Air Force punter has made opponents take the long route

While Air Force’s defense rightfully has received much of the credit for the Falcons’ three victories over Football Bowl Subdivision opponents this season, there’s been another, unsung player with a hand in the wins.

Make that a foot.

Senior punter Brandon Geyer has averaged 42.7 yards per punt, and 12 of his 31 punts have pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line. On Saturday, in the Falcons’ 10-0 victory over Wyoming, his two punts in the third quarter forced the Cowboys to start back-to-back possessions on their 8- and 9-yard lines.

“He has been terrific over the last few games,” coach Troy Calhoun said. “You look at us right now, field position is paramount for us. What we can do is we can help our football team if we make the opponent go the long route. And we can do that by not turning the ball over and by being good with our punting and punt coverage.”

Geyer’s second punt in the third quarter — and the defense forcing a three-and-out — led to the Falcons starting their first scoring drive on the Wyoming 44-yard line.

Both QBs practice
Sophomore quarterbacks Connor Dietz and Tim Jefferson both practiced Monday. Calhoun said his decision on who will play Saturday at Utah will be based on their performance in practice. “I want to see explosive movement,” he said.

Calhoun said Jefferson (ankle injury) looks better physically than he did two weeks ago.