Findlay, Ohio – On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the University of Findlay and Tiffin University announced the creation of the "Battle for 224" trophy, a game showcasing two of the top football programs in the region. The two teams will first play for the traveling trophy this coming Saturday, Nov. 16 in Tiffin when the Oilers will travel the 22 miles of State Route 224 to the east. 
 

The squads have met 36 times on the gridiron in a series that dates back to their first meeting in 1986. While Findlay has a 32-4 record all-time against Tiffin, the two programs have split the last six games, the length of time that both have been members of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). In recent years, this match up has been meaningful in deciding both the G-MAC Championship and the NCAA DII Super Region 1 playoff field. This contest has been played as the season finale for the past six seasons and, in the last five match ups, one of the two teams has entered the game with a chance at earning a G-MAC Championship with the victory. On Saturday, that trend will continue for Findlay which can earn at least a share of the conference title.

"Rivalries are one of the great things about college football," said University of Findlay Director of Athletics, Jim Givens. "These games carry an energy and excitement that's hard to match, and they bring out the best in both teams. Our rivalry has an elevated feel every season, often carrying significant conference championship and NCAA Playoff implications. This is a game that fans, players, and coaches circle on the calendar, knowing it will be an intense, competitive battle. Stamping this late-fall match up as a true Rivalry Game adds to its importance and tradition, making it even more special for everyone involved."

This coming Saturday, Tiffin University and Frost-Kalnow Stadium will play host to the 37th meeting between the two schools. Kickoff is set for noon.