Why Air Force Will Win The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Louisville isn’t awful against the run, but it’s not a brick wall.
Kentucky went off for 362 yards, but it was more about the yards per carry allowed throughout the season than the bulk yards. The teams that didn’t run – or couldn’t – were usually able to win through the air.
There’s no mistaking what Air Force is going to do.
It’s going to run, and run again, and it doesn’t matter how much preparation time is involved, it’s impossible to simulate the precision and quickness of what it does.
The Falcons led the nation in rushing offense, and that leads to the biggest key for them in this – time of possession. They’re No. 1 in the country holding the ball for close to 37 minutes per game.
Louisville is able to control the clock and take over games doing what it does, but it’s not strong enough on third downs – it’s not great at keeping the chains moving.
However …
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Why Louisville Will Win The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Yeah, Air Force is amazing with its running game, but it’s about to deal with the firepower of a Louisville offense that doesn’t have a turnover problem, is efficient enough with the passing game to be effective, and runs for 211 yards per game.
The offensive line should be able to take over.
It helps to have a mobile quarterback like Malik Cunningham, but offense should be able to hold up against an Air Force front that’s active and can generate sacks, but doesn’t come up with enough tackles for loss.
The Falcon defense has been outstanding all year long, but it didn’t face a whole slew of high-powered offenses. Nevada’s O could throw, and it did. Utah State went off for over 600 yards, Army – yes, Army – threw well to pull off an upset win, and that’s about it for the dangerous attacks.
Air Force didn’t play a Power Five team, and it certainly didn’t see an offense with the high-end weapons Louisville will bring.
Louisville vs Air Force Preview