Tag: Mountain West Fooball

2020 Air Force Non-Conference Preview: The Army Black Knights

Will They Play? The Falcons looking for 38th Win vs. Army Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Lets Get to Know Army Record vs. Air Force: 16 wins- 37 losses- 1 tie Head Coach: Jeff Monken Conference: Independent Offensive Philosophy: Triple Option …

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Will They Play?

The Falcons looking for 38th Win vs. Army

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Lets Get to Know Army

Record vs. Air Force: 16 wins- 37 losses- 1 tie

Head Coach: Jeff Monken

Conference: Independent

Offensive Philosophy: Triple Option

Defensive Philosophy: 3-4

Mascot: Army Mules

Location: West Point, NY

2019 Record: 5-8

A Little History

Since its inception in 1972, Air Force has won the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy 20 times. Compare that to their rivals from West Point, who have only possessed the sacred hardware eight times, and its easy to bury the lead.

Even though the Falcons have dominated the battle for the CIC Trophy over its history, Army has laid claim to the hardware two of the last three years, with Navy earning it last season. So Air Force could be experiencing separation anxiety from the ultimate spoils of Military Football competition.

The Black Knights earned wins against the Falcons along their conquest to the CIC Trophy in 2017 and 2018. Last season, Air Force narrowly escaped with a victory in Colorado Springs. What type of ballistics will 2020 have in the chamber?

The Hypothetical Game

First things first; the Mountain West Conference has already pulled the plug on the fall football season. However, there is a Dumb and Dumber like hope “so your sayin’ there’s a chance” that Air Force will be able to play Army and Navy, keeping the battle for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy alive.

As is the case for nearly every school clinging to hope of playing a game this fall, nothing is guaranteed. This preview is hinged completely on the hopes of an exemption for the Air Force Academy to squeeze these two games in, despite the Conference closing up shop for the fall.

The Army Offense

When it came to putting up points, the Army offense was in the bottom half of the nation which consists of 130 teams. As a team that wants to control the clock and limit possessions, points scored can be a bit of a deceptive statistic for the Military Academies, which run the triple option offense.

At just over 28 points per game, the offense was serviceable, but surely looking to improve. For perspective, compare that to the 32 points per game in 2018, and that delta of five points would have made the difference in three of their losses last season, and any potential for bowl eligibility.

To their credit, Army still featured the third ranked rushing offense, averaging just under 300 yards per game on the ground. This was accomplished after replacing all but one starter on the offensive line, and their leading rusher from the year prior. The Cadets from West Point also took a page from the Air Force playbook, and had to start three different quarterbacks throughout the year. That in itself is usually not a recipe for success.

One of the positive things to come from last years struggles was valuable game experience at quarterback. Jabari Laws and Christian Anderson both got spot starts in 2019 for the oft injured Kelvin Hopkins Jr. Both Laws and Anderson amassed 400 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Where Laws separates himself is in the passing game. Even though Army rarely throws the ball, Jabari Laws completed 80% of his passes, averaging 15.6 yards per attempt. In case you’re wondering, the one-time MW Wire Player of the Year candidate, Donald Hammond III averaged 11.9 per attempt.

The Falcons would be wise to learn from last year, Jabari Laws is a threat with his arm and his legs. In his start against Air Force, Laws played very well finishing with over 200 yards passing and a passer rating of 275. The key  will be if he can remain healthy.

Also returning for 2020 are Sandon McCoy and his 500+ yards and 10 touchdowns, do-it-all back Artice Hobbs IV and leading pass catcher Camden Harrison. Whether its Laws or Anderson who take over the reigns of the Army offense, there will be some experienced parts around them.

The Army Defense and Special Teams

The Army defense featured some very good players in 2019. This was reflected in their 30th rank in total defense, and surrendering 23 points per game was good enough for 41st in the nation. All very respectable marks.

Air Force won’t have to reckon with inside linebacker Cole Christiansen for the first time in four years, which is an absolute relief. Also gone are stalwarts Ron Stoddard from the interior of the defensive line and Elijah Riley and Jaylon McClinton from the secondary. All key pieces to the Army defensive corp.

Even with all that talent departing, the Black Knights are still bringing back a couple studs, particularly in their front seven. Kwabena Bonsu and Edriece Patterson will be back to disrupt the line of scrimmage. And keeping with what seems like a decade long run of talented linebackers, Arik Smith will be an anchor.

On special teams, Army should be pretty comfortable returning their primary kick and punt returners in Artice Hobbs IV and Akyah Miranda. The punting game particularly shined as Zach Harding averaged 48 yards per punt as a sophomore. Kicking duties should be with Cole Talley who was very reliable on extra points as a freshman in 2019, but was just 1 for 3 on field goal attempts.

What To Expect

If Air Force wants to sing second again in 2020, they had better not expect to enjoy the type of fortune that befell them in 2019. The game ended the same way that it started, with a 4th down goal-line stop. Even more astonishing was how their defense held Army to zero points on 12 goal to go downs. In a game whose final score was 17- 13 in favor of the Falcons, the timely stands from the defense cannot be overstated.

Hopefully this game is played, as you will be hard pressed to find a more competitive match-up all season. This game doesn’t get the same endorsement that ‘Army-Navy’ does, but its just as bloody, and every bit the battle, regardless of what Jeff Monken may say to dig at Troy Calhoun. Consider the significance this match-up weighs on who captures the Commander-In-Chief’s, and there is no hype necessary.

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2020 Football Preview: Air Force vs. Navy Football

Can Air Force Sink Navy? The first skirmish in the War for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Meet the Mid’s Record vs. Air Force: 22 wins- 30 losses Head Coach: Ken Niumatalolo Conference: American Offensive …

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Can Air Force Sink Navy?

The first skirmish in the War for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Meet the Mid’s

Record vs. Air Force: 22 wins- 30 losses

Head Coach: Ken Niumatalolo

Conference: American

Offensive Philosophy: Triple Option

Defensive Philosophy: 3-4

Mascot: Bill the Goat

Location: Annapolis, Maryland

2019 Record: 11-2

All Time Record: Air Force 30 Wins – Navy 22 Wins

The Air Force vs. Navy Rivalry

The (athletic) primary goal for each of the Military Academies to start every season is identical: Win the Commander-In-Cheif’s trophy. Pretty simple, right? Maybe a little more so for Air Force and Navy, as history would indicate as they have owned the hardware 36 times between the two schools.

Since its inception in 48 years ago, in 1972, the CIC Trophy has been awarded to either Army, Navy or Air Force 44 times (due to it being shared in four seasons due to three-way ties). While Air Force holds a majority of its time shared at 20, Navy isn’t far behind. In fact, the Falcons find themselves in rare territory watching America’s Game between Army and Navy at the end of the regular season decide the CIC victors each of the last three years.

With these two schools dominating the the shares of the CIC Trophy, as Army has only captured the flag two of the last 23 years, this game does not get the recognition it deserves. No, it doesn’t have the cachet or ring to it that ‘Army-Navy’ does, but Air Force- Navy does decide the countries top Military Academy football a vast majority of years. For perspective, Army has only factored in slightly less than 17% of the time as their share.

Either way, if Air Force wants to add to their mantle and further distance themselves from the Midshipmen, they will have to be prepared for a four quarter brawl in 2020. Otherwise, they will be in for a four year drought.

The Navy Offense

The Mid’s sported one of the countries most potent offenses in 2020, averaging 37 points per game, good enough for 12th in the nation. Last years team also featured one of the most electric players in the country, and Navy history in quarterback Malcolm Perry.

Thankfully for Air Force, Perry and his 2,000 rush yards are now in Miami after being drafted in the NFL this spring. And while his legs were highly problematic for the Falcons along with everyone else on the Navy schedule, it was his improvement passing that was a difference maker. Simply put, Perry tore the heart out of the Falcons with late game heroics, connecting on a long pass that eventually led to a Mid’s victory.

The 2020 Navy offense will not have one the most dynamic players to ever wear their Academy’s uniform under center though. At least, not yet proven. They do however transition to another Perry at quarterback most likely, in sophomore Perry Olsen. As a freshman, Olsen earned the backup role and received a lot of meaningful reps last year. So even though he’s never started a game, his experience in 2019, along with being a career triple option quarterback in high school are reasons for confidence if you hail from Annapolis.

Head coach Ken Niumatalolo eluded to Olsen being the front-runner to the starting job out of the spring, but as most coaches do, he also lauded the depth pushing for the top spot. In the mix is senior Dalen Morris who wasn’t able to stay ahead of the freshman, Olsen last season. But as an upperclassmen, Morris has gotten three invaluable years worth of practice reps running the option.

In a similar mold to the aforementioned Malcolm Perry, a wildcard in the race could be Chance Warren. While I wouldn’t expect Warren to consume the starting quarterback spot by conventional measures, he’s acquitted himself as a sort of Swiss-army-knife for Navy, playing receiver, slot-back, returning kicks and even getting under center. Sound familiar?

So much like Air Force, who recently announced that their own stand-out quarterback, Donald Hammond III is no longer a cadet in good standing and therefore not eligible to represent the team; Navy too is working to figure things out under center, with no proven commodities.

Also like their rivals in Colorado, the Mid’s have an absolutely loaded backfield. You would think that losing 2,000 yards of production from a team couldn’t possibly leave that much in the tank coming back, right? Wrong. Navy is returning six of its top seven producers on the ground, and that includes a devastating fullback duo in Jamale Carothers and Nelson Smith, who bring 1,300 yards and 21 touchdowns worth of production between them, back from last years team.

While that tandem figures to be a menace between the tackles, there are some talented players flanking them at slot-back and receiver. C.J. Williams figures to take on an even bigger role this year as an all-purpose weapon. This team returns talent, depth and production at the skill positions which should help ease in a new starting quarterback.

Their ability to try and replicate last years success will fall heavily on the line. Again like the Falcons, Navy is returning two esteemed starters from last year, both of which are on the AAC’s pre-season 2nd Team All Conference list.

The Navy Defense and Special Teams

Although a majority of the spotlight was on the Malcolm Perry and the Navy offense last year, it was really the improvement on defense that helped them improve their win total by eight in 2019. After a dreadful campaign the year prior, the Mid’s featured a very stout defense that surrendered just 22 points per game. That was an 11 point improvement year over year, vaulting the team scoring defense from outside the top 100 in the country to 35th.

Navy has 10 cadets that were recognized by Athlon Sports as Preseason All-Conference players, and six of them were on the defensive side of the ball. The Mid’s were represented at each level of the defense, which should help carry optimism over from 2019’s campaign.

Of all the talent that does come back on the defensive side of the ball, it all starts with First Team All AAC linebacker, Diego Fagot. This is a cadet who earned a starting spot as a freshman and hasn’t looked back. As a sophomore, Fagot was a disruptive force clearing 100 tackles, 12 of which were for losses to go with his 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pick-six.

Joining Fagot on Preseason All-Conference list are D-Lineman J’arius Warren and Jackson Perkins, along with Michael McMorris, Evan Fochtman and Kevin Brennan from the secondary. Somehow Jake Springer and his 16 TFL’s and eight sacks couldn’t land him with his mates. He is another disruptive defender that the Falcons must account for.

Even though Navy will be breaking in a new punter this season, they return their full arsenal otherwise. The kick and punt return game should be solid with Williams and Warren presumed to continue those roles. While at kicker, they should be in good hands with Bijon Nichols returning after a very solid freshman year.

What To Expect

By most accounts, Navy is returning a lot more known commodities if you simply look at production. There are a lot of similarities between these two squads, but on paper Navy looks to be poised for another good season. If their quarterback play acclimates quickly, this could be a very dangerous team with all the pieces around them.

Air Force on the other hand is not completed bereaved of talent, but there are far more unknowns at this point, especially with the a massive chasm under center. Similar to Perry Olsen, or whomever the Mid’s feature under center, the Falcons quarterback will have weapons to work with. Whether it’s Warren Bryan, Chance Stevenson or any Falcons working their way up the depth chart, it’s going to be a matter of how quickly the new QB1 can mesh with the pieces around them.

Last year featured two teams that ultimately combined for 22 wins, punctuated with signature bowl victories. Ironically in their head-to-head match though, both teams turned the ball over far more than normal, in what was uncharacteristically sloppy football. Albeit a thrilling game down to the end, this is not the kind of game that either team wants to recreate, especially Air Force.

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Air Force Football 2020 Non Conference Preview: Boiler Up

Boilermakers back on the Rails? Will Purdue lose to a MWC team in back-to-back years? Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Getting to know the Purdue Boilermakers Head Coach: Jeff Brohm (17-21 at Purdue) Conference: Big Ten (B1G) – West Division …

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Boilermakers back on the Rails?

Will Purdue lose to a MWC team in back-to-back years?

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Getting to know the Purdue Boilermakers

Head Coach: Jeff Brohm (17-21 at Purdue)

Conference: Big Ten (B1G) – West Division

Nickname: Boilers

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

2019 Record: 4-8

 

Even though it may look as if the Falcons are easing into the 2020 football season with an opener against the FCS Duquesne Dukes, there is nothing “easy” about the ensuing weeks of the schedule. From their season opener, Air Force then hosts the defending MWC champions, Boise State. After they tussle with the Broncos, the Falcons will find themselves in B1G country, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Air Force is no stranger to the B1G, holding a 5-9-2 record against the conference, with their last three ventures coming by way of Michigan schools. Most recently, in 2017, the Falcons succumb to a then top ten ranked Michigan Wolverines team.

Prior to that it will have been exactly five years to the day on September 19, 2020, when they matched up the Spartans. In 2015, they traveled to East Lansing and played eventual B1G Champion and Playoff Bound, Michigan State very respectably, losing by two scores. I’m glad that I made road trip out to see this one in person. Spartan Stadium is nicely situated on their campus, and that was a special year for the Mountain Division Champion Falcons.

I wouldn’t expect Purdue to push for a Playoff spot in 2020. However, with a B1G West Division that is up for grabs, a rebound season could find the Boilers jockeying for a place atop that side of the Conference. As disappointing as 2019 was, four of their losses came to ranked opponents, and two of which were by a single score. There is reason for optimism if your a Boilermaker fan.

The Purdue Offense

A lethal offense has been the hallmark of Jeff Brohm led team. Even before he arrived at Purdue, Brohm had a lot of success at Western Kentucky, riding a potent offense to back to back conference championships, and even an AP Top 25 Ranking.

The Boilers seemed to be progressing in Brohms first two years in West Lafayette, before injuries, an inconsistent offense and a leaky defense beset the team in 2019. Purdue started three different quarterbacks last season, and that alone can be a recipe for disaster. A dilemma that Air Force knows all too well.

A majority of snaps went to freshman signal callers Aidan O’Connell and Jack Plummer, who if you were to just look at their statistics were quite serviceable. This is especially true when you consider they played a majority of the season without one of nations most electrifying players, Rondale Moore. The passing attack averaged over 300 yards per game, which was 12th in the country and led the B1G Conference.

Coming into this season, the Boilers offense had three players recognized by Athlon Sports as pre-season All-Conference players; WR Rondale Moore- 1st Team, WR David Bell- 2nd Team and OL Grant Hermanns- 4th Team.

There are plenty of reasons to believe Purdue can have a rebound season, and it all starts with Rondale Moore and the offense. Consistent quarterback and offensive line play continues to be the big question for the Boilers, but progress could help ensure a few more W’s. The quarterback room also got a boost of experience with incoming senior transfer, Austin Burton, from UCLA.

That was a lot of talk around the passing game- but the reality is, the offense was not well rounded. In fact, Purdue featured one of the worst running attacks in the country, ranking 126th, averaging just 2.92 yards per carry for 83.3 yards per game. As a team, they averaged just 25.8 points per game, good enough for 87th in the country.

Purdue is returning quarterbacks with game experience, their top two rushers to go with their three most productive receivers for 2020. There is room for growth and plenty of optimism on this side of the ball.

The Purdue Defense

Even though their overall rank (86th) for points per game allowed is right in line with their offense, there are far lesser known commodities on the defensive side of the ball. As a unit, the Purdue defense surrendered 30 points per game.

While they do return pre-season All-Conference players in DL George Karlaftis- 1st Team, and DL Lorenzo Neal, there are more questions than answers. Also back is Derrick Barnes, who racked up 11 TFL’s to go with 7.5 sacks, but again, there is still plenty to be sorted out on this side of the ball.

Brohm has done a great job recruiting at Purdue, so that may end up being the answer to a lot of the questions on defense. When your defensive showing was lackluster, introducing new talent isn’t necessarily a bad thing, even if unproven.

As it relates to their match-up with Air Force, at lease the strength of the defense appears to be in the front seven. Purdue ranked 99th versus the run last season, allowing 193 yards per game. That will be a significant influence to the narrative when these teams play in the fall.

What To Expect

If Purdue wants to avoid a repeat of their 2019 results vs. Nevada, they are going to have to get stout up front on defense, and take care of the ball. Rondale Moore is a game changer, and if he is healthy, the offense could be explosive.

Thankfully, Air Force has an All-Conference standout of its own in Tre Bugg, who is going to be challenged with covering Moore. The Falcons are not estranged to covering elite receivers, but the supporting cast in the secondary is a bit of an unknown after losing all of its starters with the exception of Bugg, and some depth players.

If last season is any indication, Air Force played three of the top five passing offenses in the country, which included the top ranked Washington State Cougars. The Falcons secured victories in all three games, winning two of which comfortably.

I think the 2020 version of Purdue is a certainly a Bowl ready team, with enough talent to incite debates of division contender worthiness. The combination of some truly explosive talent on both offenses, a Purdue defense (especially vs. the run) looking for progress and the Falcons who are replacing a lot of departing production from their defense lends to the potential of a shootout.

I would expect the type of entertaining out of conference contest we were treated to last year, when Air Force traveled to Boulder to upend Colorado in a thriller.

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Air Force Non Conference Preview: The Duquesne Dukes

Will Troy Calhoun stay undefeated vs. the FCS? Tune up or upset alert? Contact/Follow @MWCWire What about Duquesne? Head Coach: Jerry Schmitt Conference: Northeast (FCS) Nickname: Dukes Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 2019 Record: 6-4 The 2020 …

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Will Troy Calhoun stay undefeated vs. the FCS?

Tune up or upset alert?

Contact/Follow @MWCWire

What about Duquesne?

Head Coach: Jerry Schmitt

Conference: Northeast (FCS)

Nickname: Dukes

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2019 Record: 6-4

The 2020 variety of the Falcons obligatory FCS season opener comes by way of the Duquesne Dukes. This is one where I really wish Air Force was playing an away game, as Duquesne University is only 30 miles away from me. Fun Fact, I actually worked in the city of Duquesne for five years.

In 2019 the Dukes got off to a good start, going 6-2 before stumbling to the finish, losing their final 3 games. They ended the season in the middle of the Northeast Conference at 6-5. One of the five losses ironically came at the hands of fellow Mountain West member, Hawai’i, where they entered the second half only down by seven, before succumbing by a respectable score of 41-21.

One of the major reasons Duquesne was able to find success last year was their ground game. Similar to Air Force, they actually rushed for more yardage than they passed, grinding out of 2,000 yards on the ground.

Its also no coincidence that their season started to get away from them, when Duquesne lost starting quarterback, and former Florida Atlantic transfer, Daniel Parr. The injuries piled up for the Dukes in general by years end, and the team will look very different as they take the field in Colorado Springs, in 2020 for their opener.

What to Expect

Duquesne is no slouch as it pertains to NEC (Northeast Conference) or even FCS teams in general. They won their conference just two years ago, in 2018, and have been crowned the conference champs in two of the past four seasons. They expect to compete in every game, every season.

Unfortunately for them, in even the most generous of definitions, to compete with Air Force would be a very tall order. Gone are the two-deep, top producers for the Dukes at quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

The departure of NFL Prospect Daniel Parr was previously documented. But what is going to be impossible to replace is the ground production from an outstanding tandem of running backs in Mark Allen and A.J. Hines.

Mark Allen was a Penn State transfer who provided plenty of production on a very run oriented offense. A.J. Hines on the other hand leaves Duquesne as the most decorated runner in the programs history; graduating as the all-time leader in most rushing categories.

The Dukes may do a nice job of filling holes on their offense in particular, but that will only be relevent as it relates to their conference play. They have the unfortunate task of trying to sort those things out against a pre-season top 25 Air Force team that will in all likelihood impose their will.

Prediction: Air Force wins by Name Your Score

 

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Air Force Football: Top Five Moments from 2019

Moment #2 from 2019 Two Years is Two Too Many Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Were still counting down the five most memorable moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. In case you missed our first three installments of this five part series, …

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Moment #2 from 2019

Two Years is Two Too Many

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Were still counting down the five most memorable moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. In case you missed our first three installments of this five part series, check them out here  Part 1 , Part 2 and Part 3 .

COMING IN AT #2

November 2, 2019 Air Force 17 vs. Army 13

For any leg of the Military Academies Battle for the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy, it can be expected to be hotly contested, regardless of team records. Coming into their 2019 clash with Army, Air Force had already lost to Navy earlier in the year, making the teams number one goal each season, a trip to the White House, already out of reach.

Army consequently was still searching for their footing when they traveled to Colorado Springs. They were one loss away from being eliminated from Bowl Consideration, but the ultimate prize was still within reach for Cadets from West Point; The Commander-In-Chief’s trophy. Army finishes the season against Navy, therefore a win at Air Force not only would have kept their Bowl aspirations alive, but a third consecutive trip to meet the President.

When you lay all that was at stake for Army out there, you could easily be fooled into attributing the motivation factor to their sideline. To borrow a phrase from Lee Corso “not so fast, my friend”. The Falcons had endured two consecutive losses to the Black Knights, and the Army team and fan base has been spewing reminders of it for the full 24 months.

Its almost as if the Army contingent had forgotten that Air Force had won 18 of their 20 meetings prior. Perhaps that’s more palatable than a friendly reminder of how Air Force has also captured the CIC Trophy 18 times, as compared to their eight. But who’s counting?

The beauty of this rivalry is that none of the aforementioned matters when Military Academies play. These are bitter rivalry games, and the play on the field reflects that. But there is something beautiful about these games, and as a football fan you have to appreciate that individuals that are ready and willing to die for one another can flip a switch to punish one another for a full four quarters, without batting an eye.

The 2019 meeting between Army and Air Force was certainly of that bruising variety, which it was apparent that neither team would leave an ounce of breath on the field.

Coming into the game, you would have thought that a slight offensive edge belonged to Air Force because of D.J. Hammond’s ability to throw the ball. That was not the case at all this day, as Hammond’s most critical contributions came in his decision making, and modest yet grueling rush yards, which the Falcon’s needed every one of.

Jabari Laws on the other hand came out slinging and had a career day throwing the ball for over 200 yards. So while the Falcon defense kept the Army run game well below its average, the passing game became the real wild card.

In the end, multiple fourth down stops by the Air Force defense were the difference. A theme as the season went on, as we saw. This was a showing of fortitude by both teams, but in the end, the Falcons did what they have done more often than not against Army; Air Force Sang Second.

Next Time We Reveal Air Force’s Top Moment from 2019!

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Air Force Football: Top Five Moments from 2019 (Part 3)

Moment #3 from 2019 The Kings of Colorado Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Were still counting down the five most memorable moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. In case you missed our first two installments of this five part series, check …

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Moment #3 from 2019

The Kings of Colorado

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Were still counting down the five most memorable moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. In case you missed our first two installments of this five part series, check them out here  Part 1 or Part 2 .

COMING IN AT #3

The Claim to Colorado: Air Force 30 at Colorado 23 | Air Force 38 at Colorado State 21

During the off-season if you looked ahead at the Air Force schedule, it appeared a daunting one. On top of the Mountain Division regulars, which includes rival Colorado State and the Commander-In-Chief series opponents, the Falcons landed in state foes, in the Colorado Buffaloes for 2019.

During the Mountain West’s media days, Troy Calhoun was as quick to remark on just how difficult their schedule looked. Going as far as to say its the toughest he’s seen at the Academy.

Hyperbole? Not necessarily.

The Falcons already had difficult games against Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State built into the calendar, along with the Rams at CSU. You can always count on two prize-fights against Army and Navy each year as well. Pair all of that up with a trip to Boulder to face an NFL potential talent at quarterback, defensive line, linebacker and an elite receiver, and the schedule quickly becomes legit.

The caveat of interest built into this schedule was the Battle for Colorado though. Air Force plays Colorado State every year. The Rams play the Buffaloes each season. But with the odds of Haley’s comet, the stars aligned, and the Falcons completed the Colorado trinity by facing the Buff’s for the first time since Nixon was in office.

The Falcons season couldn’t have gotten off to a more thrilling start, trading blows with an opponent from the PAC12. They could have viewed this game as a confidence builder to stay within a score, coming off of back to back 5-7 seasons. But instead, Air Force began their validation process to show just how special this team was in 2019.

After four quarters of back and forth lead changes, the Buff’s wrestled away a 10 point lead late in the game to send it into overtime. From there, the defense did their part, fending off a talented Colorado offense, and the offense did what they did a lot of this season; score touchdowns. Like a dagger to the heart, Kade Remsberg projects across the goal line, securing victory in the first leg of the battle for Colorado.

It wasn’t until mid November that Air Force would have the opportunity to complete their sweep of the state. Between their games in Boulder and Fort Collins, the Falcons stacked up another 5  wins before lining up against the Rams. As fate would have it, that would exceed the win total for the Rams for the entire 2019 season.

Air Force entered the contest with Colorado State full of confidence, and the end result reflected it. After going down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Falcons didn’t flinch. Completely dominating the balance of the game, and outscoring the Rams 38-7 from that point on.

Make no mistake, this was not the Commander-In-Chief’s trophy. However, these are in state rivals, and all three of these teams wanted this series. Its a shame this can’t be a more regularly played trilogy, but maybe it will find a way to land on the schedule more frequently in the future.

Reflective of the season that was for Air Force, the battle for Colorado went to the best team. And in nearly every game they played this year, a similar result would yield. All Hail the Kings of Colorado, the United States Air Force Academy!

Next We Will the second most epic moment of the 2019 season

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Air Force Football: Top Five Moments from 2019

Moment #4 from 2019 Bugg says Aloha for 92 yards and the score Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Were counting down the top five moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. If you missed our initial post on the 5th ranked moment, you can check it …

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Moment #4 from 2019

Bugg says Aloha for 92 yards and the score

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Were counting down the top five moments of the Falcon’s 2019 football season. If you missed our initial post on the 5th ranked moment, you can check it out here.

COMING IN AT #4

October 19, 2019: Air Force 56 at Hawai’i 26

Before Nick Rolovich’s Warriors from Hawai’i cemented themselves as the darlings of the West Division, they had a less than memorable meeting with the Cadets from Colorado Springs.

Prior to playing either of the Mountain Division powers, Hawai’i had begun to string together a nice season. They started the year off by knocking off two of their three power five opponents from the PAC 12. They then proceeded to dismantle their division rivals, Nevada by 51 points, all before the calendar turned to October.

After a 22 point loss on the Blue Turf to Boise, Hawai’i headed back to the island to prepare for Air Force. Things did not get any easier.

A prolific run-and-shoot passing offense that the Bows’ deployed, looked poise to feast on a Falcon defense that was coming off of a lackluster 2018, by their own admission. To make things even bleaker, the Falcons lost their starting quarterback, D.J. Hammond early in this game, and backup Isaiah Sanders was unavailable due to injury.

Enter, super senior Michael Schmidt. Under Schmidt, the offense didn’t miss a beat. In fact, the Air Force attack thrived under his control. Not only did the Falcons ground game have its way with Hawai’i, seeing Timothy Jackson and Schmidt clear 100 yards, with Kadin Remsberg not far behind, but the passing attack was humming as well.

The Air Force offense was operating at such a high level, it wouldn’t of mattered really how effective the Cole McDonald led pass attack was this day. The Falcons seemingly scored at will, but to make things worse for Hawai’i fans, we learned this day that the Air Force defense had completely turned the page from last year. Not only had they improved, but the defense was a force as we learned by seasons end.

Once the dust settled, Air Force handed Hawai’i a 30 point beat down. This was made possible by a relentless defensive effort that was topped off with a 92 yard interception return for a touchdown by Tre Bugg, sure to earn play of the year considerations this year.

And offensively, you couldn’t help but to appreciate what Mike Schmidt was able to do with his opportunity. Having less than a handful of snaps in his four years with the team prior, he cashed in with 120 yards on the ground and three touchdowns, to go along with 147 through the air and another score.

Next We Will Unveil Moment #3

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Air Force Football: Top Five Moments from 2019

Falcon Arial Assault Waters, Sanders and Hammond have Game for the Ages Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire When you put together a historical season as Air Force just did, the ride is usually composed of a lot of thrills. With the 2019 season in the …

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Falcon Arial Assault

Waters, Sanders and Hammond have Game for the Ages

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

When you put together a historical season as Air Force just did, the ride is usually composed of a lot of thrills. With the 2019 season in the books, lets take some time to reflect on some of the most memorable moments of the Falcons season.

COMING IN AT #5

November 23, 2019 Air Force 44 at New Mexico 22

Remember the Air Force game against New Mexico back in November, where D.J. Hammond missed that one pass? You know, the one where he literally threw a single incomplete pass!

If you missed this performance, or somehow forgot, allow me to reminisce. The Falcon ground game wasn’t their normal selves, chewing up a little more than 200 yards on the ground. Normally you might ask, what happened to their other 1/3 of rushing production?

The reality is, the firm of ‘Waters, Sanders and Hammond’ were so dominant, the normal workhorse backfield of Air Force was adjourned early. Even though Ben Waters and Geraud Sanders were the only players to catch passes this day, they tuned up the Lobo defense to the tune of 327 yards and four tuddies.

These guys along with quarterback, D.J. Hammond put up video game like numbers. Waters hauled in four passes that accounted for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders on the other-hand was only able to grind out 156 yards on his five catches while matching his counterpart in touchdowns.

These two averaged 42 and 31 yards per catch respectively. If that number seems off-the-charts, it is. And much like the end of season stats supported, Sanders led the country in yards per catch. While Waters would have led the country if he had enough catches to qualify. In case your wondering, that was 700 yards and seven touchdowns on the season, which did not qualify.

Anytime you throw more touchdowns than incomplete passes, you have had a pretty special game. When you say that you threw three more touchdowns than incomplete passes, you are a liar.

Or, you were D.J. Hammond on this night. The Falcons trigger-man amassed 327 yards passing, while completing 9 out of 10 passes for four touchdowns. This was garnished well with another trip to paydirt on 41 rush yards, for a five total touchdown performance.

The numbers this offense compiled that night were impressive. But to truly appreciate this accomplishment, you have to understand that this is conventionally a run-heavy triple option offense. And even at that, the efficiency which these guys were able to surgically dismember their opponent was nothing short of spectacular.

Next We Revisit Moment #4

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2019 Cheez-It Bowl Game Preview: Keys To An Air Force Win vs. Washington State

The Falcons take on the Washington State Cougars in what should be one of the year’s most entertaining bowl games.

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2019 Cheez-It Bowl Game Preview: Keys to an Air Force Win vs. Washington State

Can Air Force ground the Air Raid?

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

A bowl game with true parity.

2019 CHEEZ-IT BOWL: Washington State Cougars (6-6, 3-6 Pac-12) vs. Air Force Falcons (10-2, 7-1 Mountain West)

WHEN: Friday, December 27, 2019 — 8:15 PM MT/7:15 PM PT

WHERE: Chase Field; Phoenix, Arizona (48,686)

PAYOUT: $1,625,550 per team

TV: ESPN

STREAMING: You can get a free seven-day trial of FuboTV by clicking here.

RADIO: The Air Force broadcast can be found in and around Colorado Springs on 740 AM (KVOR), on 104.3 FM in Denver, and elsewhere on the American Forces Network. The Washington State broadcast can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest on the affiliates of the Washington State Sports Network, which includes flagships 104.3 FM (KHTR) and 920 AM (KXLY) in Pullman and Spokane, respectively.

Alternatively, the radio broadcast can be streamed online via TuneIn.

SERIES RECORD: This is the first meeting between Air Force and Washington State.

WEBSITES: GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website | WSUCougars.com, the official Washington State athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Air Force | Washington State

ODDS (via OddsShark): Air Force -3

SP+ PROJECTION: Washington State by 0.2 (50% win probability)

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 9.7

As the sun is about to set on another college football season, there is still one last mission in front of the Falcons: Defeat the Washington State Cougars. For Air Force to reach the 11-win mark for the first time (they have won 10 and 12 in a season), they must be prepared to defend the pass, early and often.

Likewise, if Wazzu would like to end the 2019 campaign with a winning record, they had better be prepared to not only defend the run, but remain disciplined at all levels of their defense.

With such contrasting styles of play, it’s understandable why the Cheez-It Bowl has garnered so much attention. Whatever your appetite is for offense, it will be on the menu.

Three Keys to an Air Force Victory

1. Pass Efficiency > Pass Yards

It is well documented that essentially anytime you play against a Mike Leach-coached team, your secondary will be tested. Facing the top passing offense in the country, the Falcon secondary will have to be sharp. Healthy disruption of Anthony Gordon’s pocket by all-conference standouts Mosese Fifita, Kyle Johnson and Demonte Meeks will go a long way. And, oh yeah, there is also that Jordan Jackson fellow.

It’s really important to understand, too, that the Cougars pass game isn’t the only one that will be on display Friday. As accomplished as their offense is, Air Force showcases the most efficient passing offense in the country. Consider that they will match up against a Cougar pass defense which is one of the worst (statistically) in all of FBS.

And in case you’re wondering, the Falcon defense ranks in the top 40 when it comes to stopping the pass. It’s prudent to also point out that the Air Force ranks 16th in overall defense. Both are monumental strides from last year.

2. Do What You Do

I know we just exhausted some effort in outlining the importance of Air Force’s offensive pass efficiency. But the reality is that success is widely predicated on the success of their ground attack. That’s their bread and butter, if you will.

The general nature and success of the Falcon football team goes as the run game does. It can chew up clock, limiting possessions for the opposing offense. All the while, it can completely wear down and outright demoralize the defense.

This is who Air Force is. They showcase the third-most productive rushing attack in the country. If you haven’t watched this team play, don’t expect to see straight designed pass plays to support that highly efficient passing offense. What you can expect is to see a physically and mentally fatigued defense from the running attack have a lapse a few times through the game, which the Falcons have made a living on exposing with the big pass play.

3. Think Hawai’i

Now, I realize that the run-and-shoot offense of Hawai’i is not the same as the Air Raid that Wazzu deploys. However, by volume of passes they will have to defend, it’s a pretty fair benchmark. And even though Cole McDonald racked up over 400 yards, it was in a losing effort. More than that, it was in a completely dominant Air Force win.

The Falcon defense forced two turnovers, one of which being one of the highlights of the NCAA season in another Zane Lewis 99 yard INT returned for a touchdown. Air Force doesn’t have to have a defensive score to win (though it certainly would help), they just need to stay the course and impose their will offensively.

The first read (Fullback Dive) is the catalyst to the Triple Option offense. When, that aspect of the attack is going, it makes for a very long day for the defense. From there, the Falcons can unleash a litany of weapons. Get the dive going, get the offense going.

Prediction

Like many, I am really excited to see how these contrasting styles play out. Wazzu has had extra time to prepare for the triple option, which should certainly be an advantage over conventional prep time.

I believe that the Falcons defense could and may surrender another 400 yard passing game. And frankly, that may be fine based on how they want to dictate the game. The defense could allow this type of yardage and still have a good showing, ask Nick Rolovich.

In the end, D.J. Hammond III is in command of a lethal offensive attack. The Coug’s are and I believe will be a formidable opponent for the Falcons on Friday. But I don’t think Washington State is going to be able to have any sustained success at staving off a relentless assault from the Hammond led offense.

Air Force earns their first 11-win season.

Air Force 35- Washington State 28

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2019 SoFi Hawai’i Bowl Preview: Hawai’i vs BYU

2019 SoFi Hawai’i Bowl Preview: Hawai’i vs BYU Who will win in this former WAC matchup? Contact/Follow @MWCwire Look for a lot of points. Who: Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors(9-5) vs BYU Cougars(7-5) When: Tuesday December 24th @ 3:00 pm HST 6:00pm MT …

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2019 SoFi Hawai’i Bowl Preview: Hawai’i vs BYU

Who will win in this former WAC matchup?

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

Look for a lot of points.

Who: Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors(9-5) vs BYU Cougars(7-5)

When: Tuesday December 24th @ 3:00 pm HST 6:00pm MT

Where: Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI

TV: ESPN

Radio: ESPN Honolulu

Odds: BYU by -2

Series Record: BYU leads overall 13-4, 7-4 in Honolulu. First meeting in bowl game.

Could we see fireworks before New Year’s Eve in the SoFi Hawai’i Bowl?

Sand, surf and sunshine are just a few things the Cougars and fans are looking forward to as they make their trek to Honolulu. But facing the “home team” ‘Bows not so much. Hawai’i fans dislike BYU and makes them a rivalry team yet it has not been much based on the series record. The notion is from the Cougar’s 10 game winning streak blowing out UH back in the 80’s that left Hawai’i coaches, players, and fans circling the date of the next meeting between the two for some payback. On October 29th 1989 the nationally ranked Cougars finally faltered and were routed 56-14 and the following year UH spoiled BYU QB Ty Detmer‘s Heisman winning party with a 59-28 drubbing.

Fast forward to recent times and you might see a similar pattern as BYU has a five game winning streak with the Rainbow Warriors last win a 72-45 romp on the 9th ranked and then undefeated Cougars back in 2001. Hawai’i actually had a bowl eligible record at 9-3 but was left out as mainland bowls who did not want to invite UH for lack of fans traveling. Thus the Hawai’i Bowl was born a year later to give the ‘Bows a chance for an extra game and exposure on national TV.

We may see three QBs in this game that can light up the scoreboard through the air and also extend drives with their legs. BYU’s Zach Wilson is 4-4 this year with two P5 wins over 24th ranked USC and at Tennessee. The true sophomore stats( 2,108 yards, 11 TDs 7 INTs) are limited due to an injury that left him out of October and early November.

Hawai’i redshirt Junior Cole McDonald has had an up and down season notching two PAC 12 wins over Arizona and Oregon State earlier in the season. Even though he racked up 3,642 yards and 29 TDs his turnovers with 14 INTs or fumbles has cost him the full time position as QB1. McDonald seems like he wants to end 2019 on a high note for the seniors and possibly his career at UH with a win over the Cougars.

“I want a bowl ring, I want a 10-win season, I want a new stadium, but I want to experience this last ride with these guys,” explained McDonald. “A lot of these guys I may never see again, let alone play with, I want to enjoy this moment and take it all in with these guys. They’re my best friends for life; I want to have fun and play ball.”

His reliever Chevan Cordeiro has many UH fans excited about the future of the program as they are witnessing a very talented “local boy” quarterback since the Bryant Moniz or even the Timmy Chang days. The redshirt Freshman has been throwing with confidence amassing 907 yards and scrambling for 210 with his signature shootout win against San Jose State. Although he got injured in the Army game and didn’t see time in the MW championship game against Boise State, we may see him if healthy at some point in this game because Hawai’i head coach Nick Rolovich says they both deserve some meaningful game time.

Other notable offensive players:

Hawai’i WR Cedric Byrd(95 rec 1,068 yds 10 TDs)

RB Miles Reed(164 car 891 yds 8 TDs)

WR Jason Matthew Sharsh(80 rec 823 yds 4 TDs

BYU RB Lopini Katoa (74 car 307 yds 3 TDs)

WR Talon Shumway(40 rec 539 yds 4 TDs)

TE Matt Bushman(41 rec 597 yds 4 TDs)

The two defenses we’ll see on the field will probably have a hard time stopping the opposing offenses if both offenses are playing to the potential that they have shown throughout the season. BYU’s offense has been balanced for the most part but I would look to see some deep passes from Wilson early on the game to exploit Hawaii’s secondary. Hawaii’s best corners Rojesterman Ferris and Cortez Davis will need to have big games to eliminate the big plays BYU is capable of making.

The run and shoot offense is no secret now and there is plenty of tape for the Cougar’s defense to look up but it’s always different when it’s game time and in real speed. There should be a lot of adjustments before and during halftime to slow down the Rainbow Warriors. The Cougar’s secondary is talented with FS Austin Lee(55 tackles) and CB Dayan Ghanwoloku(60 tackles). Up front the Cougars only produce 12 sacks but will need to put a ton of pressure on McDonald or Cordeiro and get them out of their game.

Other notable defensive players:

Hawai’i LB Solomon Matautia(75 tackles 2 INTs)

S Khoury Bethley(73 tackles)

BYU LB Kavika Fonua(78 tackles 2INTs)

LB Isaiah Kaufusi(53 tackles 2 INTs)

Prediction

Any Bowl predictions you see online will be suspect and this one is no different. It’s too hard to predict who the coaches will actually play or how much emphasis they have on winning unless you’re playing in a NY6 bowl or the playoffs. Sure no one wants to lose but most coaches try to balance the game plan, having fun, and letting some younger players get more reps for their future development. I’ll expect a slow start by both teams before Hawai’i can get some momentum maybe from a big play through the air and eventually put up big numbers in the second half.

Hawai’i 38 BYU 28

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