Air Force finally finds success through the air

Air Force gained 111 yards through the air in Saturday’s 34-16 victory over Colorado State — more than double what it averaged passing in its previous four games (46.4 yards).

It wasn’t so much the Falcons’ gross passing yardage, but the manner in which the yards were compiled.

Sophomore quarterback Tim Jefferson completed 7-of-12 passes, meaning the Falcons averaged 15.9 yards per catch. In the previous four games — three of which were losses — Air Force averaged only 8.6 yards per catch.

“Yards per catch, in this approach offensively, that’s a telling deal,” coach Troy Calhoun said Sunday.

When a team runs as much as the Falcons do, it must take advantage of the rare times it passes. For example, No. 10 Georgia Tech, a triple-option team that passes infrequently, averages 24.5 yards per catch.

Air Force’s completions against Colorado State did more than gain chunks of yards as two of the seven also went for touchdowns. Only one of the Falcons’ 21 completions in the previous four games resulted in a score.

“What you do have to find is a couple of shots that are maybe some big plays,” Calhoun said.

Etc.
Calhoun said the Falcons came out of the Colorado State game without any major injuries. He said freshman outside linebacker Alex Means (sprained foot) would not be ready to play this Saturday against Army.