UF hopes to keep running game going against Wayne State

After a game in which the University of Findlay's running backs piled up 272 yards and averaged 7.6 yards a carry, UF tailback Christian Davis said the group effort suits the Oilers just fine. Findlay had seven ball carriers in Saturday's 38-35 season-opening win over Indianapolis at Donnell Stadium. Davis was the only one to go over 100 yards rushing, and his 65-yard touchdown run proved to be the backbreaker for the Greyhounds. But Davis said he was happy so many players got to play a part in the dominant rushing performance. "I think the biggest thing is that we all love each other," Davis said of the players in the running back room. "It's a big room of happy guys who are happy for each other." While Davis ended up with the most impressive stats, Jayden Farmer ran for a touchdown and Dominic Bennett had a pair of runs for 54 yards. "I think (the backs) have an appreciation for what each other are capable of," said Oilers head coach Kory Allen, "and then, obviously, that excitement, when a teammate succeeds, that's a great thing to have on a football team." Findlay will look to keep that running game going when it hosts Wayne State at Donnell Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Warriors -- at one time a league foe of Findlay's in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference – enters the game 0-1. They lost, 34-7, to Tiffin last week. The Warriors, in their second season under head coach (and former University of Michigan and NFL running back) Tyrone Wheatley. Wayne State went 2-9 in Wheatley's first season. One of those losses came against Findlay; the Oilers defeated the Warriors 42-30 in Week 2 of last year. Allen said he believes Wayne State is better than in 2024. "I see an improved football team up there in Detroit vs. the team we played last year," he said. "I see a team that's going to play to their strengths and whatever that may be, that's what they're going to accentuate." One of the strengths of the Warriors last week against the Dragons was the return game. Wayne State's Angel Carrillo returned six kickoffs last week, and averaged more than 20 yards a return. Allen said Findlay will need to execute to get the results it wants. "I think we have to be sound in all three phases, offense, defense and special teams," Allen said. "But certainly, being on the attack in special teams is going to be very important to us." Saturday will mark the second start for Findlay quarterback Chase Harrison. In his Oilers debut, the transfer from Ball State completed 14 of 19 passes for 155 yards. He threw two touchdowns and had a strong second half, but was intercepted twice before halftime. "I definitely have to get settled in faster than that," Harrison said after the game. "Can't make mistakes like that." "He's a competitor. No one is harder on Chase Harrison than Chase," Allen said. "So, he wants to fix the mistakes and continue to lead this offense successfully." He will get his chance Saturday. Kickoff is at noon.