Windy conditions challenged Air Force and Wyoming

The problem with the wind at Falcon Stadium on Saturday wasn’t just that it was blowing hard, but it changed directions constantly.  

With 40-60 mph winds swirling through the game, easy tasks in Air Force’s game against Wyoming became difficult, especially kicking. On Wyoming’s first extra-point attempt, the ball took a hard right off of Daniel Sullivan’s foot and landed nowhere near the goal posts.

“The wind, you couldn’t tell which way it was blowing,” punter David Baska said. “The game plan before the game for kicking was go out there, kick it and see what happens.”

Both teams had to change their offensive approach a bit because of the wind. Wyoming didn’t stop throwing the ball, but settled for short, high-percentage passes most of the game. Wyoming’s longest completion was 16 yards.

At least the Cowboys were trying to pass. With 1:21 left in the fourth quarter, Air Force had thrown one incomplete pass all game, although coach Troy Calhoun said the Falcons probably should have attempted to throw the ball more often.  

“You still could (pass the ball),” Calhoun said. “They proved quite well you could.”

Baska’s second quarter summed up the challenge. He boomed his first kick 57 yards, with the wind helping it. Then the wind changed. His next kick was 27 yards. With the wind blowing harder against him later in the quarter, he hit a punt 12 yards. Wyoming took over at Air Force’s 42-yard line and scored with 20 seconds left in the half.

“I take full responsibility for those six points they put up,” Baska said. “I gave them a short field. It’s disappointing.”  

Air Force kicker Parker Herrington handled the conditions with few problems. He hit both extra points and a 35-yard field goal. Air Force got into Wyoming territory twice in the fourth quarter trailing by a point, and Herrington said he felt his range was about 45 yards, although he never got the chance as both drives ended with turnovers.

“It was swirling sometimes,” Herrington said. “Just had to go out there and look at the flags on the post and hit it well. I don’t think it’s too difficult. If you hit it well, it’s going to go.”

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