Gut Check Win

   If the Air Force Football team goes on to have a winning season, there's no doubt Saturdays win over Wyoming will be the catalyst. The Falcons were down and out, and being dominated on both sides of the ball in the first half against the Cowboys. Wyoming had a 13 point lead in the 2nd half, and it looked like Air Force was waiting for someone to make a big play. That "someone" was Connor Dietz. On a 3rd and long he ran a quarterback draw and went for 48 yards and a first down. That huge run galvanized Air Force, and they would score on that drive. That effort also helped the defense get a rare rest on the sidelines, and they came back with renewed vigor. Dietz was also involved in a controversial play later in the 4th quarter. His helmet came off on a short run and, per rule, he had to go out for a play. As Dietz neared the sidelines he hesitated, then took a knee. The Air Force training staff went to tend to him, and after a moment helped him off the field. Sophomore quarterback Kale Pearson came on, and on 3rd and goal, ran a naked bootleg and just got into the end zone for the winning score. Wyoming Coach Dave Christensen accused Troy Calhoun after the game of having Dietz fake the injury to buy more time for Pearson to get warmed up on the sidelines. What's interesting to note is that one play did not cause Wyoming to lose the game. The Cowboys got the ball back with better than 3 minutes to go, but had lost momentum. The Air Force defense had gained some confidence. The Falcons stopped the Cowboys and ran out the clock. This was not a game Air Force would have win 2-3 weeks ago. But this young team, reached down, and dug deep to find a way to win. That will help them the rest of the way. Christensen, by the way, apologized for his actions Sunday, although I thought it curious he did not apologize to Calhoun. The Air Force head coach told Gazette writer David Ramsey if Christensen wanted to call and talk about the incident he would gladly pick up the phone. Calhoun said Dietz got "dinged" in the head.
   This week a much improved New Mexico team comes to Falcon Stadium. More on that coming up.