LIU Prepares for Historic Clash Against Florida

Can Sharks navigate the depths of The Swamp? Long Island University is set to face its most significant challenge yet, opening the season against No. 15 Florida in Gainesville on August 30.

“You definitely have to go into this game with a chip on your shoulder,” said Ethan Greenwood, the Sharks' starting quarterback, after a Wednesday practice. The sentiment reflects the team's determination as they prepare for this monumental matchup.

Physical readiness is just one aspect of the preparation for this Labor Day Weekend showdown. Head coach Ron Cooper is focused on acclimating his players to the hostile environment of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 88,548—vastly larger than LIU's home field that seats around 6,000.

“You’re not going to be able to hear,” Cooper remarked, drawing from his extensive experience coaching in high-pressure environments, including stints at Alabama and LSU. “It’s the first week they’re back on campus... so they’ll be a little rowdy by the time we get there at night.”

To prepare for the anticipated cacophony, Cooper has implemented a unique training regimen, blasting crowd noise in the LIU gym every morning at 6:30. “We turn up the speakers and blast it,” he explained, noting that local noise ordinances prevent them from using the stadium itself.

Greenwood, who transferred to LIU from The Citadel after playing at Kellenberg Memorial High School, shared that the team even listens to Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down,” a song synonymous with Gator fans as they rally in the fourth quarter. “I get it stuck in my head all the time now,” he joked, acknowledging the challenge ahead. “It’s going to be a shock getting in there, but I think we’ll be fine.”

LIU's ascent to Division I FCS status over the past five seasons has not dulled their awareness of the challenge posed by Florida. “They’re not going to take this game lightly,” Cooper stated, emphasizing that the Gators are preparing as if facing a top-tier opponent.

Cooper also highlighted the stark contrast in resources between the two programs. “What’s crazy is they probably have one kid on [NIL] more than our entire budget,” he noted, illustrating the financial disparity. LIU officials confirmed that Florida compensated them over $500,000 for this matchup.

Despite these challenges, Long Island University aims to demonstrate their capabilities on a national stage. Defensive coordinator Tyquan Hammock pointed out that his brother, Thomas Hammock, led Northern Illinois to an upset victory over No. 5 Notre Dame last season. “At the end of the day, it’s just another game. They’re just a little faster and stronger,” Greenwood reflected.

“I’m going to soak it all in. If I score a touchdown against Florida, that’s a blessing right there,” he added, capturing the spirit of the moment.

Cooper described the game as “a preseason bowl game,” encouraging his players to embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It’ll be a great experience. It’ll be something that they’ve never seen,” he said, reminding them that ultimately, it’s still just 11-on-11 football.