ELON, N.C. (Interstat) — The Elon Phoenix will look to get back to .500 on the season when they host the struggling Hampton Pirates in a non-conference matchup on Saturday at Rhodes Stadium.

Elon (2-2) is coming off a 26-16 road loss to East Tennessee State, a game in which quarterback Landen Clark threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns while adding 47 yards on the ground. The Phoenix opened the season with a 45-17 loss at Duke but responded with decisive wins over Davidson (55-7) and Western Carolina (37-31).

Hampton (1-3) seeks to halt a two-game skid after a 34-7 defeat at Howard last weekend. The Pirates’ offense has struggled for consistency, though quarterback Earl Woods III provided a spark with a 53-yard touchdown run in the loss. Hampton’s lone victory was a 27-20 home win over Elizabeth City State on Sept. 6.

The game features a contrast in offensive approaches. Elon’s attack, led by Clark and running backs TJ Thomas Jr. and Jimmyll Williams, will test a Hampton defense that has allowed an average of 28.5 points per game. The Pirates will likely rely on a multi-quarterback system and their ground game to control the clock and keep pressure off their defense.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a high-scoring affair, with Elon favored to win 37-31.

Following this game, Elon opens Colonial Athletic Association play on the road at Towson on Oct. 4. Hampton begins a stretch of conference games, hosting Norfolk State on the same date.

Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.