LIU football looks for forward progress in second season of FCS play

LIU football coach Bryan Collins was aware that last season’s team would face a series of inevitable challenges.

The Sharks finished 0-10 in 2019 after being elevated to the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) following the merger of the school’s Brooklyn and Long Island-based athletic programs. LIU had a 10-1 campaign the season before that while playing at the Division II level.

"Whether it’s changing divisions or conferences, whatever it may be, there is part of a process," Collins said. "Part of that is really seeing it and understanding what the differences are, whether it be talent level, geography, new places to stay."

The 2020 season was postponed this past fall because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, the Sharks will host Northeast Conference opponent Bryant, which finished 4-8 (3-4 in conference) in 2019.

The game will be LIU’s first since the death of former redshirt junior quarterback Clayton Beathard, who was stabbed to death during a fight outside of Dogwood Bar & Grill in Nashville, Tennessee, during the early-morning hours of Dec. 21, 2019.

"This team has faced so much adversity," Collins said. "Going from an undefeated [regular season] Division II team to a winless Division I team in one year, and we had some tragic events hit our team, such as our quarterback, Clayton Beathard, being murdered, and we dealt with that, and the COVID issues."

Conor Regan, a graduate transfer from the University of Northern Colorado, has emerged as LIU’s starter after the team’s recent quarterback competition. He played in 10 games in 2019 as a backup for Northern Colorado, completing 13 of 23 passes for 107 yards and one interception.

"He’s poised and played in some big games at the FCS level," Collins said. "[He’s] just a little more comfortable out there on the field in seeing some things. We think he gives us the best chance to win."

Collins touched on what a victory over Bryant would mean to the program after last winning on Nov. 10, 2018.

"We just need to get back out on that field together and compete," he said. "I know we want to win in the worst way. We’ve been waiting a long time to get one and I think it could do our program some good."

Despite the winless season, Collins said the Sharks demonstrated plenty of reasons for optimism as they enter 2021.

"I thought one of the most promising things about our team was the way we played and the effort the players gave," he said. "We got better throughout the season. Every game was competitive. We played three nationally ranked teams, a pretty challenging schedule and only two home games. Our players really hung in there and adjusted well.

"I think those lessons learned will pay off for us in the future."