Saturday is a big one for the Oilers who have earned their way into the top-ten in the AFCA DII Rankings for the first time in program history. A team motto of "Prove It" is fitting for this weekend's game where the Orange and Black will have an opportunity to do just that. They get to prove they belong amongst the nation's elite with a second top-25 win this year, prove they can go win a conference championship, and prove they belong in the postseason. This is not unfamiliar territory for Findlay which has played in five winner-take-all conference championship games in the NCAA era of the program, four of which have come in the last eight years. The last time Findlay played in a game in which the winner earned at least a piece of the conference title was the fall of 2021 against Tiffin, a game the Oilers won 26-21 in Findlay.

Owning the fourth-highest win percentage in all of Division II in the last two seasons combined, the Oilers will be playing in an AFCA top-25 matchup for the first time since 2018. It will be the sixth top-25 affair in the NCAA era of the program, the previous five of which have ended in losses. However, this is the first time that UF will be playing as the higher-ranked team although, on paper, Saturday's game will be as evenly matched as any in the history of the rivalry.

Findlay's defense has been the star this season and is putting up historic numbers through nine weeks. The Oilers rank in the top-ten in the country in several defensive categories including ranking in the top five in rushing defense, scoring defense, and total defense. That unit is led by senior Sam Weihrauch and sophomore Kevin Henderson, a hard-nosed set of linebackers who lead Findlay in tackles with 59 and 53 stops, respectively. The two have combined for 23.5 tackles-for-loss and a trio of forced fumbles, causing problems for opponents all season.

On the other side of the ball, senior Jayden Farmer has been the star as of late, rushing for more than 100 yards in each of his last two outings. Tied for the lead league in rushing touchdowns with six, Farmer has carried the load in the back field lately, tallying 42 carries in the last two games combined. Through the air, sophomore quarterback Chase Harrison has completed 73-of-110 passes this year for eight scores. Junior Denny Furlong has been his premier target, making 34 receptions for 671 yards and eight touchdowns. However, seven other players have touchdown receptions this year proving that the Oilers offense can produce in multiple ways.

One of the most successful football programs in Division II, the Ashland Eagles are back in the national spotlight in 2025 as the Great Midwest preseason favorite has climbed to #15 in the national rankings, suffering just one loss which came at the hands of the Indianapolis Greyhounds back on Sep. 13. With one more win this year, Ashland would put together four consecutive seasons of nine-or-more wins and, with a win against Findlay, would secure a third G-MAC Championship in the last four seasons.

Much like Findlay this season, the Eagles have put themselves in some close games throughout the year. Out of the nine games played by AU this season, five have been decided by one score. Defensively, Ashland ranks among the top 10 nationally in several categories, including scoring defense (15.0 points per game), total defense, rushing defense, and third-down conversion defense (28.70%). Ashland leads the country in blocked kicks (7) and total sacks (37). Senior defensive end Michael Shimek has been the centerpiece of this unit as he sits in second in the nation with 13.5 sacks. But Shimek isn't alone. Elisha Baldridge has 9.5 TFL while Jack Talkington has 7.5, both ranking among the best in the G-MAC. Senior safety Marquise Scott made a game-saving interception in overtime against Tiffin, while D.J. Butler and Chaz Cole have also made key plays, including sacks and blocked kicks.

On offense, the Eagles have leaned on a strong ground game and efficient quarterback play. Senior quarterback Cameron Blair has thrown for over 1,400 yards and 8 touchdowns, while also contributing on the ground with rushing scores. The backfield features a trio of productive runners: Ty'aris Stevenson (385 yards, 6 TDs), Willtrell Hartson (348 yards, 3 TDs), and Cameron Blair himself, who has added 251 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Wide receiver Jent Joseph has been a reliable target, hauling in 27 catches for 322 yards and two scores. D.J. Harvey is the team's leader, however, making 36 receptions for 399 yards and a score.

Special teams have also played a pivotal role. Kicker Manaki Watanabe has been nearly automatic, converting 14 of 15 field goal attempts, including a G-MAC record-breaking kick of 59 yards against Walsh last week.