Redemption

A game Air Force Football fans have been waiting for since Tim Deruyter left Colorado Springs was played Saturday September 27th 2014. Deruyter was the Falcons defensive coordinator 7 years ago and his gambling, aggressive style forced turnovers and sacks and resulted in wins and bowl games. Since his departure several years ago the Falcons defense has been searching for an identity. They found it Saturday night. Air Force showed flashes of a better defense against sub par opponents the first 3 games this season. But the true test would be against Boise State. The Broncos are balanced, deep, experienced, and used to getting everybody's best game. Last night the Falcons defense played with a snarl, a motor, a passion, an anger, that Springs football fans have not seen in years. 7 Turnovers were forced by Air Force. 7. They only had 9 all of last year. 5 interceptions, 3 by Weston Steelhammer. Another inspired game by Jordan Pierce. A fierce pass rush led by Alex Hansen, and Nick Fitzgerald. 4-4th down stops. A blocked field goal. And, imposing your will on the Bronco offense. And it all led to a 28-14 win over the Broncos. The mastermind behind all this? Steve Russ, who was officially named defensive coordinator after Charlton Warren left for Nebraska. But this story actually started last year. After losing to Navy in 2013 Troy Calhoun replaced Warren with Russ. At the time Russ could not make the wholesale changes I'm sure he felt was needed. After Warren's departure Russ laid out a simple defensive game plan. He reduced the defensive playbook-less thinking on the field, and more reacting, more playing. He realized the defense can't sit back. It must attack. He challenged the secondary and put more man to man coverage in. He moved the cornerbacks and the outside linebackers closer to the line of scrimmage. He identified Weston Steelhammer as a playmaker and has given him freedom to attack from anywhere. He's getting inspired play from Jordan Pierce who has overcome some challenging days just several months ago to become the face of this defense. And it all came together against Boise State. Falcon Stadium has not buzzed like that in a long time. 1 game does not a season make. But 1 game can reverse fortunes and become a benchmark. It was only 1 game. But what a game.