BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — LIU celebrated its 2024 Homecoming with a packed Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium on a sunny Saturday afternoon out on the island.
LIU dominated much of the action throughout the day, but were unable to hold onto the victory as Rhode Island came out on top.
The Homecoming festivities began with a first-ever college football pregame show in Nuti Park where LIU alum and ESPN/MSG media personality Alan Hahn was joined by NFL legends Bart Scott, Carl Banks, and Perry Williams to discuss all things LIU ahead of kickoff.
The program included an in-depth interview with LIU Director of Athletics Elliott Charles and a preview of the men's basketball season with men's basketball head coach Rod Strickland.
On the field, the Sharks fell into an early 7-0 hole, but rebounded quickly with an eight-play, 60-yard drive capped off with a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback
Luca Stanzani to running back
Ludovick Choquette.
The defense came through late in the second quarter when
Elijah St. John forced a fumble on a hit of Rhode Island quarterback Devin Farrell's throwing arm that was recovered by
Liam McCormick to put LIU in prime position. Stanzani took advantage of the turnover and scampered for a seven-yard touchdown.
A goal-line stand and the rushing attack reinvigorated Rhode Island, helping them tie the game at 14, though the Sharks responded quickly with Stanzani hitting senior wide receiver
Michael Love for a 42-yard touchdown to put LIU back up 21-14.
LIU's defense forced a fumble inside their own red zone to stifle Rhode Island's momentum, but an immediate fumble by the offense gave the Rams the ball back and allowed them to tie things up at 21.
After Rhode Island took a late 28-21 lead, LIU drove down the field and almost connected on last-second heave that fell to the ground, giving the Rams the win.
Stanzani finished 16-for-27 for 176 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 42 yards and a score. Choquette ran for 70 yards, catching four passes for 32 yards and a touchdown while Love finished with six catches for 77 yards and a score of his own.
St. John led the defene with ten tackles and a sack, while McCormick and
Ja'Nyus Morgan split a sack.
JoJo Garcia contributed with nine tackles of his own while also breaking up two passes.
The Sharks return to action next Saturday on September 28 when they travel to Villanova. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game can be seen on FloFootball.
