BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — With three conference wins and a defense that has held every NEC opponent under 100 rushing yards, LIU football heads to New Haven on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium in West Haven, Conn.
The Sharks enter the matchup at 3-1 in NEC play, including a 2-0 record in conference road games. LIU earned a 17-14 win at Duquesne and a 14-9 win at Wagner after opening its conference schedule with a 27-24 win over Mercyhurst. Following a bye week, the Sharks will pursue their fourth NEC win Saturday.
Stopping the run has been a strength throughout LIU's conference schedule. The Sharks limited Mercyhurst to 78 rushing yards, Duquesne to 93, Wagner to 30 and Stonehill to 92. LIU ranks second in the NEC in rushing defense, allowing 131.1 yards per game across its full schedule.
Rafael Fasolino leads the NEC with 11 tackles for loss and ranks fourth with eight tackles per game. Rafael Fasolino has totaled 72 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles this season. Felix Matos has added six pass breakups and three forced fumbles, while Braylon Vincent has contributed two interceptions and five pass breakups.
LIU's most recent outing featured a touchdown on special teams from Quay Wright, who blocked a field goal, recovered the ball and returned it 74 yards against Stonehill. Braylon Vincent and Rafael Fasolino each intercepted a pass, while Noah Livingston delivered a 13-yard sack on fourth down.
On offense, Sam Slade leads LIU with 380 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Sam Slade powered the Sharks' road win at Wagner with 121 rushing yards and a touchdown pass, while Luca Stanzani added 83 rushing yards and a 27-yard touchdown run. LIU finished that game with 229 yards on the ground.
Gianni Marino has caught a touchdown pass in each of LIU's past two games. Against Stonehill, Gianni Marino recorded five receptions for 34 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown from Luca Stanzani. Tyselle Spencer added 38 rushing yards on four carries, averaging 9.5 yards per attempt.
Callum Brent provides another weapon on special teams, averaging 42.2 yards per punt with nine punts of at least 50 yards and 13 downed inside the 20. Callum Brent's season-long punt traveled 73 yards.
The game will be streamed on NEC Front Row.
