Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay football team, ranked No. 9 in the country, faced a top-25 opponent on Saturday, Sep. 26 as the No. 23 Northwood Timberwolves came to Donnell Stadium for a big-time Homecoming matchup. The Oilers got down early and failed to mount a comeback, going on to suffer a 34-11 defeat. The loss drops Findlay to 3-1 (1-1 G-MAC) on the year while Northwood remains unbeaten at 4-0 (2-0 G-MAC).
Taking on a ranked opponent for the second time this season, Findlay did not get off to a fast start like it did against its' previous top-25 foe. On Saturday, it was Northwood that jumped ahead early. NU started with the ball and motored down the field, never facing a third down on a 10-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a touchdown.
Findlay answered, reaching the Timberwolves' 22 before failing to convert a third-and-ten, forcing a field goal. That made the score 7-3.
Northwood ran it back on the next drive, again marching 75 yards in ten plays to score. The 14-3 advantage lasted into halftime.
The Oilers got the ball to start the second half, but fumbled the kickoff, handing over possession on their own side of the field. That led to a quick score. Eventually, the score reached 27-3.
Late in the third quarter, Findlay finally found the endzone marching 79 yards in eight plays. Junior Khilee White caught a tipped ball at the seven and scampered in for the score. White then caught the two-point conversion to make it 27-11.
Northwood added another touchdown in the fourth to put the game away.
The Timberwolves looked the part of a top-25 team and a conference title contender, picking up 429 yards on offense while holding the Oilers to a season-low 171 yards. Northwood picked up 27 first downs and possessed the ball for almost 39 minutes.
Quarterback Chase Harrison completed 13-of-21 for 147 yards and a score while being sacked four times. Denny Furlong was the top receiver, making a pair of catches for 55 yards. Dominic Bennett led the rushing attack with five carries for 17 yards for an offense that picked up just 24 yards on the ground.
Findlay will regroup for next week, Saturday, October 3 when they head to take on Ohio Dominican on the road. That game will kick at noon in Columbus, Ohio.
