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Clark gains only 14 yards; Dowis retains career rushing record
WASHINGTON - Air Force running back Asher Clark needed 33 yards in Wednesday’s Military Bowl to pass Dee Dowis as the Falcons' all-time leading rusher.
Clark gained only 14 yards on 12 carries. He was not available to speak after the game.
Coach Troy Calhoun said Toledo’s defense keyed on Clark, employing a middle linebacker to shadow the senior running back on every play. This meant Clark seldom found open spaces.
Tackle Jason Kons had hoped Clark would pass Dowis.
“That’s just one of those things,” Kons said. “We didn’t execute the way we needed to. It cuts deep, but you’ve got to move on.”
Clark finishes his Air Force career with 3,594 yards. Dowis remains on top with 3,612 yards.
FALCONS DEFENSE RALLIES
Toledo scored 21 ultra-rapid points in the first quarter and threatened to turn the Military Bowl into a rout.
But Air Force’s defense improved in the final three quarters, giving the Falcons a chance to win.
“There was a clear difference,” Troy Calhoun said, describing his defense’s recovery after the first quarter. “The first three series they were putting it through us pretty quickly. After that, I thought we played really, really well in the second half.”
KAUTH COMES CLOSE, BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH
Wide receiver Zack Kauth knows the Falcons came achingly close to victory. His 33-yard touchdown with 52 seconds left gave Air Force the chance to escape with a win.
Kauth said he found little solace in the defeat.
“I don’t really like the feeling of almost winning,” Kauth said. “I like to win.”
