POSTGAME INTERVIEW WITH HEAD COACH TYLER JOHNS
Hillsdale, Michigan – The University of Findlay football team, ranked 16th in the country, traveled to Frank "Muddy" Waters Stadium to battle Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) opponent Hillsdale College on Saturday, Oct. 17. On a Saturday, promoted by the home team as "Beat Findlay Day," the Oilers spoiled the festivities, willing their way to a 22-19 victory to improve to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The win continues a long run of dominance in the rivalry, marking Findlay's 11th victory over Hillsdale in their last 13 matchups. Hillsdale, which is receiving votes in the latest national poll, falls to 5-2 (3-2 G-MAC).
Findlay controlled the tempo from start to finish, which was reflected in a lopsided team statistical battle. The Oilers dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for 36:58 compared to Hillsdale's 23:02. Findlay registered 23 first downs against the Chargers' 14, and outgained Hillsdale in total offense 337 to 282. A big factor was the ground game, where the Oilers' rushing attack generated 157 net yards, stifling Hillsdale to just 81 yards rushing on 21 attempts.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, highlighted by explosive special teams plays and a dominant second-half defensive shutout, the fourth second-half shutout by Findlay's defense this season.
Hillsdale struck first with a 23-yard field goal in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Findlay quarterback Chase Harrison connected with Denny Furlong for a 6-yard touchdown to give the Oilers a 7-3 advantage. Hillsdale immediately answered with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Shea Ruddy.
Following a Hillsdale field goal that made it 13-7, the Oilers delivered fireworks of their own. Dominic Bennett fielded the ensuing kickoff and raced 98 yards for a touchdown to briefly regain the lead. Hillsdale managed a late second-quarter passing touchdown to take a 19-14 advantage into the locker room.
In the second half, Findlay's defense turned up the pressure, forcing Hillsdale into three punts in the third quarter and shutting out the Chargers for the remainder of the game.
Trailing by five points halfway through the final quarter, Findlay's defense forced another punt which was downed just outside the goal line.
The offense took over at their own 1-yard line with 8:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Oilers meticulously drove their way down the field on a marathon 18-play, 99-yard drive that consumed 8:14 of the clock.
The game winner came with just 12 seconds remaining when Harrison lofted a 10-yard pass to Furlong, who caught the ball and slid down just in bounds in the back of the endzone for the go-ahead score. Harrison subsequently rushed for the two-point conversion to finalize the score at 22-19.
Dominic Bennett had a monster performance, leading the rushing attack with 96 yards on 16 carries while compiling 143 kickoff return yards. His 98-yard kick return touchdown was historic, it marked the first kick return for a touchdown at Findlay since Jacob Hill achieved the feat against Ohio Dominican in 2017, and it stands as the longest kick return for the program since Nate Morris's 100-yard return against Grand Valley State University in 2014.
Harrison orchestrated the passing game well, completing 22 of 29 passes for 165 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Furlong made the most of his targets, securing two catches for 16 yards, both of which resulted in touchdowns. Running back Christian Davis also joined in the run game with 12 carries for 59 yards.
Defensively, Jace Henry and Josh Woods led the unit with six total tackles apiece. The defense also applied timely pressure, with Dion Franklin recording a 7-yard sack and Owen Clevenger recovering a crucial muffed kickoff turnover on special teams.
Findlay is back at home on Saturday, Oct. 24 with a game against previously ranked Walsh University. That game will kick off at 1:00 pm in Donnell Stadium.
