Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The Young and the Restless

I'm holding a copy of the Air Force Football teams first official depth chart. There's only 7 seniors expected to start Saturday against Colgate. In the two deep 13 players are either freshman or sophomores. This will happen every 4 or 5 years, but it happens to the Falcons in a year where the Mountain West may be one of the deepest conferences in the nation. Its a young football team. The talent potential is big, but the experience level is not. If Air Force is going to be a serious contender in the Mountain division the Falcons must do 3 things: 1) Play better defense. They were not good last year and did not force enough turnovers. 2) Hang on to the football. They turned the ball over too many times on offense. 3) Play older than they are. Sometimes young guys don't know any better. You pat them on the fanny and tell them "Just go out and play." Sometimes the less you think the better. Colgate is not a bad footbal team. But the Falcons will find out in two weeks against Utah State if they are a young football team, or a team with a large upside. Our coverage of the season opener Saturday begins at 11am on Colorado's 740 KVOR. You can also hear the game online at GoAirforceFalcons.com, and you can download our 740 KVOR App from the App Store.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Young, But Hungry

8-13-13


I have been watching the Air Force Football team during the first two weeks of practice. Some observations:


      Sophomore QB Jaleel Awani has a large upside, but has struggled in scrimmages. Last Saturday he threw a pick and lost a fumble, and seemed to have trouble with his mechanics.

     3rd string QB Karson Roberts, on the other hand, looked really good. Very relaxed under center. He threw well from the pocket and on the run.

     Kale Pearson will be the starter against Colgate. He looked okay but needs a lot more work in game type situations.

     Have been very impressed with the defense. Some new faces at linebacker like Reggie Barnes and Kristov George joining Connor Healy and Joe Nichols who played some last year. The defense MUST play better this year. Last year they were bad, plain and simple.

    The Falcons were picked to finish 3rd in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West. But its going to be a tough, tough year. Every team in my opinion has gotten better. The Falcons have skill positions players to replace and a challenging schedule in front of them. Air Force will have to grow up quick to be a factor in the division race.