep Punch Tickets to Chapel Hill

The 1A state championship matchup is officially set.


In the East, Wilson Prep rolled past Northside-Pinetown 50-22 to claim the regional title. The Tigers have scored at least 50 points in back-to-back playoff games, and their offense continued to dictate the tempo throughout the night.


In the West, Robbinsville defeated South Davidson 41-7, extending a postseason run that has included strong defensive efforts and consistent offensive balance.


State Championship:

Wilson Prep vs. Robbinsville, Dec. 11



8A: Millbrook Edges Hoggard; Hough Shuts Out West Charlotte

The 8A playoffs produced one of the week’s biggest results as Millbrook went on the road and beat Hoggard 14-7 to win the East Regional. Millbrook held Hoggard to a single score, leaning on a disciplined defensive performance and timely offense.


In the West, Hough blanked West Charlotte 24-0, continuing a defensive surge that has defined its playoff run. The Huskies have allowed seventeen total points across their three playoff games.


State Championship:

Millbrook vs. Hough, Dec. 11



2A: Murphy Advances; Starmount Rolls; Tarboro and Warren County Set Up East Clash

In the West, Murphy survived a high-scoring matchup to reach the regional final, while Starmount defeated Mitchell 58-22 to advance.


In the East, Tarboro extended its dominant playoff run with a 54-7 win over East Bladen, and Warren County handled Holmes 40-14.


Regional Finals (Dec. 5):

East: Tarboro vs. Warren County

West: Murphy vs. Starmount



3A: Lincolnton Stays Hot; Shelby Survives; East Final Set

Lincolnton continued its postseason surge with a 55-20 win over West Davidson. The Wolves’ offense once again set the tone after knocking out top-seeded Mountain Heritage a week earlier.


They’ll face Shelby, which earned a 43-41 win over Eastern Randolph in one of the week’s closest games.


In the East, James Kenan defeated Farmville Central 51-32, and Kinston edged Northeastern 27-24, setting up a high-stakes regional final.


Regional Finals (Dec. 5):

East: James Kenan vs. Kinston

West: Lincolnton vs. Shelby



4A: One-Point Thriller in the West; Reidsville and West Craven Roll in the East

The West produced one of the weekend’s tightest finishes as Maiden escaped Hibriten 29-28 to advance. They’ll meet Brevard, which defeated Pisgah 49-28.


In the East, Reidsville continued its strong playoff push with a 53-20 win over Central Davidson, while West Craven moved past SouthWest Edgecombe 40-12.


Regional Finals (Dec. 5):

East: Reidsville vs. West Craven

West: Brevard vs. Maiden



5A: Hunt Holds Off Croatan; Crest Ousts Top Seed; Hickory Advances

Hunt won one of the week’s closest games, beating Croatan 32-29 to reach the East Regional Final. They’ll meet Northside-Jacksonville, which defeated Rocky Mount 21-6.


In the West, Crest earned a 28-14 win over top-seeded South Point, while Hickory advanced with a 36-29 victory against Jay M. Robinson.


Regional Finals (Dec. 5):

East: Hunt vs. Northside-Jacksonville

West: Crest vs. Hickory



6A: Close Calls in the West; Jacksonville and Middle Creek Move On in the East

The West semifinals brought drama as Watauga edged Sun Valley 31-28, while Northern Guilford defeated Ashbrook 39-14 to move into the regional final.


In the East, Jacksonville defeated Union Pines 34-7, and Middle Creek earned a 31-24 win over Northern Nash.


Regional Finals (Dec. 5):

East: Jacksonville vs. Middle Creek

West: Watauga vs. Northern Guilford



7A: Cardinal Gibbons Edges Garner; Clayton Advances; Grimsley and Weddington Control the West

Cardinal Gibbons earned a hard-fought 16-14 win over Garner to reach the East Regional Final. They’ll play Clayton, which defeated Southeast Raleigh 35-21.


In the West, Grimsley beat Reagan 24-7, and Weddington topped Independence 21-6 to set up a powerhouse regional matchup.


Regional Finals (Dec. 5):

East: Cardinal Gibbons vs. Clayton

West: Grimsley vs. Weddington



GAMES TO WATCH (Dec. 5 Regional Championships)

Marquee Matchups

Tarboro vs. Warren County (2A East) - Both coming off big wins

Grimsley vs. Weddington (7A West) - Two heavyweights with dominant defenses

Reidsville vs. West Craven (4A East) - Tradition-rich showdown


Teams on Cinderella Runs

Lincolnton (3A West) - Two straight playoff upsets sets up match #8 Wolves and #10 Golden Lions

Kinston (3A East) - Can the #14 Vikings take down #1 James Kenan?


Potential Toss-Ups

Maiden vs. Brevard (4A West) - After Maiden’s one-point escape, another tight finish is possible in this “Battle of the Blue Devils”

Hunt vs. Northside-Jacksonville (5A East) - Both coming off strong defensive performances


High-Intrigue Games

Murphy vs. Starmount (2A West) - A contrast in tempos

Cardinal Gibbons vs. Clayton (7A East) - Clayton looking to knock off another big-name program


By the Numbers

Closest Games: Cardinal Gibbons 16-14 over Garner; Maiden 29-28 over Hibriten

Largest Margin: Lincolnton 55-20 over West Davidson

Shutouts: Hough 24-0 over West Charlotte


Elite Eight Decided: Regional Finals Set as Playoff Field Narrows

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Clark Accounts for Six Touchdowns as Elon Routs North Carolina A&T 55-17

10:50 PM

ELON – Landen Clark accounted for six touchdowns and Elon finished its 2025 season at .500 with a 55-17 victory over North Carolina A&T on Saturday afternoon at Rhodes Stadium. The Phoenix improved to 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the CAA while the Aggies fell to 2-10 and 2-6.


Clark threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 105 yards and two more scores. His second rushing touchdown broke Elon's single-season record with 11, surpassing the mark previously shared by John Taylor in 2004 and Jalen Hampton in 2022. The redshirt freshman capped his record-breaking performance with an 86-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.


Elon's offense produced 468 total yards and scored on eight of its first nine possessions. The defense forced three turnovers, recorded nine sacks and registered 13 tackles for loss.


The Phoenix needed just six seconds to take the lead on their opening drive. DJ James-Hamilton returned the opening kickoff 66 yards to the North Carolina A&T 29-yard line, and Clark connected with Landyn Backey on a 29-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage for a 7-0 advantage.


Elon extended its lead to 14-0 when Clark scored on a two-yard run with 11:21 remaining in the first quarter. The drive covered 16 yards in four plays after Hart III recovered a fumble at the A&T 16-yard line. Luke Barnes added a 27-yard field goal at the 4:00 mark, capping a 12-play, 43-yard drive that consumed more than five minutes.


North Carolina A&T got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter when Andrew Brown connected on a 34-yard field goal, finishing a seven-play, 62-yard drive. The Aggies cut the deficit to 3-17 at the 14:56 mark.


Clark and the Phoenix offense responded immediately. On the second play of Elon's ensuing possession, Clark hit Isaiah Fuhrmann in stride for a 76-yard touchdown pass. The score came at 13:50 and extended the lead to 24-3.


The Aggies answered with their lone touchdown of the first half. Nelson Layne connected with Michael Carlock-Williams on a 29-yard scoring strike, finishing an eight-play, 88-yard drive at the 4:26 mark. The touchdown brought North Carolina A&T within 10-24.


Elon closed the half with 10 unanswered points. Barnes added his second field goal of the game, a 27-yarder at 1:07, and Dan Frederick scored on a 19-yard run with 52 seconds remaining. The Phoenix took a 34-10 lead into halftime after scoring on two-play drives covering 28 and 8 yards.


North Carolina A&T opened the second half with another scoring drive. Layne found Carlock-Williams again, this time for a 31-yard touchdown with 11:18 left in the third quarter. The two-play, 36-yard drive trimmed Elon's advantage to 17-34.


The Phoenix responded with a methodical 14-play, 70-yard drive that consumed nearly six minutes. Clark capped the march with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Fuhrmann at 5:32, pushing the lead to 41-17.


Clark connected with Zimere Winston for a 54-yard touchdown with 1:08 remaining in the third quarter. The single-play scoring drive followed a failed fourth-down conversion by the Aggies and extended Elon's lead to 48-17.


Clark added his record-breaking touchdown in the fourth quarter. On third-and-one from the Elon 14-yard line, he broke through the line and raced 86 yards to the end zone at 8:30. The three-play, 95-yard drive put the Phoenix ahead 55-17.


Fuhrmann finished with five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns, recording his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the season. The sophomore ended the campaign with 46 catches for 907 yards and nine touchdowns.


Frederick rushed for 101 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries, establishing a career high. It marked the first time since 2009 that two Elon players rushed for 100 yards in the same game, when Jamal Shuman and AJ Harris accomplished the feat against Presbyterian.


Backey caught three passes for 50 yards and one touchdown while Winston added one reception for 54 yards and a score.


The Elon defense held North Carolina A&T to 217 total yards. Kahmari Brown led the unit with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The sophomore is now tied for Elon's career sacks record with 16.5 after just 23 games.


Brodie Carroll recorded a team-high 10 tackles while Asher Cunningham added seven stops. Hart III registered an interception and fumble recovery while Jake Louro contributed two sacks.


Barnes finished 2-for-2 on field goal attempts and converted all seven extra point attempts. The junior improved to 11-for-11 on field goals from inside 40 yards this season.


Layne completed 11 of 20 passes for 160 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for North Carolina A&T. He rushed 21 times for 33 yards but was sacked nine times for 78 yards in losses. Carlock-Williams caught two passes for 60 yards and both Aggies touchdowns.


North Carolina A&T managed just 57 net rushing yards on 35 attempts. The Aggies converted four of 14 third-down attempts and went 0-for-1 on fourth down.


Elon's 55 points were its most against a CAA opponent since joining the league in 2014 and matched its season high set against Davidson on September 6. The total tied for the Phoenix's highest output in a game since defeating Davidson 56-0 on September 5, 2009.


Top Performers

Landen Clark, Elon QB

- 10-of-24 passing, 231 yards, 4 TDs

- 14 rushes, 105 yards, 2 TDs

- Set single-season rushing TD record (11)


Isaiah Fuhrmann, Elon WR

- 5 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TDs

- Fourth 100-yard receiving game of season


Dan Frederick, Elon RB

- 17 rushes, 101 yards, 1 TD

- Career-high rushing yards


Kahmari Brown, Elon DL

- 8 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks

- 2 forced fumbles

- Tied school career sacks record (16.5)


Michael Carlock-Williams, N.C. A&T WR

- 2 receptions, 60 yards, 2 TDs

Clark Accounts for Six Touchdowns as Elon Routs North Carolina A&T 55-17