HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 3, 2024) ... Hampton football returns to Armstrong Stadium hosting nationally ranked Rhode Island. Saturday's game marks the first meeting between the two programs since the 2001 season. 

The Game

Through the first half of the 2024 campaign, Hampton boasts a balanced offense with 192.4 yards per game on the ground and 179.6 through the air. The Pirates are in the middle of the CAA pack in total offense, averaging 372.0 yards per game. Hampton is third in the league in scoring with a 26.4 norm.

Senior Elijah Burris leads the way for the Pirates. He is fifth in the CAA in rushing, averaging 77.8 yards per contest.

Rhode Island is last in the CAA in scoring (17.3) first downs (14.8 per game), total offense (283.5), and turnover margin (-8).

But for Rhode Island, it is the Ram-tough defense that has led to success. Rhode Island's linebacking corps is among the best in the conference. Cole Brockwell is second in the league in tackles with 10.2 per game. A.J. Pena averages 6.3 stops per game and Devin Hightower makes 6.0 tackles per game.

Pirate coach Trent Boykin has the luxury of two first-string quarterbacks. Chris Zellous started every game in 2023. Malcolm Mays was the starter in 2022 but played in just one contest in 2023.

The versatile Zellous has 542 passing yards with a TD and 188 rushing yards with four scores. A senior, Mays has 99 yards rushing with a touchdown and 356 passing with three scores.

While Zellous has seen most of the action and started all five games this season, both have taken snaps from center in each game.

The Pirates fell to William & Mary 49-7 in the CAA lid-lifter a week ago in Williamsburg while Rhode Island is coming off a bye week.

Hampton in October Games
 

The Pirates are 123-82-4 (.598) in games played in the month of October, dating back to 1974. Hampton has recorded nine undefeated Octobers, including 13 consecutive victories from 1993-95 under College Football Hall of Fame inductee Joe Taylor.

The Pirate Walk
 

Coach Trent Boykin unveiled a new tradition in 2024: the Pirate Walk. The team disembarks from the team buses at the Convocation Center bridge and make their way through the sidewalk in Lot 11 between the Convocation Center and Holland Hall to the team lock room. Fans line the way and encourage and cheer on the team in the pregame march helping to inspire and encourage the Pirates prior to kickoff. The Pirate Walk takes place every home game three hours prior to kickoff. Fans are encouraged to be on hand.

Pirates Earn HBCU+FCS National Honors
 

Following a 27-20 win over Howard on Sept. 21, Hampton was honored as the HBCU+ National Team of the Week. It marked the 100th meeting between the team and was Hampton's eighth straight win in the Battle of the Real HU.