Air Force specializes in defense these days

TCU coach Gary Patterson had high praise for Air Force’s defense this week, calling it “a good group,” and “fun to watch.”

“I really like the way their defense plays,” he said.

A former defensive coordinator, Patterson still handles that side of the ball for the Horned Frogs, who have led the nation in total defense three of the past nine years — most of any team in the country in that span. So him complementing a defense is kind of like B.B. King digging someone’s bluesy guitar solo, or Rachael Ray asking for seconds of someone’s fennel and roasted pepper salad.

But beyond that, in three simple words, Patterson had perhaps the best explanation for why the Air Force defense — which three years ago was about as sturdy as a wet paper towel — has become one of the nation’s best in 2009.

“They hunt together,” he said.

Air Force enters this afternoon’s game against Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium as a program turned inside out. For years known as a team that piled up points but surrendered even more, the Falcons all of a sudden are struggling to score but ranked seventh in the nation in points allowed (11.9).

Despite a rash of injuries at linebacker, the defense continues to play well. And, as the offense did earlier in the decade, it’s keeping Air Force in games, having not given up more than 20 points in a contest all year.

The defense’s transformation began when Troy Calhoun took over as coach prior to the 2007 season and hired defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter, who scrapped a passive scheme for an aggressive 3-4 set. It has continued the past two seasons as Calhoun funneled his most athletic and dynamic recruits to the defense. And it has peaked this season, as fast, physical and talented players along the defensive line, in the linebacker corps and in the secondary have a firm grasp of DeRuyter’s system and trust in each other’s abilities.

“You’ve got 11 guys playing together and they really have an understanding of what they’re trying to get done,” San Diego State coach Brady Hoke said.

Which is part of what Patterson was getting at with his comment.

“I think when you have a good defense together, those guys all fit, and they’re going to do their job,” Patterson said “A lot of times when you have a younger defense, guys try to do everything, and then he’s making mistakes just doing his job.”

“We play as one, big cohesive unit, not a bunch of individuals,” senior inside linebacker Justin Moore said. “And even with the injuries, guys have stepped in and fit those roles perfectly.”

There’s a more literal way to interpret Patterson’s claim, of course, and it works too. According to Moore, the Falcons emphasize “getting 11 hats to the football.” And one of the main reasons they rank third in the country in turnovers forced (21) is because they attack opposing ball carriers like a pack of wolves on a caribou. The first player makes the initial hit, while teammates swarm, ripping and punching the football to force it loose.

“I think it’s a real good description,” said senior inside linebacker John Falgout said of Patterson’s hunting comment. “Everybody wants to be the first person to the point of attack. And if you’re not, then you’re that second guy trying to be there as fast as you can trying to take the ball out or make big plays.”

The defense will resume its hunt today in Salt Lake City, as Air Force attempts to upset the 19th-ranked Utes. If only the offense can gather some points.

The Blue and Silver Shield

Through seven games, Air Force’s defense appears to be the best the academy has had in a decade. The Falcons are among the nation’s leaders in a bunch of defensive categories.

Category - Statistic: MWC Rank,  Nat. Rank
Scoring Defense - 11.9 ppg: 1st, 7th
Total Defense  - 266.7 ypg: 2nd, 10th
Turnovers Forced - 21: 1st, 3rd
Pass Defense Efficiency - 97.9: 2nd, 14th
Sacks - 19: 2nd, T-17th
Opp. 1st Downs - 96: 2nd, T-6th
Opp. 3rd-Down Conv 28 percent 3rd 6th