UTAH STATE

I'm trying to remember the last time Air Force played an important game that meant something in the standings. Its been a awhile, which tells you how far the Falcons have come this year. Saturdays game against Utah State carries a lot of meaning. The Aggies are the defending Mountain Division Champions, and despite a so-so 3-2 start they have a team built to repeat and again play in the conference championship game. These are heady days for Air Force, at 4-1, winners of 3 in a row, coming off wins against Boise State and Navy. I continue to marvel how well the defense is playing. They allowed only 135 yards of total offense against Navy in the second half last week. This week in Utah State, the Falcons face a team much more balanced than the Midshipmen. In some ways, they are better, even though they are missing starting QB Chuckie Keeton. He's out for the season again, with an injury. It happened last year as well. Then Freshman Darrell Garretson came in and led the Aggies to the Mountain Division crown. He's a sophomore now, and has been just as effective. This game could turn into a defensive struggle. We know how good the Falcons are defensively. Utah State is 8th in the nation in rush defense, and they have an excellent secondary. The Aggies have already scored 4 non offense touchdowns, on a punt return, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Its been a season where the ball has bounced in the Falcons favor, and I think it happens against Saturday night. It will be close. I like Air Force 24-21. Our live coverage begins at 6 Saturday night, with the kickoff at 815 on 740 KVOR.