Winning Ain't Pretty

Air Force won a basketball game Wednesday night, beating Nevada 75-70. It was an ugly game for both teams, filled with fouls, 65 combined free throws, turnovers, and sometimes sloppy play. One team had to win, and it was the Falcons. As this 2014-15 season winds down Air Force has learned some things about itself, and maybe the biggest is, Winning Ain't Pretty. Sure, sometimes you shoot 60%, play unbelievable defense and roll to an easy win. But those victories are reserved for match-ups against teams like Colorado Christian and Western State. In conference play its different. Sometimes you don't have your "A" game. Some nights the shots won't fall. On many an evening you have to throw the scouting report out the window. But you still gotta play. The Falcons have started to figure this out. Sophomore forward Hayden Graham had 12 points and 10 rebounds in that win over the Wolfpack. He said two interesting things on the post-game radio show. The first revelation was Air Force would not have won this kind of game a year ago. The second was teams have to find different ways to win. He was spot on with both observations. I have a new saying that I stole from Ohio State Football Coach Urban Meyer-"Embrace The Grind." That's what the Falcons did Wednesday night. They hung around, they screwed up, they fought back, they got dirty, but found a way to win. As the season comes down to a precious few games nobody wants to see it end. Teams that understand you have to get down and dirty to find wins, usually end up on top. In a season of lessons for the Air Force Mens Basketball team they're starting to understand winning ain't pretty. And, to have survived so many injuries and tough losses and find themselves just 1 game under 500 this late in the year is a testament to growing, learning, and doing what it takes to win.

MoonSwag

Saturdays Air Force-CSU Basketball game in Fort Collins at 4pm on KVOR should be fascinating for a number of reasons. Its an in-state rivalry. Colorado State needs every win to improve its RPI rating for a possible at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament if they don't win the MWC Tournament. Air Force is playing better and hopes to be the team nobody wants to face in the Mountain West Tournament. And then there is the little skirmish back in January in Colorado Springs when the Falcons Matt Mooney punched JJ Avila after Avila put the Falcons Zach Kocur in a headlock. Mooney was properly tossed from the game. Avila was not but was suspended for his actions the next day. Mooney has played well the last 6 weeks. He is smarter and wiser on the floor, and he has a little swagger to his game. Take for example the waning moments of the Air Force-UNLV matchup when Mooney, after getting fouled late, gestured to the crowd to quiet down, ala Peyton Manning, before shooting free throws. He missed both. However he came back with 4 seconds left and calmly buried 2 free throws as the Falcons held on to win. I expect he will get hounded and booed every time he touches the ball Saturday. How will he react to that? He's a freshman, but at times has shown the calmness of a senior. I can see him hitting some shots Saturday, then running down the floor with his finger to his mouth telling the CSU crowd to be quiet. I don't think he'll do that, but if he does, that's okay. The Falcons need a little cockiness. Many times the opposition looks at Air Force as that nice team in Colorado Springs with amazing young men who are going to serve their country. That they are. But it doesn't hurt to be feisty and show some attitude and spunk. That's what Mooney did when he came to the aid of a teammate back in January when Avila was mugging Kocur. Channeled properly, that's a good thing. Mooney's nickname is Moonswag. Air Force could use some swagger Saturday in Fort Collins. It can't hurt.

Fruits of Their Labor

Air Force Mens Basketball Coach Dave Pilipovich has been saying for the last 5 weeks his team is getting better. Average followers of the Falcons probably disagreed. Yes there were close games against New Mexico, Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, San Diego State (The first time around) but the losses continued to pile up. And then a breakthrough. The Falcons, who had been 1-6 in games decided by 9 points or less, knocked off New Mexico in their second match-up, in Colorado Springs 53-49. They did so by shutting out the Lobos over the last 6:40 seconds of the game. That was followed by a beat down of Wyoming(minus Larry Nance Jr) this past Saturday 73-50. Two games does not a season make. But the signs are apparent that the Falcons are better, and are playing with more poise and confidence. But this week brings two more tests. Air Force plays red hot Boise State Wednesday night at 7 in Boise on 740 KVOR, then return home against UNLV Saturday at noon. Clearly the next proving ground is winning on the road against a team you are not supposed to beat. Its late enough in the season that the freshman are now sophomores. They have seen every team once, and they now understand the thin line between winning and losing. The upperclassman realize its the time of year when the games start to run out, and for the seniors that also means an end to their college careers. They all know enough about this Air Force team to understand they can compete with anyone. Competing is one thing...Winning is another. Air Force is better. But only by winning, will the Falcons prove it.

Yon and Upwards?

Max Yon is back with the Air Force Mens Basketball team. He took a leave of absence several weeks ago for personal reasons while remaining at the school, and a cadet in good standing. That left a young basketball team even younger. While Yon was gone the Falcons did beat San Jose State on the road, the school with the worst team in the conference. They offered spirited efforts against Utah State, New Mexico and UNLV but lost those 3 games. Do they win those contests with Yon on the team? I'm not smart enough to answer that. I do think the Falcons did find out more about themselves while Yon was gone. And I think that's important. With, or without Yon Air Force has discovered they can't take minutes off during a game. Its been the one consistent in an inconsistent campaign. Zach Kocur started to emerge as a reliable scorer until teams saw more of him on tape and shut him down. Hayden Graham and Matt Mooney stepped up their games while Yon was away. But can it all come together, with Max back, in the final 6 weeks of the season? Having Yon will help, but the Falcons were inconsistent even with him in the lineup. The season waits for no one, so Yon is catching a moving train, and the Falcons, on the fly, have to eliminate scoreless streaks during games. Max will help, but maybe the only way it shows up, is in the win column.

Next Year Means Nothing

Somebody recently said to me, "Well, with all the struggles the Air Force Men's Basketball team is having this year, they should be better next year." I was a little offended by that. I've had several people tell me the Falcons are simply playing for next season. I don't like that one bit. And I don't believe it. Tell Seniors Marek Olesinski, Justin Hammonds, De Lovell Earls and and the soon-to-return Max Yon this year doesn't count and the Falcons are simply preparing for next years campaign. That's insulting. Its crap. Air Force is trying to win NOW. These aren't exhibitions. Nobody else in the conference is playing for next year, not even San Jose State. They have a bevy of problems. The time to win is NOW. I get Air Force is young, and will have more experience next year. In sports, its not even "What Have you Done for me Lately" anymore. Its, "What are you doing NOW to Win?" This season isn't a dress rehearsal for 2015-16. It's about finishing the season strong, getting healthy and winning some damn games THIS YEAR. Marek, Justin, De Lovell and Max are gone in under 3 months. They don't care about next year. The guys coming back next season better not be worried about NEXT YEAR. Start Winning NOW!!!

Close Doesn't Count

The Air Force Mens Basketball Season has been a trying one for Head Coach Dave PiliPovich. 4 players are out for the year with injury, and now we learn Senior Max Yon has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons. Air Force has tried to fight through all this, but the results, with a young team, have been predictable. To the Falcons credit they have been in every conference game, save 1, and with better play late in games, would not be 1-5 in the Mountain West Conference as of today as they prepare for San Diego State. But you are what you are. Air Force has lost a 4 point game to San Diego State, a 5 point game to CSU, was down 2 with 6 minutes to go against New Mexico, and lost 60-48, and last Saturday had a chance to make 2 free throws and tie Utah State with under 7 minutes left. They only made one. The Aggies would go on a 17-2 run and win easily. Now, to be fair, even some of the Falcons who are playing are less than 100% including Seniors Marek Olesinki and Justin Hammonds. The team at the moment is leaning on underclassmen like Zach Kocur, Trevor Lyons and Hayden Graham. I admire the spirit of Pilipovich who continues to say the team is getting better. They are. But the results are not showing up in the win column. Some years you have to take a step back for the program to take two steps forward. Nobody is happy Air Force is playing close, and playing good ball for 32-34 minutes a game. But this is where the Falcons find themselves. Can they turn it around this year? Yes. Has the schedule been front loaded with road games? No Question. Have injuries played a role? Without a doubt. Does Winning make everything better? Lets hope we find out.

A Chip on Your Shoulder

You've heard the phrase, "A Chip on Your Shoulder." It means you're carrying some attitude, even anger. I thought about this a lot after the Air Force CSU game after Freshman Matt Mooney was rightfully ejected for punching Rams player JJ Avilla in the back during a skirmish. There's no room for that in sports or anywhere else. However, there is symbolism in Mooney's action I need to address. For years the Falcons have been a basketball team that has played hard, even though they are outsized at times and out-muscled. They play against bigger, stronger, physical and more athletic clubs all the time. The Falcons worked hard and give it their all. What I am about to say is not a criticism of any players and coaches. But after watching Colorado State, and other teams physically get after the Falcons its time for Air Force to come out and play with a little more snarl in their game. I'm not saying they don't do this now, but I do believe you see it very infrequently from Air Force. I would love to see the Falcons come out with more attitude, more swagger, and more of the moxy of, "That's our ball, and this is our game, and we're gonna get in your face for 40 minutes and see who's better." Cadets are amazing people, both physically and mentally. I don't see anything wrong with having a little more chippiness or anger in their game. Too many programs see Air Force as soft. Mooney's punch was wrong. He was coming to the aid of a teammate who was being held in a headlock. That was right. Air Force almost beat CSU because they were angry after the incident. It couldn't hurt to show some of that fight and spirit the rest of the season.

Work Harder

Sometimes games, Basketball, Football, Hockey, whatever, are not about gameplans, X's and O's, watching film, scouting the opposition. Sometimes, its just about working harder. That's the message Dave Pilipovich delivered to his team, and talked to KVOR about after his Air Force Mens Basketball team fell to Nevada last Saturday 80-62. Yes the Falcons were playing without their best all around player Kam Williams who is probably lost for the season with an achilles injury. And true, most team the Falcons play are bigger and more athletic. Thats old news at the Academy. But sometimes a point comes when you gotta play harder and try harder. And it transcends sports. In life, many times you just have to give more effort, and bust your ass. I used to tell my kids, "I would love it if you brought home straight A's. However, if you try your hardest and give school your best efforts, then we'll take the results." In sports and life, you can't just show up and expect good things to happen. And when adversity strikes, sometimes you just have to try harder, and suck it up, and work, work, work. Any coach or parent can live with the results if their team or children are giving it their all. But 80% doesn't cut it, in life, or in sports. Losses pile up and coaches get fired if it keeps up year after year. The Falcons, if they want to have a respectable season, need to leave it all out on the floor game after game. If you work hard, good things will happen. Air Force found out Saturday what happens if you don't. Wednesday night Air Force hosts San Jose State at 7 on 740 KVOR. Thursday its the Dave Pilipovich basketball show at 630 from the Back East Bar and Grill in Monument on 740 KVOR.

Bring On The Mountain West

And so it begins for the Air Force Mens basketball Team....Conference play opens this week, with games Wednesday afternoon at San Diego State and Saturday at Nevada. Where do the Falcons fit in the MWC? At the head of the table its Colorado State. The Rams are undefeated as of 12/29/14 and I think they are the best team at the moment. San Diego State was ranked early and has received a lot of publicity, but they have 3 losses, and, to be fair, have played a tougher schedule than Colorado State. UNLV seems to have the most talent but can they make it all work together? Boise State has a lot of guys back but are battling through injuries. New Mexico is clearly not the same team they were a year ago, thanks to graduation. Wyoming has played well, but against a light schedule and they have played most of their games at home. Then, I see the Falcons. Its an intriguing team...a lot of freshman are playing, and playing well. The key as I see it is how well Max Yon plays. He is the leading scorer and can have big nights, or not score a point. EVERYBODY will look to slow him down. Can he work through that? Marek Olesinski is another important factor. The senior needs to be a consistent 14 point 7 rebound a game guy. Ole (his nickname) has shown flashes, but can he do it every night in the conference? For the Falcons to finish above 500 this year everybody has to have good seasons, not just one or two guys. The conference is down compared to the last year or two. Can the Falcons take advantage? Wednesday will be a good test. The Aztecs are 7th in the nation in defense, but can't throw it in the ocean. Air Force has a good shot to knock off San Diego State on the road, but they must play one of their best games of the year.

Final Call

Rewind back to 2013 after Air Force was pummeled by Colorado State 58-13. The Juniors, who would be seniors in 2014, got together and talked about next year. They came up with a goal...From 10 losses in 2013 to 10 wins in 2014. Some may call that crazy. But they knew 2 wins was unacceptable. They realized no Commander In Chiefs Trophy and no bowl bid was not the standard they wanted to be known by. So they set the bar high going into the 2014 campaign. And why not? There was nothing to lose. And so here we sit, in December, with a bowl game Saturday against Western Michigan. Some may say, (and have) that is its a minor bowl and it doesn't mean much to the Falcons. Tell that to Kale Pearson who missed his junior year because of a knee injury. Tell that to Jordan Pierce who had to climb out of Troy Calhouns doghouse to become a star. Tell that to Michael Husar Jr, who graduates in front of his teammates Friday at a hotel in Boise. Sure, its not Ohio State, and its not the Cactus Bowl. But there is unfinished business for this football team. 10 Wins. Goal Set. Goal Achieved? Perhaps. It won't be easy. Western Michigan, whom you did not follow during the season-who did, finished a respectable 8-4 and has one of the top freshman running backs in the country. But know this....the Goal is within the grasp of the Falcons. An 8 win turnaround in one year in College Football? Doesn't happen often. But its there for the taking. I wouldn't bet against them. Live Coverage of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl begins at 130 Saturday December 20th on 740 KVOR. The Kickoff is set for 345.

The Best For Last?

Air Force and Colorado State meet in the final regular season College Football game for both teams Friday in Colorado Springs. Its a rivalry, yes. On the Kelvin scale, I'm not sure quite where it registers....It's not Michigan-Ohio State...It does not resemble Ole Miss and Mississippi State. It certainly is not the Holy War between Utah and BYU, which for the moment has been discontinued. But Fridays game may take that up a notch or two. CSU must win, and hope Utah State can knock off Boise State Saturday, to win the Mountain Division Title and hope to be ranked by the College Football Playoff Committee to play in a New Years Day Bowl. The Falcons want to finish on a high, at home, on Senior Day. All week I have been saying this game will determine the best College Football Team in Colorado. Air Force looked bad last week against San Diego State. That's not the way this team wants to be remembered. Troy Calhoun has engineered a remarkable turnaround from a season ago. A win puts an exclamation point on it. A victory gives the Falcons an undefeated home record this year. A loss takes away some luster from an otherwise fine season. But since the Rams have a lot riding on this game, you know Air Force would like nothing better, for the sake of the rivalry, to knock off CSU and their New Years Day Bowl Hopes. That's how rivalries are built. In the past this game has meant little to the big picture. But this year that has changed. This is a rivalry, but it could use a few good story lines as a foundation. This is a good place to start. Bring your radios and listen to the game live Friday at 130pm on 740 KVOR.

Qualcomm Quagmire

Air Force is at San Diego State Friday night at 730 on KVOR. The Falcons still cling to an outside shot of winning the Mountain Division title. The Aztecs have plenty riding on this game too. They are in a 3 way tie for first in the West Division, and at 5-5, they still are not bowl eligible. Rocky Long is their head Coach and he has seen the Falcons offense for a number of years as head coach of both San Diego State and New Mexico. Long is a defensive coach and his Aztecs have not allowed a team to get more than 400 yards of offense in the last 6 games. That's very impressive. What makes this game more troubling is several things...1) Air Force usually does not play well in San Diego. Qualcomm is almost as old as Falcon Stadium and is only slightly prettier because they have real grass. 2) Donnell Pumphrey. He is one of the top running backs in the west and has given everyone nightmares. He has 7-100 yard rushing games and has rushed for 15 touchdowns. Slippery does not even come close to describing him. It's like trying to catch a comet. Troy Calhoun and Steve Russ have had sleepless nights trying to slow him down. But on the bright side, the Falcons continue to find ways to win. Yes the Aztecs defense is pretty good, but they have not faced the likes of Kale Pearson and company. Expect the Falcons to run bulldozer fullbacks Shayne Davern and DJ Johnson straight at San Diego State. And, with Jacobi Owens very questionable with a foot injury, we will see a lot more of Devin Rushing, and Pearson, who seems to be getting stronger running the ball as the season wears on. And don't forget those wide receivers. Too many teams have, and the Falcons have made them pay. There's a good chance the bad run of games at Qualcomm for Air Force ends Friday Night.

A Game for the Ages

I told a lot of people after Air Force Beat Nevada Saturday in overtime 45-38, its the best game I have seen at Falcon Stadium in 20 years. For those of you, and there were a lot of you, who did not brave the cold, you missed probably the game of the year in the conference. Two teams, with a lot to play for, tough, tough conditions, going up and down the field, desperate to get a key stop or make a big play. Those types of games happen few and far between, and it was an honor to be there. And after all the yardage, and scores, there were 4 key plays in the game, and 3 went for Air Force...The first was after Nevada recovered an onside kick, but could not get any points off it and Air Force stopped them on fourth down. The second one actually went against the Falcons when they had to settle for a short field goal instead of getting 6. I thought that might cost Air Force the game. Then the sensational interception by Weston Steelhammer. That might be the catch of the year in the conference as he dove through the snow to grab Cody Fajardo's pass. Air Force could not get a first down on the next 3 plays and only took 33 seconds off the clock. But it was huge because Nevada had to use all 3 of their timeouts, so when they got the ball back they could only settle for a field goal from the AF 4 to tie it. And then in overtime Tackle AJ Ruechel pouncing on Devin Rushings fumble to keep the Falcons drive alive, which led to the winning touchdown from Shayne Davern. Its been that kind of season for Troy Calhouns club. Never pretty, but always finding different ways to win. A classic in every sense of the word. A magical season continues.

Tough Stretch

The Air Force Football team has 3 weeks left in its regular season. If they take care of business, and get a little help, they could have 5 games left in the 2014 season. But all that doesn't mean a thing without a win Saturday against Nevada at Falcon Stadium. At 7 and 2 the Falcons have worked hard to be in the position they are in. Nevada is in the Springs Saturday with one of the top QB's in the West, Cody Fajardo, who can hurt you with his arm and his legs. The Falcons should have won in Reno a year ago, but a dropped pass by a wide open wide receiver, and a porous defense were too much to overcome. The Wolfpack lead in the West and control their own destiny so this game is huge for them. For Air Force its a chance to beat a good team with a good record. The Falcons have had few teams like that on the schedule this year. They did knock off Boise State, but lost to Utah State. The game Saturday is the first of 3 against good teams with solid records. The Falcons did what they were supposed to do against inferior teams. They Won. But maybe the true test, and the true memories of this year will be developed in the final 3 weeks. San Diego looms next week and the Falcons don't play well on the West Coast. Then its high flying CSU, ranked 23rd in the A-P poll. 3 tough teams...3 weeks left..Nobody remembers how you start, but they all remember how you finish. Will it be a November to Remember for the Falcons?

Final Push

There's 4 games left in the regular season for the Air Force Football team beginning with Saturdays game at UNLV. I wrote this week about what still lies ahead for the Falcons in this final month of the season. Air Force could win out which could result in a sparkling 10-2 record and a middle of the road bowl game. Or, with help, a 10-2 record could mean a division title and a chance to win the conference Championship. The road to 10-2 starts in Las Vegas. And the Falcons know they cannot take the Rebels lightly. Football is a funny game because there's lots of statistics to suggest how some games should play out. But many times those same games don't follow any script. Take for example Wyomings win last week at Fresno State. The Cowboys have been decimated by injuries and are down to their 3rd string running back Brian Hill. All he did was set a new conference record for all purpose yards as the Cowboys blitzed The Bulldogs 45-17. In Fresno. And honestly, while I thought the Falcons would give Boise State a game, I never thought they would force 7 turnovers and shut them out through the first 3 quarters. And really, who predicted Mississippi St would be #1 in the country in the second week of November? So don't just look blandly past UNLV. They have won this game the last two years. But this, as we all know, is a different Air Force team. They understand who they are, play to their strengths, and bring the lunch pail everyday. Based on records and stats, should Air Force win? Yes...Will they?....We'll find out Saturday beginning at 2 on 740 KVOR.

Not Done Yet

It was a satisfying flight home for the Air Force Football team Saturday Night after defeating Army to win the Commander In Chiefs Trophy and also clinch bowl eligibility. It was, to me, the official stamp the Falcon are back and flying high in College Football. However, the way they dominated that game also reminded me of whats still ahead and what can be accomplished. There's 4 games remaining in the regular season, and I like what Safety Christian Spears said after the game when he reminded everybody the Falcons must now focus on the race for the title in the Mountain Division. While his Coach Troy Calhoun hates to talk about that stuff, Spears is right. Its still a race and if Air Force can get a little help in the next few weeks their season finale against Colorado State could be a title game for the Division Championship. The help they need is for Utah State and Boise State to lose between now and the end of the year. That could, depending on tiebreakers, set up a fascinating winner-take-all showdown at Falcon Stadium November 28th between the Falcons and Colorado State. Now, one more loss and the Falcons can kiss that dream good-bye. But the final 4 games are winnable...UNLV is struggling. You get Nevada at home, although they had a huge win over San Diego State on Saturday. The Aztecs host the Falcons November 21st but have not played well as of late. Its nice to sit and daydream about what-ifs in November. It means you have worked hard to put yourself in position to be a factor late in the season. And while a bowl awaits the Falcons, why can't this season be more than just going to a bowl and winning back the CIC? Why?

Destiny or Danger

Saturday at Michie Stadium at West Point Air Force plays its most important football game in the last several years. They'll meet Army at 930am on 740 KVOR and the stakes could not be much higher. A win, and the Falcons get back the Commander In Chiefs Trophy, and they would be bowl eligible with their 6th victory. Troy Calhoun has downplayed that all this week because that's what Troy Calhoun does. But it does not, should Air Force win, mean the accomplishment would not be significant. The Falcons were dead in the water last year. A soul searching off season and key coaching hires, along with a simpler and hungrier look defensively have Air Force on the brink of reaching a couple of key goals. But there is danger afoot. Army looks like Air Force from last year. I asked their Head Coach Jeff Monken to talk about 1 or 2 areas he would like to see his team get better in and he replied, "Everything." The Black Knights had a team meeting last Monday, and with a bye in their rear view mirror this game Saturday could be construed as a reset, a start to a second season. Because if the Black Knights win they have a shot at the CIC Trophy, and as we all know Navy is down this year. Army, counting Saturday, has 5 games left. But only 2 really count, especially if the Black Knights win. Beat Air Force and Navy and Jeff Monken could lose every game for the next 5 years and receive a 10 year contract extension. Goals are within reach Saturday for the Falcons. But they are also there for the taking for Army.

Rest

Troy Calhoun and I have something in common. We both hate byes during the football season. The Falcons have their second of the season this week. We both prefer 12 weeks of non stop football. I guess they are good if you have had a lousy season, but Air Force is 5-2 and I know a lot of Falcons want to keep the momentum going and keep playing. But the off week is here. It might be a good thing, with a chance to get some rest before the final 5 weeks of the season. Injuries do heal faster with time off and winning records. It also gives the coaches a chance to self scout-look back at the first 7 games and see what the Falcons are doing well, and not so well, and adjust from there. Saturdays win over New Mexico showed some grit and resilience by Air Force, traits they will need again before the season is done. And what this season has shown me is the Falcons can win in a variety of ways. Fullbacks had rushed for only 279 yards before the New Mexico game. Saturday they had 136 and 3 touchdowns. Its never pretty, but it doesn't have to be. Run it, Throw it, Stop it, with a great Defense-Air Force has shown its more than capable of finding whatever works and coming out on top. The final 5 games will prove to be an interesting smorgasbord of teams, from struggling Army, to middling Nevada, to surging Colorado State. A win over the Black Knights brings the Commander In Chiefs Trophy back to the Springs and more than likely puts the Falcons in a bowl. After that you play with house money. But for now, time to Rest.

2nd Half

The 2nd half of the College football Season begins for Air Force Saturday at Falcon Stadium as they host New Mexico. There's a lot at stake for the Falcons down the stretch, but maybe the most urgent task is for Air Force to re-discover their dominate running game. The last 3 games the Falcons have had less that Air Force-like rushing numbers. There's several reasons for the drop off. 1) They have played better defenses-No question about that. Boise St and Navy's defense have been good against the run. And Utah State's Vigil Brothers simply dominated last Saturday 2) Injuries-Losing Sevrin Remmo on the right side of the offensive line did not help, and then his back up Allen Caunitz went down with an injury. They moved Andrew Reuchel from right guard to right tackle, so he's playing out of position. 3) The Fullback Game-Air Force fullbacks have only rushed for a combined 279 yards through 6 games. They have not established that part of the offense enough for defenses to have to treat it seriously. That has made it easier to hone in on Kale Pierson and Jacob Owens. Its been fun to watch the Falcons throw the ball but they are more successful throwing when they WANT TO instead of when the HAVE TO. Look at the Utah State game to see how well that worked. They had to throw because their running game was not there. Saturday the Lobos come to Colorado Springs with an option offense, like Air Force. They have used two quarterbacks, Cole Gautche who is 6'4 235 and Lamar Jordon who is shifty and quick. The problems the Lobos have had is stopping the run with their defense. San Diego State torched them for 397 yards rushing last week. Arizona State put 423 on the Lobo Defense and Utep ran for 330. So perhaps its a good time for Air Force to play New Mexico and get their running game back up to speed.

Reset

Who among us thought after 6 football games Air Force would be 4-2? I didn't think so. My best case scenario was 3-3, and that included a win over Wyoming. But here the Falcons stand at the halfway mark at 4-2. And yes, it hurt to lose to Utah State because the Falcons hurt themselves against a good team. But 4-2 should be cause for a quick slap on the back, and a re-focus of what lies ahead. There are winnable games in the final 6, and while it might be tough to get back in the hunt for the Mountain Division title, a shot at the Commander In Chiefs Trophy and a bowl game are certainly within reach. But what does Air Force have to do to get there? The Falcons running game is not quite in sync. They have had average (for them) games the last 3 contests. Some of that may be attributed to injuries on the offensive line. And I believe other teams feel their pass defense is as good or better as the Air Force pass offense, and will load up the box. Plus, and keep this in mind, the Falcons have faced 3 very good rush defenses in the last 3 weeks. The Air Force defense has been the story of the season, but they have been on the field a bit too much and could use more 12-15 play drives from the offense to keep them fresh. Saturday New Mexico comes to Colorado Springs. They run the option, and gave Air Force fits last year in beating the Falcons. A win starts a new winning streak and puts you a game away from bowl eligibility. Then a well deserved week off before the final 5 contests in November. If Air Force can correct some issues and get healthy on the offensive line the second half of the season may hold as many surprises as the first 6 weeks.