Game Preview: Lehigh at LIU
LIU hosts Lehigh on September 14, 2024, in a game streaming for free on NEC Front Row, giving fans of NEC football a great opportunity to catch the action. LIU comes into the game after a tough 45-0 loss to TCU, but their close 27-21 loss to UAlbany in Week 1 showed their competitive edge. Lehigh, meanwhile, just dismantled NEC member Wagner 49-13, displaying a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.
Lehigh (1-1) is led by quarterback Dante Perri, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the win over Wagner. The Mountain Hawks had no trouble scoring despite modest numbers when moving the ball, putting up 190 rushing yards and 84 passing yards with Perri running the offense efficiently. Running backs Luke Yoder and Hayden Johnson both found the end zone, with Johnson ripping off a 45-yard touchdown run. Lehigh’s defense was equally strong, forcing three turnovers, including a pick-six by Nick Peltekian.
LIU (0-2) will need to regroup quickly after their loss to TCU, but their Week 1 performance against UAlbany showed what they’re capable of. Quarterback Luca Stanzani passed for 179 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception against UAlbany. Running back Ludovick Choquette was also a key player, rushing for 128 yards on 15 carries, including a long of 44 yards. LIU’s passing attack featured Michael Love, who had 69 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Brandon Niemenski, who also scored.
Lehigh’s defense has proven to be opportunistic, as seen in their three interceptions against Wagner, and they will look to pressure Stanzani into mistakes. LIU, on the other hand, will need to lean on Choquette to establish the run game and avoid becoming one-dimensional, while Stanzani will have to be sharp against a defense that can make plays in the secondary.
Lehigh’s powerful rushing attack and opportunistic defense will present a challenge for LIU, but playing at home and bouncing back from their FBS loss, the Sharks have the weapons to keep it competitive.
