Photo: Ohio Dominican Athletics (Ralph Schudel)
Photo: Ohio Dominican Athletics (Ralph Schudel)

Oilers Fall to ODU in First GMAC Matchup

Columbus, Ohio – The University of Findlay football team was defeated by Ohio Dominican University, (ODU), on Saturday, September 21 by the score of 21-10. Findlay falls to 1-2 on the season, while ODU improved to 2-1.

The Oilers were struggling early and often on offense, but the defense kept them in the game as they had just a 7-3 deficit after one quarter. Defensive back Eriq Fadahunsi intercepted Evan Ernst, giving the ball back to the Orange and Black. However, the Oilers would quickly spiral downward the next possession as a bad snap would result in the ball going 25 yards backwards into their own end zone, and eventually was recovered by ODU, resulting in a touchdown that put the Oilers down 14-3.

Later in the quarter, ODU would extend its lead to 21-3 after a seven play, 59 yard scoring drive, and that would be the score heading into halftime.

On Findlay's next drive, they were able to move the ball down the field at will as they put together a 13 play, 60 yard drive. However, the offense was unable to get the ball into the end zone. The Oilers would try to cut the score into two possessions as the kicker Chris Demler, (who made a 40 yard field goal in the first quarter), would come on to attempt a 31 yard field goal, but he missed wide right, keeping the Oilers in a big hole as they trailed 21-3 still.

In Findlay's first offensive possession of half number two, they once again moved the ball at will, getting the ball to the ODU ten yard line. However, the Oilers would have to settle for another field goal attempt, and the result would be no good yet again as Demler missed a 37 yarder wide right.

The Oilers got right back on track in their next possession, which was an eight play, 84 yard drive that ended in a fantastic Ruben Flowers five yard touchdown catch that was bobbled around and eventually fell into his hands, completed from quarterback Matt Winzeler. After the PAT, the Oilers trailed 21-10 with 2:40 remaining in the third quarter.

The teams would go back and forth for the rest of the game, but no more points were put on the board. The Oilers defense held strong, but the offense was unable to get anything going as they were shut out the rest of the game.

The Oilers gained 427 yards in the game, while ODU had just 297. The Oilers also were solid on third down conversions as they went 7 of 16, (44%), while ODU went 3 of 12, (25%).

Winzeler completed 23-41 for 253 yards, with a touchdown pass and three interceptions.

In the rushing category, Brian Benson led the way for the Oilers with 125 yards on 26 carries.

Flowers was dominant in the receiving game as he posted a game high 12 catches for 132 yards and a touchdown.  

Defensively, Isaac Miles led the Oilers in tackles with six solo and eight total. Jeremiah Jackson posted seven tackles of his own.

Fadahunsi had five tackles and an INT for the Orange and Black.

Findlay will try to improve to a 2-2 record next week as they will be back in action on Saturday, September 28, hosting Alderson Broaddus into town at 3:00pm, in their first home conference game of the year.