Long Island University released its 2019 football schedule Thursday, featuring three home games and seven road games in its first Division I season.
“We are excited to be able to compete at the highest level,” said head coach Bryan Collins. “We know that we have some tough opponents on the schedule, but we are confident in our players and are looking forward to getting better each day this spring and during camp as we prepare for Division I competition.”
The Pioneers open 2019 at South Dakota State on Sept. 7, followed by an open date on Sept. 14. Sacred Heart visits Long Island to start Northeast Conference play on Sept. 21, with the Pioneers traveling to Wagner on Sept. 28.
Road trips to Duquesne (Oct. 5) and Bryant (Oct. 12) start October, followed by an Oct. 19 home tilt with Saint Francis. A trip to Central Connecticut State on Oct. 26 completes the month.
November opens with a trip to Robert Morris on Nov. 2, with a Nov. 16 trip to Villanova after an open date. Merrimack closes the season with a Nov. 23 visit. The school is still in discussions regarding adding additional dates.
Long Island is playing its first year at the FCS level, following a season in which it won 10 of 11 games in Division II.
They won’t be called the Pioneers next year; the merged program will have a new mascot
Correct, but right now they are still the Pioneers pending their rebrand.