Mercyhurst
Lakers
1-4
Spread
+8.5
NCAAF Predictions
Mercyhurst Lakers vs Long Island University Sharks Predictions
Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 2:00pm EST
@
Long Island University
Sharks
Spread
-8.5
50%
50%
Spread
Mercyhurst Lakers +8.5
Long Island University Sharks -8.5
Moneyline
Mercyhurst Lakers +249
Long Island University Sharks -329
Total
Over 46.5 (-116)
Under 46.5 (-107)
Professional Picks
2 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
Garrett Perry
Total pick
Franny DiStefano
Spread pick
Mercyhurst vs. Long Island University Prediction: Can LIU Cover 9.5 Points?
Analysis updated October 3, 2026 at 7:30 AM CDT
The Sharks are more likely to win at home, but their scoring average makes a two-score margin difficult to back.
LIU's offense makes the spread hard to lay
Long Island University is a 9.5-point home favorite even though it enters NEC play at 0-5 and averages 11.8 points per game. Mercyhurst is only 1-4, but LIU's limited scoring makes the underdog more appealing against the spread than the Sharks at -385 on the moneyline.
Mercyhurst University Athletics reports that quarterback Alex Gevaudan has thrown for 710 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Jameir Gamble leads the NEC with 275 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 55 carries, while Dylan Evans has 16 catches for 214 yards and two scores. That production gives the Lakers a plausible route to stay within 9.5 points.
LIU's defense can keep the Sharks in control
Long Island University Athletics reports that LJ Hall and Jackson Barry made 10 tackles apiece in LIU's 20-3 loss to FIU, while Felix Matos forced two fumbles. Takeaways could help LIU win without requiring its offense to build a large lead.
Mercyhurst lost 52-7 at Western Kentucky in its most recent game, so backing the Lakers carries clear risk. LIU is the likelier winner at home, but Mercyhurst +9.5 is the lean at low confidence. The available evidence doesn't support a wager on the 42.5-point total.
Pick
Long Island University Sharks
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Mercyhurst +9.5