Findlay, Ohio - The University of Findlay football team, ranked No. 8 in the country, suffered its' first blemish on Saturday, Nov. 15 in Donnell Stadium, losing at the hands of the Tiffin University Dragons by a score of 23-21 in walk off fashion. That defeat gives the Oilers a 10-1 regular-season record, the most regular-season wins in the NCAA era of the program, and an 8-1 mark in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC).
Findlay, which is a co-champion of the G-MAC with Ashland University who also finished 8-1 in conference play, will see its' season continue in the NCAA DII Playoffs after securing the league's automatic bid last weekend. Tiffin, with the win in the Battle of 224, ends its up and down season with a 7-4 record and a 6-3 mark in the league.
The Oilers struck first with a field goal, but a touchdown by Tiffin on the next series but the visitors in front early. Findlay would add a safety and a field goal before the half to take an 8-7 advantage into the locker room.
Fast forward to the fourth quarter and the final seven and a half minutes of the game and the Oilers, which have now dropped three straight in the series against their rival, trailed 17-14.
A blocked punt by sophomore Jayon Harvey set up what would be Findlay's final offensive series of the game, 70 yards from paydirt. That drive would be the longest of the game for the Oilers, which have made a habit prioritizing time of possession this year. On the back of senior Jayden Farmer, Findlay bulldozed its' way down the field and following a first down pick up by junior Chase Harrison and a defensive holding penalty, the Oilers were on the doorstep with just a minute to play.
Farmer powered his way into the endzone from five yards out, capping the 15-play, 70-yard drive that spanned just under seven minutes. On that drive, Farmer, and Findlay's offensive line, combined to be as punishing as they have all season. The Louisville, Kentucky native carried the ball ten of the 15 plays and picked up 44 yards, battling obvious fatigue to deliver the lead for his squad.
Solid special teams coverage and a penalty backed the Dragons up to their own six yard line with 49 seconds to play. Findlay, leading by four with one of the top defenses in the country, was in solid position to come away with a win and an 11-0 regular-season record.
Fans were quickly put on edge, however, as the Dragons high-powered offense, which leads the league at more than 32 points per game, flew down the field, getting to midfield after just a pair of completions.
Ultimately it came down to one play from Findlay's 13-yard line. With three seconds on the clock and trailing by four, Tiffin's only hope was a touchdown. Last year's G-MAC Player of the Year Alex Johnson dropped back and fired over the middle to 6'6" receiver Jaedyn McKinstry who leaped up to make the reception, sending the Green and Gold into a frenzy.
Findlay controlled much of the game with a strong rushing attack and time of possession, finishing with 189 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. The Oilers dominated possession at 39:30, converted 7 of 15 third downs, and were perfect in the red zone (4-for-4).
Farmer was the story for Findlay, rushing the ball 34 times for 170 yards, both of which established new career-highs. He found the end zone twice, scoring both of Findlay's touchdowns. His 34 carries are the most at Findlay since Garrett Clark rushed 35 times in a game at North Greenville back in 2022.
Chase Harrison was 15-of-21 passing for 171 yards while sophomore Brennan Remy had six receptions for 78 yards.
Defensively, senior Sam Weihrauch led the way with 11 tackles including 2.5 tackles-for-loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. Senior Johnny Harris and sophomore Kevin Henderson each made seven tackles. Jayon Harvey had three tackles and an interception.
Despite the stinging loss, Findlay, which was ranked No. 2 in the latest Super Region III poll, now turns its' attention to the postseason where, because of the strong regular-season, is in position to host a playoff game for the first time in its' NCAA era. Regardless of location or opponent, the Oilers' next game will be played on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Findlay will find out its' opponent and location of the game on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 6:00 pm on the NCAA DII Football Selection Show.
