Oilers set for first home playoff game of D-II era

For the University of Findlay football team, things will be different Saturday at Donnell Stadium. Even if, in many ways, they are the same. The Oilers finished the regular season 10-1 and won a share of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference title. They also earned the No. 2 seed in the region and a home playoff game Saturday in the Division II playoffs against unseeded Minnesota State. It's the program's first playoff game since 2021, and its first home playoff game since the school moved to Division II more than two decades ago. "I think we acknowledge things will look and feel a little bit different," said Oilers coach Kory Allen. "Fortunately, we've played in big games." The Oilers finished the regular season with games against Ohio Dominican, Northwood, Ashland and Tiffin. Each opponent finished with a winning record, and Ashland and Northwood each made the playoffs in Super Region III. In addition, Indianapolis, which Findlay defeated in Week 1, also qualified for the postseason. But Findlay hasn't seen the Mavericks, who finished the regular season 8-3 and are making their 11th trip to the Division II postseason. Minnesota State has fared well in the playoffs in the past, making five trips to the national semifinals, most recently last season. The Mavericks and Oilers share no common opponents. "For us, first time we've seen Minnesota State on film at all," Allen said. The coach said his staff had to put in a ton of work to get ready for the Mavericks, but it didn't affect UF's normal preparation. "You don't want to put the strain on the players," Allen said. "By the time we hit the field on Tuesday afternoon, our guys didn't notice anything different." Minnesota State figures to be a very formidable opponent for the Oilers. Its offense averages 35 points a game, relying heavily on a strong offensive line and backfield. Sam Backer, the Mavericks leading rusher, is averaging nearly five yards a carry, has run for nearly 800 yards, and has scored 16 touchdowns. "(They're) very good at running the football, it's a program known for that," Allen said. The Minnesota State offense will be facing a Findlay defense that is one of the best in the country, and one that Allen said is eager to get back out on the field after falling to Tiffin in the regular season finale. The Oilers defense enters the playoffs allowing only about 12 points a game. "The defense is excited about the opportunity to go back out there," Allen said. As for Minnesota State's defense, it's exceptional, allowing about 18 points a contest. Findlay's offense likely will try and counter it with a heavy dose of Oilers back Jayden Farmer, who carried the ball 35 times for 170 yards and two touchdowns last week. For the season, Farmer has run for 802 yards and nine TDs. "I'm very, very proud of Jayden," Allen said. "Especially in the last few games, he's really become a workhorse for us." Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. Saturday.