Tag: CSU

Air Force vs. UNLV: How the Falcons can beat UNLV

Air Force vs. UNLV: How the Falcons can beat UNLV The Rebels are Coming to the Springs Full of Confidence Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Can the Falcons regain form against UNLV with a spot in the Conference Championship on the line? WEEK 12: Air …

Air Force vs. UNLV: How the Falcons can beat UNLV

The Rebels are Coming to the Springs Full of Confidence

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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Can the Falcons regain form against UNLV with a spot in the Conference Championship on the line?

WEEK 12: Air Force Falcons 8-2 (5-1) vs. University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels 8-2 (5-1)

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th — 1:30 P.M. MT/ 12:30 P.M. PT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium (Colorado Springs, CO)

WEATHER: Sunshine and some clouds. High 62F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.

TV: CBS Sports Network
Carter Blackburn (play-by-play), Randy Cross (analyst)

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver, SIRIUS XM 380, SXM 970
Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series record 17-6

WEBSITES: UNLVRebels.com, the official UNLV athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): UNLV | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 7.2

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 4.1

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS: Air Force has a 79.31% win probability (31.96- 21.13)

It’s hard to believe we have arrived at Senior night already, as many Falcon players will take the field in front of their home crowd for the last time in their careers on Saturday. And what a special senior class this is, winning 31 games against just 11 losses in their tenure to date. The stakes for this team could not be any higher in their final game at Falcon Stadium in 2023.

Despite two absolute clunkers in as many weeks against Hawai’i and Army, the Falcons are still in the driver’s seat for a place in the Mountain West Conference Championship game in December thanks to their historic 8-0 start to the season. Though much has changed since those first eight games.

The Air Force list of injuries (should they “officially” share it) would be very lengthy. In fact, half of its’ starting roster would have been impacted by injury at this point, really testing their depth and mettle. Noone is going to feel sorry for the Falcons though, especially not the UNLV Rebels who are trying to put together a historic season of their own.

These are not your Rebels of old. Barry Odom has done a fantastic job turning what’s been a basement dweller into a Bonafide Conference Contender in his first season. Troy Calhoun on the other hand is trying to rally his team, injury ravaged as it is, and capture their first Conference Championship.

A third loss in a row would significantly complicate those aspirations for the Falcons. If they want to keep those hopes alive, they need to play much better in every aspect of the game against one of, if not the top team in the Conference.

HERE’S HOW AIR FORCE CAN BEAT UNLV

While it’s Air Force that usually imposes their will with a dominant ground attack, it’s the Rebels who are featuring a deep rushing attack of their own with Vincent Davis, Ja’Den Thomas, and Donavyn Lester all amassing more than 400 yards on the ground this year. The quarterback is also very much a threat on the ground, they need to account for Jayden Maiava too. As a team, they are averaging just under 200 yards per game on the ground.

The Falcons are going to need to keep that ground game in check if they want to win this game. If they aren’t able to mitigate damage on the ground, it could open up a host of problems as arguably the most dangerous player in the Conference, Ricky White looms on the outside.

Despite injuries to the defensive line and linebacker (spur), they still have the personnel to do it; especially between that core of Alec Mock, Jonathan Youngblood and Peyton Zdroik. These guys are going to be key in trying to keep UNLV unbalanced on offense.

Speaking of the run game, Air Force finds themselves in unfamiliar territory, no longer being the nation’s leading rush offense, as that belongs to Liberty. It’s no coincidence as the offense has been stuck in neutral for the past two weeks. Much of their drop off in production has to be attributed to their recent loose handling of the football.

Ten turnovers in their last two outings made for irrecoverable damage to their gameplan. They have put the ball on the ground 17 times this season, recovering seven of them. Their first interception of the year didn’t come until the week 10 game against Army. Between Zac Larrier, Jensen Jones and Ben Brittain, they’ve thrown four since then. That rate of turnover is not Falcon football, and it is certainly not winning football.

So, while injuries certainly have created some adversity, they’ve not been responsible for 10 turnovers in two games. Everyone is dealing with some level of attrition at this part of the season. Due to the rigors placed on these Cadet-Athletes, I would say Air Force is to anticipate such challenges more than most at this juncture. Whoever’s called upon to contribute Saturday, has to protect the football. It has got to be a point of emphasis if they want to beat a really good opponent.

The final area that really needs to find its way again is the kicking game. Specifically, Matthew Dapore and the field goal unit. Dapore has showed the potential of an All-Conference kicker but over the past few weeks has struggled with consistency. In a game where points are going to be critical and the margin for error minimal, they need that steady leg variety of Dapore back.

There are a lot of questions at key positions this week, especially on offense. One thing we know, next man up is not just a fashionable statement in Colorado Springs. This team has proven they can win with it at the core of their DNA.

Injuries or not, that 8-0 team is in the Air Force locker room. The past two weeks have been ugly, but those two performances constitute not the 2023 Air Force Falcons. This is still a very dangerous team that is more than capable of winning a Conference Championship if and when they get back to their game. Their game is meticulous to the details, stifling defense, and a relentless rushing attack that keeps the ball from you, not the other way around. That team has Air Force on the brink of a Conference Championship, despite what happened the previous two weeks.

After losing despite being 20+ point favorites, this week’s line looks right. UNLV is not going to like playing at altitude.

Air Force 24 –  UNLV 21

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Air Force at Hawaii: How the Falcons can beat the Rainbow Warriors

Air Force at Hawaii: How the Falcons can beat the Rainbow Warriors The Falcons Are Looking To Stay Perfect In Conference Play Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Can Air Force Rebound After a Week 10 Letdown? WEEK 11: Air Force Falcons 8-1 (5-0) vs. …

Air Force at Hawaii: How the Falcons can beat the Rainbow Warriors

The Falcons Are Looking To Stay Perfect In Conference Play

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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Can Air Force Rebound After a Week 10 Letdown?

WEEK 11: Air Force Falcons 8-1 (5-0) vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 3-7 (1-4)

WHEN: Saturday, November 11th — 10:00 P.M. MT/ 9:00 P.M. PT

WHERE: Clarence T.C. Ching Complex ( Honolulu, O‘ahu)

WEATHER: Mainly clear skies. Low 74F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph.

TV: Spectrum- Kanoa Leahey (play-by-play), Rich Miano (analyst), Jordan Helle (sidelines)

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver, SIRIUS XM 380, SXM 970
Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series record 14-7-1

WEBSITES: HawaiiAthletics.com, the official Hawaii athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Hawaii | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 22

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 20.6

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS:

Exactly one week after the most disappointing outings in recent memory, Air Force has an opportunity to get off the mat and realize a new mission. The Kuter trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the Hawaii versus Air Force game is hardly a consolation for fumbling away the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Yes, (bad) pun intended.

However, it’s much more than just the trophy that is at state on the island Saturday night. While winning the CiC outright is no longer possible, something the Falcons have never done in their history is still very much alive and in front of them. A Mountain West Conference Championship.

You would think the season was over for Air Force after last week’s stumble. They fell out of the College Football Playoff rankings just as soon as they entered, dropped to the rear of the race for a New Years Six Bowl bid and yet they’ve lost just one game all year, none of which have come in Conference play. The only team in the entire Mountain West that can say that.

If Air Force wants to reinforce how much those games against military brethren mean, they cannot allow Army to beat them twice this year by not showing up at Hawaii on Saturday.

HERE’S HOW AIR FORCE CAN BEAT THE RAINBOW WARRIORS

While I fancy myself more of a New Testament guy, an Old Testament verse is most apropos for Saturday; Vengeance is mine saith (Air Force).

It’s almost eerie how similar Hawaii and Army are as it relates to their disparate comparisons to Air Force in nearly every significant team statistical category. None of that mattered last week, as the Falcons took a season’s worth of miscues and bundled them into a single gift-wrapped package delivered to Mile High Stadium.

That is why for week 11 against the Rainbow Warriors, we are going to simplify the blueprint to victory. Be the Air Force team from the first 10 weeks of the season.

Get a ground game established behind that elite offensive line. Even if that means an exercise of patience. The dive will feed the pitch, the pitch will feed the dive. A steady diet of Emmanuel Michel, Owen Burk and John Lee Eldridge II will lead to the ultimate demise of Hawaii. Continue working in Dane Kinamon, and the offense only becomes more dynamic.

This is an opponent surrendering 176 yards on the ground and 34 points per game. That presents nearly ideal as a rebound candidate. If the Falcon defense can continue their high level of play, Bo Richter and crew are going to make it a long night for Brayden Schager and the Hawaii offense. Which in turn will make for an even longer night for their overextended and fatigued defense.

And after three weeks of struggling in the kicking game, now would be a good time to see Matthew Dapore get back to form that resembled an All-Conference kicker. Air Force has been and can be a complete football team.

The road ahead is a difficult one for a team that has ambitions of a Conference Championship. With games against Boise State and UNLV looming, they cannot look past this week’s opponent. This truly is a ‘get right game’ for the Falcons.

No better time to shake off the seasons first loss and regain form, than a convincing win in paradise.

Back to basics.

Protect the ball. Run the ball. Sing second.

Air Force 35 –  Hawaii 17

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL YOU MILITARY VETERANS

It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to write about a team of young men that I feel are representing all that is best in us as people. And it is with immense respect and a heart full of gratitude that I express my sincerest thanks to all the Veterans out there providing a way of life that I am able to enjoy because of the sacrifices you make. On behalf of my family and so many others, Thank you.

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Air Force vs. Army: How the Falcons can defeat the Black Knights

Air Force vs. Army: How the Falcons can defeat the Black Knights The Falcons Look For Their 39th Win Over Army Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Can Air Force retain the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy? WEEK 10: Air Force Falcons 8-0 (5-0) vs. Army Black …

Air Force vs. Army: How the Falcons can defeat the Black Knights

The Falcons Look For Their 39th Win Over Army

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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Can Air Force retain the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy?

WEEK 10: Air Force Falcons 8-0 (5-0) vs. Army Black Knights 2-6

WHEN: Saturday, November 3rd — 12:30 P.M. MT/ 11:30 A.M. PT

WHERE: Mile High Stadium (Denver, CO)

WEATHER: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

TV: CBS Sports Network; John Sadak (play-by-play), Randy Cross (analyst), Tina Cervasio (sidelines)

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver, SIRIUS XM 380, SXM 970
Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series record 38-18-1

WEBSITES: GoArmyWestPoint.com, the official Army West Point athletics website | GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Army | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 22

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 20.3

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS:

Air Force is currently riding a 13-game win streak, dating back to 2022 as they are soaring towards securing a place in the Mountain West Championship game. Something the Falcons haven’t done since that magical ride Karson Roberts led them on back in 2015. Forget all of that though, because it’s ‘Beat Army’ week.

Yes, winning their first Mountain West Conference Championship would be an amazing accomplishment for the United States Air Force Academy. But there is universally one athletic objective that is unrivaled each and every season, and that is to win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.

Well, they’re halfway there as Bon Jovi famously sings. Two weeks ago, they beat Navy. Now, they must do something they haven’t done in seven seasons if they want to mark this mission accomplished; beat Army in consecutive years.

You couldn’t have two teams going in more opposite directions. Jeff Monken’s bunch are losers of five in a row, failing to score a single point in two of their last three contests. Air Force by contrast has yet to lose a game in 2023, winning every game by multiple scores, with the lone exception of their thriller over Wyoming at Falcon Staduim.

What has been a special run for Air Force can take a quick nosedive if they don’t finish the mission. They must beat Army to win their 21st Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, failing to do so by all accounts will drastically marginalize anything else they accomplish this year.

HERE’S HOW AIR FORCE CAN BEAT ARMY (again)

One of the major story lines for Army coming into the year was their “revamped” offense. They no longer consider themselves a conventional triple option offense, bringing in Drew Thatcher from Nebraska- Kerney, of Division II to shake things up. It suffices to say, the evolution is a work-in-progress.

In this new offense Army has tried to incorporate a passing attack to keep the opposition honest, operating typically from shotgun formations. They still run the ball, but not as effectively as some of their teams of past. Despite the new offense struggling to just 20 points per game, good enough for 116th nationally, they’ve stayed committed to the new philosophy.

A major reason for the lack of success is the rate at which Army has coughed up the ball. They’ve put the ball on the ground 19 times this year, losing 10 of those fumbles. It’s not been any better throwing the ball either, tossing 10 interceptions, throwing a pick every 13 pass attempts. This has the West Point offense averaging 2.5 turnovers per game.

Air Force has an opportunistic defense, don’t be deceived by the fact they have only forced nine turnovers. The Falcon offense limits opponents’ possessions, so there are less opportunities for takeaways. Whether it’s Bryson Dailey or the Freshman, Champ Harris at quarterback for Army, opportunities should be there to capitalize and steal a possession or two for the Air Force.

On top of taking advantage of an offense that has shown a propensity to be loose with the ball, Air Force needs to rack up steady gains on an underwhelming defensive line. The Black Knights are surrendering almost 200 yards per game (185.6) on the ground. One of the ways you disrupt the Falcon offense is by getting tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Something Army simply has not shown an ability to do.

Their starting trio of Frey, Lewis and Hill have garnered just 3.5 tackles for loss between them. This is something the Diesels should be able to exploit and get blockers on the linebackers creating opportunities for chunk yardage inside. When Air Force is chewing up yards with Emmanuel Michel and Owen Burk between the tackles, it spells certain doom for the opposition.

I would expect Defensive Coordinator Nate Woody to take a similar approach against the Falcons as Navy did, by loading up the box to try and take away the inside game. So to get that inside game going, an effective run game to the outside paired with some timely passes may be needed to soften things up. This is a medley that Air Force has counted on all year to complement one another, with much success.

It doesn’t matter how they get to it though, that inside run is what’s proven to be the dagger to many proverbial hearts. Army will meet the same fate if yards are had between those big Diesel tires.

Both teams defenses always seem to show up for this game. I wouldn’t expect any different this year. But the Army offense has been putting their defense in unenviable positions a lot this year, and there is a chance we’ll see four freshman featured on that unit when they play Saturday. That is not a recipe for success against Brian Knorr’s group.

The disparity in the two offenses is what will really make the difference on the scoreboard. Eventually Air Force is going to find a way to generate points, I’m not sure they same can be said for Army. Especially when you consider the personnel in the Falcons defensive unit; Alec Mock, Trey Taylor and Bo Richter all (should be) legitimately considered for MWC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The Trophy case is getting crowded in Colorado Springs, Air Force sings second.

Air Force 17 – 6 Army

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Air Force at Colorado State: How the Falcons can defeat the Rams

Air Force at Colorado State: How the Falcons can defeat the Rams The Battle for the Ram-Falcon Trophy Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Can Air Force win their 7th straight against the CSU? WEEK 9: Air Force Falcons 7-0 (4-0) vs. Colorado State Rams …

Air Force at Colorado State: How the Falcons can defeat the Rams

The Battle for the Ram-Falcon Trophy

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

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Can Air Force win their 7th straight against the CSU?

WEEK 9: Air Force Falcons 7-0 (4-0) vs. Colorado State Rams 3-4 (1-2)

WHEN: Saturday, October 28th — 5 P.M. MT/ 4 P.M. PT

WHERE: Canvas Stadium (Fort Collins, CO)

WEATHER: Snow in the evening will give way to lingering snow showers overnight. Low 19F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.

TV: CBS Sports Network
Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analyst), Brandon Baylor (sidelines)

RADIO: KVOR AM 740 in Colorado Springs, 104.3 the Fan in Denver, SIRIUS XM 380, SXM 970
Jim Arthur (play-by-play), Jesse Kurtz (analyst)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series record 38-21-1

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

GAME NOTES (PDF): CSU | Air Force

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 17.3

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 18.6

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTIONS: Air Force has an 72.25% chance to win (27.17-18.31)

Don’t blink, somehow we are already at week 9 of the college football season. Wedged in between games against Air Force’s primary rivals Army and Navy, is a “trap game” versus the CSU Rams.

The Falcons have been rolling through the season like a finely tuned F-22 Raptor. The most recent victim enroute to Air Force’s 7-0 start was their rival brethren of the sea. If you look at the score, nothing about their win over Navy is really eye popping. If you watched the game, your eyes would affirm what the story of this season has been telling you; The Falcons have an elite defense, completely suffocating the Mids. Navy wouldn’t have recorded a score, or even much more than 50 yards of offense were it not for Air Force playing an overtly conservative final drive to wind down the game. And news flash; their offense is not one dimensional.

Zac Larrier was a masterful conductor of the offense in a game that by most accounts, he was not expected to play. He was surgical throwing the ball completing 4/5 passes for 151 yards, which included a 94 yards touchdown pass to Dane Kinamon. He’s yet to throw an interception on the season. All of this couched with the obligatory nod to the fact he is the Mountain West Track champion. Larrier is playing his position at a level equal to or above anyone else in the MWC, period.

Awaiting the Bolts in Fort Collins is a more than capable Colorado State Rams team. Understanding the term capable is in no way a promissory note for victory. CSU has been very up and down this year, and in typical Jekyll and Hyde fashion, it’s going to be a matter of which variety of the Ram’s team shows up Saturday that will dictate how much of a threat they are to hand Air Force their first L of the season.

Jay Norvell and Matt Mumme seem to have settled on their quarterback now, which is essential in their pass heavy approach. Braden Fowler-Nicolosi has gotten a lot of attention for the statistics he’s posted in his time as a starter. And a major factor in those numbers would be the plethora of weapons he has to throw to. There are Bonafide Biletnikoff and Mackey award candidates on that CSU offense in Dallin Holker and Tory Horton. The production doesn’t stop there though, they have great depth in their pass catchers.

Air Force have not faced the kind of passing attack like they will this week. However, weather doesn’t look like it will be endearing to a pass heavy approach. And conversely, CSU has not faced a team like Air Force on either side of the ball. That’s not to inflate the greatness of the Falcons, it’s more of a reference to their unorthodox offense, and unprecedentedly stifling defense.

HERE’S HOW AIR FORCE CAN TOPPLE THE RAMS

The talent on the CSU offense is well documented. This isn’t the first time they have featured tandems of wide receiver and tight end quality that rival anyone nationally. It’s almost what we have come to expect from the Rams. What we haven’t come to expect is wins as a result of the talent. One of the major reasons they’ve struggled to peak above mediocrity is their defense.

One of the worst defenses in the nation, the Rams are as bad as anyone at defending the pass, and their run defense is nothing to write home about. Air Force is not going to be met with the same resistance to the run as they did last week, in particular allowing their fullbacks to be the catalyst to their offense. CSU ranks 91st in run defense, surrendering 160 yards per game on the ground. Take a look at their schedule, there aren’t many elite rushing attacks on that schedule. Air Force must impose their will, leaning on the country’s number one rushing attack to lead the way.

If the stable of fullbacks don’t have a big game on the ground, it probably means John Lee Eldridge has some eye popping yards per carry numbers getting the ball on the edge. It is also likely that the 131st pass defense is taken advantage of by Larrier and crew while they load the box to try and contend the run.

Historically, even when Air Force has had a good defense, their achilles heel has been the secondary exposed by an effective pass game to open things up. It seems contrary to make that remark considering they rank 4th nationally at defending the pass, but their dominance at time of possession helps skew that statistic. This could be one of those games that the numbers don’t tell the story. Success defending the pass is going to be a group effort, getting after the quarterback and communicating at the second and third level. The experience of an Alec Mock and Trey Taylor will key in that regard.

The last area of focus is going to lean in on the Falcons strength, which is in the trenches. CSU has done a great job of getting after the quarterback, averaging three sacks per game. They have also protected the quarterback very well, especially when you consider how often they throw the ball.

The Air Force defensive front has line wreckers in Bo Richter and Peyton Zdroik. They need to be able to generate pressure on Saturday so Nicolosi isn’t comfortable working through his reads to these talented receivers. Meanwhile, the ‘Diesels’ up front for the Falcons need to keep Mohammed Kamara and company out of their backfield. Expect a blocking scheme that accounts for the Rams strength to be deployed to allow for steady gains in the snow.

It’s really interesting looking at the how the Rams have fared defensively, despite four of the better defensive players in all of the conference. This lends a lot of credence to the reality that teams that function as a unit are often far more formidable than one that might have highly talented individuals but lack communication or are more significantly flawed at other positions. Air Force feasts on a defense that is not on top of its’ game communicating.

You are in for a treat especially if you enjoy good secondary play as four of the best safeties in the conference will be featured in Jack Howell, Henry Blackburn, Trey Taylor and Jayden Goodwin. Unfortunately for CSU fans, I don’t see this game setting up to end their losing streak to Air Force at six. Weather could be a factor for both teams, but precision and execution will be the biggest factor. And no one has proven better than Troy Calhoun’s squad at that thus far.

Air Force 28 – Colorado State 20

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Broncos met with LB Dequan Jackson at CSU’s pro day

Broncos scouts met with LB Dequan Jackson at CSU’s pro day last month.

The Denver Broncos had scouts meet with linebacker Dequan Jackson at Colorado State’s pro day last month, according to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo.

Jackson (6-2, 214 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds at CSU’s pro day after earning honorable mention All-Mountain West honors in 2022. A three-year team captain for the Rams, Jackson totaled 100 tackles (six behind the line), two forced fumbles and one pass breakup in 12 games last season.

Jackson played at Colorado State from 2018-2022, gaining an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19. He’s now set to turn 24 years old during his rookie season as a pro.

Jackson is projected to be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent candidate later this month. If drafted or signed by the Broncos, he will likely contribute on special teams while competing for rotational reps as a backup linebacker.

Before making any potential draft trades, Denver’s latest pick in the draft is set to be No. 195 overall in the sixth round.

The 2023 NFL draft will be held in Kansas City from April 27-29.

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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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Colorado State football coaches accused of covering up pandemic threat

Football players and staff at Colorado State have accused CSU football coaches of trying to stymie evidence of the COVID-19 threat.

Football players and athletic department staff at Colorado State have accused CSU football coaches of trying to stymie evidence of the COVID-19 threat facing the team, according to a report from the Coloradoan.

Rams coaches allegedly instructed players not to report symptoms, threatened to cut their playing time if they quarantined and altered contract tracing reports to allow practices to continue.

The head coach at Colorado State, Steve Addazio, was as an assistant coach at Florida throughout Urban Meyer’s tenure from 2005-10, serving as offensive coordinator for his final two seasons in Gainesville.

Members of the program said they believed it was engaging in a cover-up.

“I believe there is a cover-up going on at CSU,” said a current football player who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. “But they could only cover it up so long and now that we have so many cases across athletics, they can’t cover it up anymore. It’s not about the health and safety of the players but about just trying to make money off the players.”

Said an athletic department staff member: “There are some red flags in the athletic department but the common denominator with this administration is to protect the coaches before the student-athletes and that makes them feel more like cattle than student-athletes.”

Twenty-seven players were missing from practice due to COVID-19 on Wednesday, the last day of practice before the university temporarily halted it. Players believe the spur in new cases to stem from a Fourth of July party attended by a number of members of the team.

Athletic director Joe Parker said that while he’s unhappy to hear about the criticism, he believes in the efficacy of Colorado State’s plan.

“This (student-athlete) population is the most tested population there is here but obviously some feel that is not a good enough job to make them feel comfortable regarding their health,” he said. “If that’s the feeling, we will need to amp it up.”

Parker added that if players were told not to report symptoms to trainers, that is unacceptable.

Players said that Addazio and defensive coordinator Chuck Heater, both in their 60s, rarely wear masks at practice. They also alleged that coaches are coercing health administrators not to quarantine athletes, but that claim was disputed by Parker.

“There is no influence from our coaching staff on those kinds of decisions and those decisions are made outside of the athletic department and that is the way I want it,” he said.

Many players allegedly don’t wear masks at practice, leading to an environment many players deem to be unsafe.

“We had a player who definitely had coronavirus symptoms coughing at practice and he wasn’t wearing a mask and I was next to him, touching him and there was spit and sweat,” a player said. “I told him he needed to get tested but he really didn’t want to because then he would be out. The next day he is not at practice. (If he tested positive) he already had spread the virus. That’s why a lot of players don’t feel safe at football practice.”

Colorado State tested 150 athletes on Monday and is currently awaiting those results.

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Champ Bailey’s son, Keevan, will be a sophomore CB at CSU this fall

Keevan Bailey, Champ’s son, is aiming to have a big season at Colorado State this fall.

Champ Bailey’s son is hoping to make his own mark on Colorado sports.

Keevan Bailey (5-11, 175 pounds) will be a sophomore cornerback at Colorado State this fall. He began last year as a rotational cornerback as a freshman and was a starter by the end of the 2019 season.

“He’s a very talented kid, has a great skill set, and as the season went on last year, you just saw things starting to click a little bit more,” CSU cornerbacks coach Anthony Perkins said in an interview with Kelly Lyell of the Fort Collins Coloradoan.

“At the beginning of the season, he was relying mainly just on pure athleticism, and as the season went on last year you just saw things starting to click a little bit more.”

After totaling 19 tackles and one interception last year, Bailey is aiming to take a big jump in 2020.

Champ Bailey was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year after earning 12 Pro Bowl nods and totaling 52 interceptions in 15 seasons. He spent the final 10 years of his career with the Broncos.

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Wyoming vs. Colorado State: 3 Keys to Cowboys Victory

Wyoming vs. Colorado State: 3 Keys to a Cowboys Victory Will the Rams ever win the Bronze Boot again? Do they even remember what it is? Contact/Follow @jessetachiquin & @MWCwire Cowboys vs Rams WEEK 13: Wyoming Cowboys (6-4, 3-3 MW) vs Colorado …

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Wyoming vs. Colorado State: 3 Keys to a Cowboys Victory

Will the Rams ever win the Bronze Boot again? Do they even remember what it is?

Contact/Follow @jessetachiquin & @MWCwire

Cowboys vs Rams

WEEK 13: Wyoming Cowboys (6-4, 3-3 MW) vs Colorado State Rams (4-6, 3-3 MW)

WHEN: Friday, November 22— 7:30 PM MT

WHERE: War Memorial Stadium; Laramie, WY (29,131)

TV: ESPN2

STREAM: fuboTV

RADIO: Wyoming | Colorado State

SERIES RECORD: Colorado State leads 58-47-5 all-time

Wyoming leads Bronze Boot series 27-24

WEBSITES: Wyoming | Colorado State

ODDS (via OddsShark): Wyoming -6.5

FEI Projection: Wyoming by 15

According to ancient Colorado State lore, the Rams were once the proud holder of the Bronze Boot. While historians continue to argue the validity of that claim, current Buffalo Bills quarterback and former Wyoming standout Josh Allen chimed in with his thoughts on “Sheep Week”.

Colorado State is well aware of the history they will make if they are able to win the big game at War Memorial Stadium. Rams coach Mike Bobo reminded the team, the citizens of Fort Collins, and all of the communities along the Front Range of how the last three meetings against the Pokes have ended during practice this week.

All jokes aside, a very dangerous and hungry squad will be making their way up from Fort Collins for the game on Friday night. An explosive offense led by QB Patrick O’Brien and WR Warren Jackson combined with a must-win game from their perspective will ensure the Pokes get the best the Rams have to offer.

Three Keys to a Wyoming Win

Contain Warren Jackson

There is no way around it, this guy is a physical specimen. His “worst” game of the season was 4 rec-53 yards-1 TD against Arkansas. Pro Football Focus has Jackson ranked as the top G5 receiver. Wyoming’s defense gave up a lot through the air last week against Utah State so slowing the Rams passing game could be a challenge. Tyler Hall has been one of the better corners in the Mountain West but he will be at a huge size advantage against the Rams standout. Limiting Jackson’s production will be key in Wyoming keeping the Boot.

Reintroduce A Quarterback Running Threat

The Cowboys offense has looked really bad without a quarterback who can run the ball and Tyler Vander Waal had a tough game last week when he was asked to throw a lot more passes than the Pokes usually attempt. Last week, the Cowboys called some direct snaps to Valladay and attempted to get Austin Conway the ball on the perimeter. The reality is that Wyoming is going to struggle to expose the Rams defense if the plan is to run a knicked up Valladay up the gut for 25 attempts. Whether it’s calling more gimmick formations, more runs for Vander Waal, or inserting Levi Williams, the Cowboys need more out of that position than they have had the last 2 weeks.

Match Colorado State’s Intensity

The Rams have everything on the line in this one. At 4-6, they are still alive for a bowl bid if they can beat Wyoming and Boise State to close the season. While those odds are not great, with the way they have played during the second half of the season, they have shown that they haven’t given up. The seat is red hot for Mike Bobo and he may need wins against the Cowboys and Broncos to keep his job.

Wyoming also has a lot on the line. With a win, the Cowboys eliminate Colorado State, ensure their senior class never takes an L against the Rams, and earn the critical 7th win that should lock them into a bowl game.

Oh, and it’s for the Bronze Boot!

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