Disguised AFA coverages rattle Houston quarterback

FORT WORTH, Texas – Anthony Wright Jr. wasn’t bashful about looking at Houston quarterback Case Keenum’s statistics. Neither was Chris Thomas.

The Air Force defensive backs already knew the numbers – 12,728 yards passing and 101 touchdowns for his career, including 5,449 yards and 43 touchdowns this season. Instead of stressing over what was on paper, they devised a plan to contain Keenum on the field.

Disguised coverages, featuring a mix of three- and five-man rushes as well as a defensive back who played the role of a spy to limit crossing patterns and screen passes, were what Air Force needed to intercept Keenum six times Thursday in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Wright capitalized on a drop by James Cleveland for his first of three interceptions, while Thomas benefited from tipped passes by Myles Morales and Justin Moore on both of his picks. Jon Davis intercepted Keenum when he tried forcing a pass into double coverage.

The six interceptions were a career high for Keenum, who had been picked off nine times in 659 attempts entering the game. Keenum completed 24-of-41 passes for 222 yards, his yardage the low point of a season in which he eclipsed the 500-yard mark four times.

“We mixed up our looks throughout the game,” Wright said. “We got into his head early, and we got into his head often. … It gave him a little hesitation as far as his release.”

“Disguise is one of the most important things,” Thomas said. “The better you’re able to disguise, the better you’re able to confuse him, the better chances you’re going to have to make interceptions, make plays.”

Houston coach Kevin Sumlin didn’t blame Keenum. He praised Air Force.

“They created the breaks,” Sumlin said. “The tip balls, they’re hustling, got to the ball.”