Listen Here
By: Madi DeVries
Email: devriesm@findlay.edu
The University of Findlay football team enters this Saturday’s game against Ashland University with a record of 6-3, with five wins and only one loss in conference play this season. The Oilers have played against Ashland many times in the past, but not since 2016. UF lost three out of the last four match ups with the Eagles.
Senior offensive lineman, Clay Colvin, believes that this will still be considered a rivalry game, regardless of how long it has been since the teams have met on the field. However, he will play the game just as he would any game, with full attention.
“My mentality going into this game is the same as every week, you have to win this game, when Sunday comes around you have to be 1-0,” Colvin stated.
Head Coach Rob Keys voiced the same sentiment as Colvin heading into this week’s contest.
“Ashland has always been one of our bigger rivals. It has been played quite a number of times and has produced some great games,” said Keys. “Our mentality going into the game needs to be one of focusing on attention to detail, playing such a great opponent.”
While injuries may be plaguing teams at this point in the season, the Oilers are still moving strong with a full head of steam. Sophomore defensive lineman, and recent Miami University transfer, Logan Speyer, is confident in the team, and feels that the players are still playing great games.
“A lot of guys on the team are playing their best football right now, which is what you want to see entering the last stretch of our season,” Speyer said.
Coach Keys has no fear that the Oilers will show up against the Eagles team this week. He does, however, believe whoever plays the cleaner game tomorrow will come out on top.
“The common scores really have no relevance on who will come out on top this week. The team that limits their mistakes and executes at the highest level will win,” said Keys.
Colvin agrees with Keys, saying just because they have common opponents does not mean you play the same version of the Eagles that other teams have.
“If you allow past games to have an impact on each week, it can allow you to assume things that can get you beat,” said Colvin. “They could have played a horrible game against Ferris and if I were to look at that and prep based on that game, then I could go into this game underprepared.”
All preparation aside, the game is set to be held at home in Donnell Stadium on Saturday. Speyer voiced his anticipation for the upcoming home match.
“I do believe that it will be beneficial for us. Donnell is a great atmosphere to play in and definitely gives us an advantage,” said Speyer.
Keys closes out by saying “We believe that our most important game is the next game. This week it happens to be Ashland…We need to win with the players available.”
The stage has been set, and this game is without a doubt going to be about who has control of the game starting with the opening kickoff, all the way down to the last seconds. With Coach Keys fearlessly leading the Oilers on the field, the challenge will be difficult, but more than attainable. The game is tomorrow, Nov.9, at 12 p.m., and will take place at Donnell Stadium.
For all things Findlay, pick up The Pulse on newsstands, read it on our site, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
