Air Force notes: Defense thrives after halftime

Maybe Air Force defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt should give his halftime speech before the opening kickoff instead.

The Falcons have played very well after halftime this season, especially lately. Air Force hasn’t allowed an opponent to score on its first drive after halftime in all 11 games this year, forcing nine punts and getting two interceptions. Air Force gave up 10 points in the first half to UNLV, then shut the Rebels out in a decisive third quarter before the backups gave up a Rebels touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“I think you take the last four games, especially the second half of the last four games, I think we’ve played pretty well defensively,” Falcons coach Troy Calhoun said. “It’s going to take two halves next week.”

Air Force, which allowed just 11 yards on nine UNLV pass attempts through three quarters, has consistently made good adjustments at halftime over the past four weeks.

“It’s coaching,” said cornerback Anthony Wright, who had an interception. “They come in, find out what has been going on and get us in the right places to make plays in the second half.”

Bowl shuffle

The Military Bowl has an opening, with Navy losing Saturday to San Jose State. That was the seventh loss for the Midshipmen, making them ineligible for a bowl.

“We would love the opportunity to host them,” Military Bowl executive director Steve Beck said in a text message Saturday night.

The Mountain West will likely have five eligible teams for four spots, although one of those bowls could take Air Force before the Military Bowl, which is played at the Washington Redskins’ home stadium, has a chance to extend an invitation. The Independence Bowl and New Mexico Bowl, which have the third and fourth pick of Mountain West teams, have said Air Force is an attractive option.

Navy goes down

Navy lost Saturday to San Jose State to fall to 4-7 for the season.

The Midshipmen's defeat did not especially trouble Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson.

"It doesn't bother me," Jefferson said. "Sure, they're our brothers and sisters in arms after we graduate, but that's Navy and they're one of our archrivals. I really don't base my happiness off whether they win or lose."

DAVID RAMSEY CONTRIBUTED