Air Force notes: Defensive line regroups after injuries

This isn’t the best week for Air Force to be without arguably its two best defensive linemen.

Navy averages 358.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks the fourth in the nation (Air Force leads the nation in rushing offense). Defensive end Zach Payne suffered a knee injury last week. Although teammates say he’s promising to return at some point this year, Payne won’t be in the lineup for a long time at least. Nose guard Ryan Gardner was already out with a knee injury. The Falcons’ depleted defensive line will be tested this week.

“It’s hard because the defensive line is so important to defending the option,” linebacker Brady Amack said. “But other guys are going to have to grow and step up. I have no doubt they’ll do that.”

The Falcons had Ben Kopacka and Harry Kehs sharing starting duties at the defensive end spot opposite Payne, but now both will be starters. They’ll both need to play well to make up for the players who are out, as will backups who will play more as part of a rotation.

“Zach and Gardner are great players for us, but we’ve got guys that need to step up, and will,” Kehs said. “I have full confidence in everyone who plays.”

Injury update

Linebacker Patrick Hennessey (thumb) has practiced this week, although coach Troy Calhoun would not say if he will play Saturday. He will make the trip to Annapolis, because all seniors will go on that trip, including injured players. Calhoun also wouldn’t say if fullback Mike DeWitt, who has been limited this week with an undisclosed injury, will play.

“We will see,” Calhoun said.

Navy likes independence

Over the past couple of weeks the Big East has been rumored to be interested in adding Air Force and Navy. According to Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, the Midshipmen would rather stay independent, but the concern that teams left out of mega-conferences would be relegated to a second division has Navy exploring all options.

“If we can stay where we are, I’d love to do it,” Niumatalolo said. “But there’s so much uncertainty, we’re not saying no to anything, and we’re not saying yes to anything. We’re just keeping our eyes open.”