Tag: Air Force Falcons football

Air Force vs. Robert Morris: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Air Force vs. Robert Morris: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction Can Air Force Win Their 17th Consecutive Season Opener Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire The 2023 Season Kick’s Off for Air Force Against the Robert Morris Colonials. …

Air Force vs. Robert Morris: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Can Air Force Win Their 17th Consecutive Season Opener

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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The 2023 Season Kick’s Off for Air Force Against the Robert Morris Colonials.

WEEK 1: Air Force Falcons 0-0 (0-0) vs. Robert Morris Colonias 0-0 (0-0)

WHEN: Saturday, September 2nd — 11:00 A.M. MT/ 10:00 A.M. PT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium (Colorado Springs, CO)

WEATHER: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 92F. WNW winds shifting to SSE at 10 to 15 mph.

TV: Altitude Sports

STREAM: GoAirForceFalcons.com / MWNetwork

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver; SIRIUS 388, SXM App 978

Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force has never played Robert Morris.

WEBSITES: RMUColonials.com, the official Robert Morris athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Robert Morris | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 44.8

FEI PROJECTION: Not Available

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS: Not Available

In what seems to be a tradition, Air Force opens their season against an FCS opponent yet again. The 2023 edition of FCS opener comes by way of the Robert Morris University Colonials.

A once proud contender out of Northeast Conference, now playing in the Big South, RMU, affectionately known locally as Bobby Mo is coming off of a dreadful season. Dreadful may actually be kind. The Colonials were winless in 2022, going 0-11.

Entering his sixth years as the head coach at RMU, Bernard Clark is in desperate need of a turnaround. With just one winning season coming back in 2019, he’s posted an overall record of 13-34, going just 9-23 in Conference games.

By complete contrast, Troy Calhoun and Air Force enter the 2023 campaign having recorded double digit wins each of the last three full seasons. On top of that, they’ve never lost a contest against an FCS opponent.

It would be a monumental stumble if the Falcon’s fell victim to the Colonials at home in this season opener. But stranger things have happened. Or have they? To avoid validating either way, here are a few keys to this years home opener.

Keys to an Air Force Victory

give nothing

Give nothing, and that means absolutely nothing. Air Force is superior to this team in every conceivable facet of the game. So to do anything that gives RMU any dissolution that they are a threat leave Colorado Springs victorious is unnecessary and unacceptable.

Don’t give the ball away, take penalties or offer a special teams freebee. There should be absolutely no reason starters are needed to carry a helmet onto the field in the second half. Avoiding these things will help ensure that.

the chemistry lab

One of the great advantages to playing an inferior opponent to open the season is it allows you find your identity. We all know who Air Force wants to be offensively; a relentless ground and pound attack.

The thing is, they are going to be breaking in a new quarterback, full-back and multiple offensive lineman. This is a great opportunity to allow the Diesels up front to gel, and let all those skilled players behind them work on their trade. As the game wears on, you should hope to see these units coming together.

arrive healthy – leave healthy

While merely “staying healthy” isn’t going to put points on the board or keep them off, it is still a critical objective in week 1. The Falcons have a few players still nursing injuries entering the season, so adding any names to the infirmary by way of a game against Robert Morris would not be good.

We all expect a vanilla game plan, hopefully simple execution is a good recipe for a clean bill of health at the games end.

Prediction

My good friend John Steilner was a three year starter on the offensive line for Robert Morris during a run that the program saw a lot of success. Behind Johnny’s steady blocking, I could all but guarantee the Colonials would crack the end zone against Air Force.

But John is now a family man and has a very successful career in the Energy Technology industry.

While Robert Morris on the other hand, couldn’t muster 10 points per game on offense last year, and the defense they face on Saturday are not going to do any favors for improving that number.

Offensively, Air Force is breaking in a few new starters in key positions, namely quarterback and fullback. The stable of runners at fullback in tandem with the NCAA’s leader in yards per carry for 2022, John Lee Eldridge III should allow the run game to excel in spite of the departure of all time great, Brad Roberts.

The quarterback competition between a trio of seniors should play out well into this game as Zac Larrier, Jensen Jones and Ben Brittan should all see significant playing time. I don’t know if this is the kind of game that validates a starting quarterback for the season, but live game action will only help the process.

Enjoy the rest of Colorado, Robert Morris. Because I don’t think you’ll find ‘The Springs’ very hospitable. Air Force takes this one by as much as they want.

Air Force ‘a lot’ – Robert Morris 6

 

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Air Force vs. San Diego State: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Can the Falcons finally beat the Aztecs again?

Air Force vs. San Diego State: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Can The Falcons Win Their Season Finale?

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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The Aztecs Host Air Force To End The Regular Season

WEEK 13: Air Force Falcons 8-3 (4-3) vs. San Diego State Aztecs 7-4 (5-2)

WHEN: Saturday, November 26th — 7:00 P.M. MT/ 6:00 P.M. PT

WHERE: Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego, CA)

WEATHER: Mostly clear skies. Low 47F. Winds light and variable.

TV: CBS Sports Network Dave Ryan (play-by-play), Ross Tucker (analyst), Brandon Baylor (sidelines)

STREAM: FuboTV — Get a free trial

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver; SIRIUS 388, SXM App 978

Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the all-time series vs. San Diego State, 19-18. The Aztecs defeated the Falcons last year 20-14, for their ninth consecutive win in the series.

LAST WEEK: Air Force defeated Colorado State 24-12. San Diego State beat New Mexico 34-10.

WEBSITES: GoAztecs.com, the official San Diego State athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): San Diego State | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 6

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 10.6

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS: Air Force Win Probability of 50.14%  (Projected Score 27.33- 27.28)

Where has the season gone? Somehow we have already arrived at the final week of the regular season. Wipe away those tears though, we are in for a treat as the Air Force Falcons head West to San Diego, to take on the Aztecs. These are two of the top teams in the Mountain West, despite being eliminated from Mountain West Championship contention.

San Diego State has hit their stride since Jalen Mayden took over at quarterback, six games prior. In that span the Aztecs are 5-1, and more importantly, the offense has found a much improved passing attack. Prior to Mayden taking the reigns, SDSU was 2-3, averaging just 14.25 points per game against FBS competition. They have nearly doubled that production since, at just over 26 per game.

Like the Aztecs, Air Force enters Saturday’s contest on a three game winning streak. Their formula for victory hasn’t changed much from game to game; feed Brad Roberts the ball, and play really stingy defense. For a majority of their games, this has been a winning recipe. However, they have yet to beat an FBS team with a winning record to date, and their season finale against San Diego State provides one last regular season opportunity.

A tall order when you consider that Air Force hasn’t been able to beat the Aztecs since 2009. On top of that, as much credit as we have given their quarterback play over the second half of the season, it’s the defense that has really doubled down. True to form, San Diego State has been stellar over the last five games, featuring the nations top run defense while forcing an average of two turnovers per game and eight TFL’s. The Falcons are going to need a complete game to have a chance at ending a brutal losing streak to the Aztecs.

Keys to an Air Force Victory

3rd down

One of the things that have really helped feed into the time-of-possession dominance that the Falcons has featured is their success on 3rd down. Air Force is 21st offensively and 22nd defensively on third down. That means Troy Calhoun’s bunch is ending the oppositions drives, while sustaining them when in they have the ball. This gives them a decided advantage when you consider the way the Falcons play, limiting opposition possessions.

By contrast, 3rd down is one of the few areas that the Aztec defense has been very marginal at, and offensively they have been down-right bad. Both units have improved as the season’s moved along, but their 118th ranked 3rd down offense will be up against it, facing Air Force.

Converting these critical downs provide a lot of obvious benefits. In a game that looks to have a razor thin margin for error for either team, everything is magnified. These drive extenders and enders don’t guarantee points,  but they are certainly enablers. And when they don’t result in points, they are constantly creating an advantage in an area that the Aztecs absolutely dominated the Falcons last year. Field Possession.

field position

As just mentioned, San Diego State kept Air Force in a hold all game long last year when it came to field position. This was certainly in part to having an all-time great punter, as well as a defense that was very stingy.

In another game that isn’t likely to see a ton of points scored, the Falcons have got to be better in this area. Carson Bay has played fine in the punting game for Air Force, and he doesn’t need to be Matt Araiza. It’s more about getting a few of those drives extended on offense to be able to flip field position without asking a guy to boom 75 yard punts.

The less yards the Falcons are challenged to march offensively, the better. It’s been documented just how stingy the Aztecs have been on defense, in particular against the run. A short field that could enable points will be at a premium on Saturday.

mental fortitude

Troy Calhoun coached teams typically are discipline and do not take many penalties. While they’ve had some critical ones hit at the most inopportune times this year, they have still been the sixth least penalized team in the country. Compared to Brady Hoke’s squad who are 111th nationally, getting assessed nearly twice the number of penalties per game as Air Force. Those penalties can hinder a team in so many ways, especially in a close contest.

The other part of mental makeup that has to be considered is decision making. Whether that is on the coaching staff or the players,  the Falcons must have full brain engagement on Saturday. Forcing throws into coverage, compromising pitches or blown assignments in the secondary could prove fatal in this game. It’s incumbent on the whole of the Company to do their part.

Prediction

The last time that Air Force beat San Diego State, Troy Calhoun was just in his third season as a head coach (2009). So to say they are overdue would be a drastic understatement. For the Falcons, ending this losing streak would mean beating a team with a winning record, unfortunately this is not something they have done this year.

And like two of the three teams that defeated the Falcons this year, the Aztecs feature a front seven that is going to be very difficult to run the ball against. That same defense has also forced 19 turnovers on the season, which could also be something to watch as this game plays out. Air Force’s fumbling issues have been well documented.

And the other major hurdle comes in the red zone. The Falcons have done a nice job ensuring they walk away with points when entering the red zone. However, San Diego State has done an even better job of stopping teams. Brady Hoke’s team has the third best defense in the country when teams get inside their 20.

While I do believe the Aztecs recent resurgence has a lot to do with their schedule, and who they have played in the back  half of their schedule, it’s not as if Air Force has played a slate full of titans themselves. In fact, it’s just the opposite, and even as double digit favorites, they’ve lost twice. If you like comparing success versus common opponents though, you will be very encourage when you compare scorecards. These two share the same record (3-1) against Boise State, New Mexico, Nevada and UNLV, but it was Air Force who clearly looked better in every instance.

I wish the common opponents theme felt like a better indicator for success in this game. Unfortunately, because of timing and styles of play that isn’t really the case. This is a team that until the recent nine game win streak, Air Force had dominated the series 19-9. The narrative has certainly changed and San Diego State has won a lot of football games in recent years. So while ending this losing streak to their in Conference foes would be great, and keep hopes of another double digit win campaign alive, it just feels like we may have to settle for ending the Commander-in-Chief’s drought this year.

Prepare for an absolute battle, and enjoy this one. Even if Air Force isn’t able to get the victory. These are two very good teams who represent the Mountain West Conference well.

Air Force 13 – San Diego State 16

 

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Colorado State vs. Air Force: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Colorado State vs. Air Force: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction Can The Falcons Win Their Sixth Straight Against the Rams? Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire The Ram-Falcon Trophy is on the Line in Colorado Springs! WEEK 12: Air …

Colorado State vs. Air Force: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Can The Falcons Win Their Sixth Straight Against the Rams?

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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The Ram-Falcon Trophy is on the Line in Colorado Springs!

WEEK 12: Air Force Falcons 7-3 (3-3) vs. Colorado State Rams 2-8 (2-4)

WHEN: Saturday, November 19th — 7:00 P.M. MT/ 6:00 P.M. PT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium (Colorado Springs, CO)

WEATHER: Clear skies. High of 39F, Low 19F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.

TV: FS2 Guy Haberman (play-by-play), Will Blackmon (analyst)

STREAM: FuboTV — Get a free trial

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver; SIRIUS 388, SXM App 978

Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series vs. Colorado State, 37-21-1. The Falcons won year’s matchup 35-21.

LAST WEEK: Air Force defeated New Mexico 35-3. Colorado State lost to Wyoming 13-14.

WEBSITES: CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Colorado State | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 29.7

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 24.1

As we inch closer to the end of the season, we have another rivalry trophy on the line in week 12. For the 42nd time, these two Colorado based institutions will battle it out for the Ram-Falcon trophy. Air Force has dominated the series versus Colorado State of late, winning the last five matchups.

In his first year at Fort Collins, Jay Norvell has faced a lot of challenges. None more evident though, than the offensive side of the ball. A far cry from the success he and offensive coordinator, Matt Mumme enjoyed in Nevada the year prior. Playing the Rams means for the second straight week, the Falcons face one of the nations most anemic offenses. Well, technically, they are the nations worst offense on a points per game basis.

There were a number of players from that very same Wolf Pack team that Norvell previously coached, who followed him to Colorado State. But that has not always translated well on the field. Not yet anyways. It’s only year one, and while a lot players have transferred into Fort Collins, an alarming number have also departed throughout the year.

As for the Falcons, they are just looking to keep stacking wins as they march towards the finish line. Even though a Conference Championship is out of the question, 10 wins in consecutive seasons is not. If they want to record double digit win totals in back to back years, they have to take care of business at Falcon Stadium against their in-state rivals on Saturday.

Keys to an Air Force Victory

NO BODES OF CONFIDENCE

When Jay Norvell recruited Clay Millen to play for him back in Reno, he was a prized four star commit. While things haven’t necessarily gone as hoped for the coach and quarterback tandem just yet, the potential is there. In his first year as a starting quarterback, the redshirt freshman has started eight games this season, all while seeing the roster around him change pretty significantly.

Like we see quite often, teams that appear to be in a building phase use the opportunity to get critical experience and development for their quarterback. Especially those who are fortunate enough to have what they believe to be a program leader, like many feel Millen could be. This season is now very much about building his confidence.

A few of the bright spots on the offense during these growing pains for the Rams, have been the play of fellow Nevada transfers Tory Horton and Avery Morrow. Horton has been as good as any receiver in the Conference this season, racking up 965 receiving yards, with six touchdowns. The Falcons must account for Horton throughout the game.

Morrow has quietly come on, despite running behind a patchwork offensive line. With over 700 rush yards on the season, he’s provided a nice compliment on the ground.

The Rams are going to have to find a way to score points against a very stingy Air Force defense. This trio of inbound transfers are going to be the most likely of culprits if they are to succeed. If the Falcons can mitigate the impact that Morrow and Horton have, it’s really hard to see CSU’s offense find their way.

beware their playmakers

It feels odd to say it about a Jay Norvell team, but aside from Tory Horton, the playmakers of the Rams really reside on the defensive side of the ball. You may not know it by looking at their win-loss record, or the defenses statistical standing, but they have some dudes.

Similar to the Falcons opponent last week, Colorado State’s defense has been victimized largely in part due to an offense that has very rarely showed up. There are guys at every level of the defense who can impact the game though.

C.J. Onyechi and Mohamed Kamara bookend the defensive line as a formidable duo. Kamara is having an All-Conference type season, registering 7.5 sacks and 14 TFL’s. The two are responsible for 45 career tackles behind the line of scrimmage. While at linebacker, Cam’Ron Carter and Dequan Jackson are starting their combined 99th game. This tandem of tacklers have a ton of game experience that will be vital to helping try and stop the Air Force ground attack.

Similar to the Falcons, CSU features a solid tandem of safeties in Henry Blackburn and Jack Howell. A tackling machine, Howell will probably eclipse his 100th tackle on the season in the Falcons first offensive possession. Also like Taylor and Goff for Falcons, these two will return next season, assuming they do not transfer. Ayden Hector is another guy to watch in the secondary, as he’s picked off three passes from the nickel spot.

Prediction

When you look at just how bad the Colorado State offense has been, it’s easy to start thinking about a much more imposing San Diego State game in waiting on the Falcons schedule. However, with the exception of their game against Boise State, the Rams have really showed up in Conference play. They’ve won two of those games, and were highly competitive against some very credible competition in Wyoming and San Jose State.

It’s not the rivalry they have with Wyoming, but playing Air Force is an important game for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately for the Rams, I think that close loss to Wyoming is going to have a lingering effect and carry over to their contest in Colorado Springs. Winning the that game against the Pokes could have been a turning point for this young team, but such was not the case.

The Falcons just seem to really have CSU’s number, winning 13 of their last 15 against their neighboring rivals. It’s also worth mentioning, if the Rams were to succeed in pulling off the upset, it would be their first victory in Colorado Springs since 2002. I just don’t see there being enough offense on the Colorado State sideline to get it done. Air Force ranks 1st in rushing offense and pass defense, 6th in scoring defense and 5th in total defense. I’ll save you time looking it up, the Rams are last nationally in multiple categories that have significant bearing on the outcome of a football game.

Make it six in a row for the Bolt Brotherhood against CSU, that Ram-Falcon Trophy isn’t going anywhere.

Air Force 30, Colorado Springs 13

And if you want a little more content on this Mountain West matchup between the Falcons and Lobos, give a listen to ‘First and 505 with Ryan Tomari’ HERE! The Podcast host was gracious enough to have me on to talk about this weeks game, and he is constantly putting out great content, so give him a listen!

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New Mexico vs. Air Force: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Falcons take on the Lobos this week in Colorado Springs!

New Mexico vs. Air Force: Falcons Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Can The Falcons Win Their Fifth Straight Against the Lobos?

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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Can Air Force Even Their Conference Record?

WEEK 11: Air Force Falcons 6-3 (2-3) vs. New Mexico Lobos 2-7 (0-5)

WHEN: Saturday, November 12th — 1:30 P.M. MT/ 12:30 P.M. PT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium (Colorado Springs, CO)

WEATHER: Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. High 47F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.

TV: CBS Sports Network

STREAM: FuboTV — Get a free trial

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver; SIRIUS 388, SXM App 978

Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series vs. Army, 25-14. The Falcons won year’s matchup 38-10.

LAST WEEK: Air Force defeated Army 13-7. New Mexico lost to Utah State 10-27.

WEBSITES: GoLobos.com, the official New Mexico athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): New Mexico | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 27

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 25.5

PARKER FLEMING ADVANCED STATS PROJECTION: Air Force win probability of 78.35% (21.80- 10.98).

The Falcons are flying high after securing the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy last week, while also earning Bowl Eligibility with their sixth win of the season. Opposing them Saturday, is a New Mexico Lobo’s team that is reeling to say the least, having lost their sixth straight contest. And as if losing six consecutive games isn’t bad enough, they’ve not even been able to close out a contest within two scores.

If New Mexico wants to end this skid, they’re going to have to do so in Colorado Springs. In case your wondering, they’ve not won at Falcon Stadium in over 20 years, back in 2000. They are just 2-13 playing at “The Springs”. A tall ask for Danny Gonzales’ bunch.

Never shying away from bringing in JUCO players, the Lobos are going to have quite a few starting this week again. None more impactful though, than their transfer from Fresno City Junior College, Justin Holaday, fresh off of his first career start.

Perhaps the change at quarterback can spark a very anemic New Mexico offense on Saturday. They are going to need it facing one of the nations stingiest defenses. The defense that the Falcons will be facing is no pushover either, so they may have their work cut out for them. And let’s be honest, the Lobos defensive coordinator Rocky Long has had success against Troy Calhoun’s bunch. With a 2-3 record in Conference play, there don’t appear to be any hand-outs for Air Force in Mountain West play.

Three Keys to an Air Force Victory

get the offense on track early

For as bad as the Lobos have been this year, the defense has performed quite admirably, especially when you consider the difficult circumstances their offense has put them in. It will be important for Air Force to find its way offensively early in the game to avoid any letdowns.

It’s well documented, the struggles they have had when playing some of the better defenses on their schedule. The Falcons don’t need to do New Mexico any favors by letting them stick around late into the game for an inability to put points on the board. That exactly the kind of blueprint a struggling team follows to an upset.

Leave the scoring ineptitude to the visitors. With the nations top rushing attack and the best running back in the Mountain West, go to work early and make the Lobos stare down a multi-score deficit in the second half. With just three passing touchdowns on the year (and 14 total offensive touchdowns), New Mexico could be looking at a severe beatdown if the Falcons offense is rolling.

dont ignore special teams

In their win over Army, the Falcons were extremely fortunate that a punt wasn’t blocked deep in their own territory. Somehow the kick got off with the defender soaring over the outstretched leg of Carson Bay. And for just the second time this season, there was also a missed field goal attempt off of the steady foot of Matthew Dapore.

The Lobos have one of the best punters to come through Albuquerque, in Aaron Rodriguez. And man, does this guy get a lot of work. He leads the country in punts, which means a whole lot of fair catch opportunities for Air Force if the defense stays strong.

While the Falcons aren’t likely to return many, if any kicks at all, registering a muffed punt turnover would be ill-advised. New Mexico has a punter that can flip field position, so even if your starting a drive near the shadow of your own end zone, it’s much better than handing it over as a red zone try.

no encore for jones

One of the bright spots in last weeks losing effort for the Lobos, was Nate Jones. The talented running back has gotten out of Danny Gonzalez’s dog house it seems, breaking out for almost 150 yards last week against Utah State. This is exactly the kind of performance New Mexico desperately needs to breath some life into their offense.

This is a guy who saw time as a true freshman in 2020, and looked like he could be that next outstanding back that they so desperately have been needing in Albuquerque. He ran for 232 yards and four touchdowns in the COVID shortened season, where he also chipped in on special teams.

After redshirting last year, Jones has now become the primary ball carrier for New Mexico. JUCO transfer, Sherod White and true freshman Chrstian Washington will also see carries throughout the game. If the Lobos are going to push for an upset in this game against Air Force, they are going to need Jones to build on last weeks career best performance.

Prediction

Statistics aren’t always going to dictate the outcome of a game. There are just far too many variables that can come in to play. However, this far into the season, it is fair to conclude were well past single data points. We have arrived at trends. And in nearly every conceivably meaningful statistic, the advantage arrow zeroes in on the home team this week.

For any outcome other than an Air Force win this Saturday, I really believe it will be more about mistakes on the part of the Falcons, or what they aren’t able to do offensively. I’m not sure there is enough offense on the New Mexico sideline to win this game, so short of keeping Air Force out of the endzone altogether, winning will be tough.

I am a believer in the Lobos defense, and they’ve been a more than capable bunch. But the offense has been so woefully bad, it has just made things really difficult for their mates on the other side of the ball, often leaving them in un-winnable situations.

And lets be honest, it’s not as if the Falcons can’t put up points. In fact, if the defense continues to standout, they could heap on the points at Falcon Stadium this weekend. Even with last weeks emotional win, I don’t think it will derail the focus and setup for the kind of monstrous letdown it would take to have the birds fall prey.

Make it five in a row against the Lobos, Air Force wins.

Air Force 31, New Mexico 10

And if you want a little more content on this Mountain West matchup between the Falcons and Lobos, give a listen to ‘First and 505 with Ryan Tomari’ HERE! The Podcast host was gracious enough to have me on to talk about this weeks game, and he is constantly putting out great content, so give him a listen!

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Air Force Falcons: CFN College Football Preview 2021

College Football News Preview 2021: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Air Force season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2021: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Air Force season with what you need to know.

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Air Force Schedule Analysis
– Air Force Falcons Previews
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

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2020 Record: 3-3 overall, 2-2 in Mountain West
Head Coach: Troy Calhoun, 15th year, 102-72
2020 CFN Final Ranking: 80
2020 CFN Preview Ranking: 74
2019 CFN Final Ranking: 24

Air Force Falcons College Football Preview 2021: Offense

– It’s Air Force, so you know how this works. The team needs to run well to win, it has to control the clock, and it has to be able to overwhelm teams with its style.

The offense led the nation with 306 rushing yards per game, and the defense was relatively decent, but it was still just a 3-3 season because the O didn’t do quite enough low-scoring losses to San Jose State and Army. And now there’s a whole lot of work to do.

– Air Force is always rebuilding – that’s sort of how the service academy teams operate – but this year it’s really going to be a problem. It’s one thing when the Falcons have to replace eight starters, and it’s another to have to do it when so many teams get so much experience back in a super-senior season.

At least the backfield should be fine. Leading rusher Brad Roberts hammered out 461 yards and five scores as fullback, but he could move around where needed.

The offense is missing the top tailbacks, but QB Haaziq Daniels returns as a strong runner and good enough passer. Daniels and Roberts will bright the 1-2 punch, but the offense has to unearth more flash for the outside along with Brandon Lewis, who averaged nine yards per crack.

– The entire starting offensive line is starting over, but that’s nothing new. Again, Air Force is used to grooming pavers to be ready to go as upperclassmen, but again, this isn’t the year to need a wholesale overhaul at one unit that was so effective.

As always, it’s the job of the receivers to 1) block, 2) catch a few deep passes per game, 3) block more. TE Kyle Patterson led the team with 12 catches for 205 yards and two scores, but if Lewis is used more as a runner than a receiver, the corps is all but starting over.

– What You Need To Know: Defense
– Top Players | Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Air Force Schedule Analysis

NEXT: Air Force Falcons College Football Preview 2021: Defense

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Air Force Football Schedule 2021

Air Force Falcons 2021 football schedule, analysis, and what Mountain West teams they miss.

Air Force Falcons 2021 football schedule, analysis, and what Pac-12 teams they miss.

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Air Force Football Schedule 2021

– 2021 Mountain West Football Schedule

Sept. 4 Lafayette

Sept. 11 at Navy

Sept. 18 Utah State

Sept. 25 Florida Atlantic

Oct. 2 at New Mexico

Oct. 9 Wyoming

Oct. 16 at Boise State

Oct. 23 San Diego State

Oct. 30 OPEN DATE

Nov. 6 Army (in Arlington, TX)

Nov. 13 at Colorado State

Nov. 20 at Nevada

Nov. 27 UNLV

Mountain West Teams Missed From West: Fresno State, Hawaii, San Jose State

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College Football News Preview 2020: Air Force Falcons

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Air Force Falcons season with what you need to know.

College Football News Preview 2020: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Air Force Falcons season with what you need to know.

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Top Players | Key Players, Games, Stats
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Schedule Analysis
– Air Force Previews 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

2019 Record: 11-2 overall, 7-1 in MW
Head Coach: Troy Calhoun, 14th year, 98-69
2019 CFN Final Opinion Ranking: 29
2019 CFN Final Season Formula Ranking: 24
2019 CFN Preview Ranking: 106

No one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.

5. College Football News Preview 2020: Air Force Falcons Offense 3 Things To Know

– Once again, Air Force went Air Force with one of the nation’s best rushing attacks. It all worked, finishing second in the nation in time of possession, second in rushing, and for the purposes of making it all work, being third in passing efficiency was a really big deal.

Only four starters are back, but they’re the right ones.

CFN in 60 Video: Purdue Preview
Air Force at Purdue, Sept. 19
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– Having a veteran O line isn’t a given with the Falcons, and three starters are gone. However, tackle Parker Ferguson and guard Nolan Laufenberg are killers on the left side to build around – they’re both going to be all-stars – but there are some big losses with two All-Mountain West stars gone in tackle Scott Hattok and center Connor Vikupitz.

The backfield has the two main parts. Senior Donald Hammond only hit 50% of his passes, but he averaged 12 yards per throw with 13 touchdowns and six picks. He also led the team with 13 rushing scores to go along with 553 yards.

Also returning is leading rusher Kadin Remsberg, a quick 5-9, 195-pounder who tore off 1,050 yards and eight scores. 6-3, 190-pound Timothy Jackson isn’t the normal fullback type, but he was able to pound for six yards per carry, rushing for 745 yards and six scores.

– It’s actually sort of a big deal for Air Force to lose its top receivers. Geraud Sanders and Benjamin Waters combined for 52 catches for all 14 touchdowns, with the leading returning target – senior Ben Peterson – coming up with three total grabs.

As always, the receivers are 6-2ish big, the top ones will average over 20 yards per catch, and they can all block. Expect 6-4 sophomore Jake Spiewak to rise up into a key role.

NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Air Force Falcons Defense 3 Things To Know

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