ATHENS, Ohio — Quarterback
Luca Stanzani and the LIU football team showed they meant business from the outset in Saturday's season opener.
The Sharks' initial drive consumed nearly seven minutes, included a fourth-down conversion and marched to the Ohio 6-yard line before a sack resulted in a field-goal attempt.
Ultimately, LIU gave a strong account of itself against the FBS program, falling 27-10 before a crowd of 18,453 at Peden Stadium.
Stanzani, who took over the LIU quarterbacking duties with four games remaining in the 2022 season and went undefeated, began his sophomore campaign strongly. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 172 yards and one touchdown.
Davon Wells caught the 15-yard TD pass from Stanzani midway through the fourth quarter to complete the game's scoring.
Eric O'Neill led the defense with 13 tackles (six solo), one sack, one interception and 3½ tackles for loss.
Ja'Nyus Morgan (11) in his LIU debut and
Antwan Spencer (10) also recorded double-digit tackles.
The Bobcats became the fourth Ohio-based Mid-American Conference program the Sharks have faced in the past three years. And it proved the tightest contest — a sign of LIU's continued ascension.
LIU returns to action next Saturday at Bryant. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
