LIU plays #16 albany tough, falls short 27-21
The Long Island University (LIU) Sharks opened their 2024 season with a hard-fought 27-21 loss against the UAlbany Great Danes. Despite the setback, the Sharks displayed significant promise, particularly on offense, with standout performances from quarterback Luca Stanzani, running back Ludovick Choquette, and wide receiver Michael Love.
The game began with UAlbany taking a 3-0 lead, courtesy of a 42-yard field goal by John Opalko. LIU's defense held firm, limiting UAlbany's scoring opportunities in the first quarter and setting the stage for a competitive contest.
In the second quarter, LIU's offense found its groove. Quarterback Luca Stanzani orchestrated an 83-yard drive, capping it with a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Niemenski. This score gave the Sharks a 7-3 lead and demonstrated their offensive capabilities.
LIU nearly suffered a setback when an interception by Todd Bowles Jr. was overturned by replay. UAlbany capitalized on the momentum shift, scoring a defensive touchdown after a fumble by Stanzani. Despite this, the Sharks quickly regained their composure, with Stanzani leading a 75-yard drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Michael Love, giving LIU a 14-10 lead.
After halftime, LIU continued to apply pressure. Stanzani connected with running back Ludovick Choquette for an 11-yard touchdown pass, putting the Sharks ahead 21-17. Choquette’s performance, both on the ground and in the air, was a key factor in LIU's offensive success.
UAlbany responded with a 55-yard punt return that set up a 3-yard touchdown run by Griffin Woodell, reclaiming the lead at 24-21. In the final quarter, LIU had an opportunity to tie the game with a 38-yard field goal attempt, but Michael Coney’s kick missed wide left. UAlbany then managed the clock effectively and scored a field goal with under a minute to go, securing their 27-21 victory.
A 41-yard field goal later extended UAlbany’s lead to 27-21, a score that held through the remainder of the game.
Several LIU players stood out, showcasing the potential for a strong NEC season:
- Luca Stanzani (QB): Stanzani completed 20 of 31 passes for 179 yards, throwing three touchdowns with no interceptions. His leadership on multiple scoring drives was a bright spot for the Sharks.
- Ludovick Choquette (RB): Choquette rushed for 128 yards on 15 carries, averaging 8.5 yards per carry, and added a receiving touchdown. His dual-threat ability makes him a cornerstone of the Sharks' offense.
-Michael Love (WR): Love led the receiving corps with six catches for 69 yards, including a crucial touchdown before halftime. His consistent play makes him a key target for Stanzani.
Despite the close loss, LIU’s performance against UAlbany offers plenty of optimism as they head into NEC play. With strong contributions from Stanzani, Choquette, and Love, the Sharks have the talent and determination to be a formidable contender in their conference. The lessons learned from this opener will be invaluable as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
The LIU Sharks may have come up short against UAlbany, but their season opener was filled with promising signs. With key players stepping up and the team showing resilience, the Sharks are poised to make an impact in NEC play. Fans should be encouraged by the potential displayed in this game, as LIU looks to build on this foundation in the coming weeks.
LIU is back on the field for their greatest challenge of the season on 9/7 as they head to Fort Worth to take on the TCU Horned Frogs, who played in the FBS National Championship as recently as 2022. It’ll be an 8:00 PM kickoff expected to be on ESPN+.
