Listen Here
By Zak Reinhart
reinhartz@findlay.edu
The start time for the Findlay football G-MAC conference opener at Kentucky Wesleyan (0-2) Saturday, Sept. 19 has moved from 1 p.m. EST to 11 a.m. EST due to extreme temperatures predicted in the area.
But the change won’t dampen the excitement that continues to build as Findlay Oilers football’s 2-0 record moves it to No. 9 in the AFCA rankings going into this week’s game. In the victory over the Fairmont State Falcons, the Oilers had their fair share of explosive plays from a plethora of players.
On offense, Findlay saw Dominic Bennett carry the ball 10 times for 123 yards and a touchdown, including a 73-yard gash that led to a passing touchdown. Christian Davis gathered 66 more yards on 15 carries and a touchdown.
The running game has been a weapon for Findlay thus far, providing some game-changing plays. Head coach Tyler Johns likes what he has in the running game, but wants to see more depth in the position.
“We want to be to a point where we’re playing three to four running backs throughout a game,” Johns said.
Johns said there are some lingering injuries that are currently stunting that type of rotation in the running game.
Findlay also saw excellent play in the air from receiver Delon Hurt. The fifth-year former UCLA Bruin brought in 6 receptions for 81 yards and 2 scores.
At quarterback, Chase Harrison completed 12 out of his 23 passes for 131 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Harrison, who previously played for both Marshall and Ball State at the Division I level, has 353 total passing yards and three passing touchdowns on the season.
Defensively, the Oilers held the Falcons to 17 points with 6 sacks on the day. In pass coverage, the Oilers forced the Falcons into 3 interceptions with only 135 passing yards to show for it, creating a veritable “no-fly-zone.”
“They (UF’s defense) play against our offense every day in practice where just the pace of it all is quicker than typically what our defense will see on Saturdays,” Johns said.
Offensively, there have also been concerns. Despite flashy plays, Findlay has struggled to develop long sustained drives.
“We have done a tremendous job of creating explosive runs,” Holzer said. “We’ve not done a great job at being consistent in creating 4- and 5-yard runs.”
The explosive plays have been a big factor in this Findlay offense, and it is something that Findlay is still planning for.
“The biggest thing that I can see for us is, moving forward, continuing to find ways to generate those explosives, which have made us really productive offensively.” Holzer said, “At the same time, becoming more and more efficient in our ability to churn out 4- and 5-yard runs to sustain drives.”
