Breakdown of Air Force football vs. Army
Spotlight player
Ryan Gardner
Nose guard
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 260
Class: Sr.
No: 86
High School: Valley Christian
2011 stats: 3 tackles. 1 solo, 2 assists.
Notable: Gardner missed four games with a knee injury, came back to play a few snaps two weeks ago and last week was able to resume his role as a starter. Gardner also missed three games last year due to an injury, and the Falcons defense struggled without him then, too.
Why to watch him: Gardner will be a huge component in stopping Army’s fantastic running game. His stats will never be an accurate measure of his impact on the Falcons’ defense. He is great at clogging up the middle and allowing the linebackers to make tackles. The coaching staff views Gardner as one of the team’s most valuable defenders.
Coach’s quote: “He helps. When Ryan Gardner plays 25 snaps in a football game, it’s a boost. It’s definitely an addition.” – Troy Calhoun
Three things to watch
- Don’t get run over
Army is first in the nation in rushing offense, and has a 31-yard lead on second-place Georgia Tech. The Black Knights average 369 rushing yards per game. The Falcons haven’t stopped the run very well this season, but must be at least competitive in that area today.
2. Quarterback issues
Air Force’s Tim Jefferson is a very good bet to start at quarterback today despite a broken nose, although coach Troy Calhoun hasn’t said definitively he’ll start. Army’s Trent Steelman wants to start at quarterback, but an ankle injury could keep him out a second straight week.
3. Win the trophy
Air Force hasn’t gone out of its way to focus on the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy this week. The trophy hasn’t been brought into the locker room, and it hasn’t been mentioned too often. But the players know that with a win today, they clinch the trophy and the seniors will go to the White House in spring.
Key matchup
Air Force’s linebackers vs. Army’s running backs
Army’s rushing stats aren’t just a product of the system. The Black Knights run the ball exceptionally well because they have a talented backfield. Raymond Maples is a good tailback who has 759 yards and a 7.3-yard average. Jared Hassin had 1,000 yards last season at fullback, but has had to split time this season with Larry Dixon, a fantastic athlete. The Falcons’ linebackers will have to make sure those backs don’t break free for many long gains.
Quote to note: “These guys are going to bust their backsides to compete for three hours, but what are they going to be doing in three years? And is there a pretty good chance that left guard going up against that defensive end is somehow interwoven somewhere other than in the continental United States? Very much a possibility.” – Calhoun
Note to quote: The Falcons should be happy to be home. Air Force played just one of five games at home in October. It hasn’t played a Saturday home game since Sept. 24.
By the numbers
18-3: Air Force’s record against Army through the years at Falcon Stadium.
5: Combined passing attempts for Army and Air Force last week. Army threw two times; Air Force attempted three passes.
17: Times Air Force has won the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. The Falcons can win it for the 18th time with a victory today.
