Air Force notes: Falcons pounded despite statistical triumphs

Statistics often fail to accurately describe a football game. Air Force’s 59-33 loss to Notre Dame is a strong example.

The Falcons collected more first downs (32-28), and more total yards (565 to 560). Air Force rushed for 363 yards against a Notre Dame defense that held previous opponents to under 100 rushing yards per game.

These small triumphs did little to brighten a long day for coach Troy Calhoun and quarterback Tim Jefferson.

“That doesn’t matter, sir,” Calhoun said after the statistical advantages were mentioned to him. “I mean that respectfully, but it doesn’t matter.”

“I don’t really look at the yardage much,” Jefferson said. “Yardage doesn’t make much of a difference to me.”

Clark says he's fine; Freeman isn't

Halfback Asher Clark left the game in the first quarter after crashing into the Notre Dame bench after a 21-yard gain. He returned to gain 104 yards in 11 carries for a 9.3 average. That was his average coming into the game.

He suffered an injured thigh when he collided with the bench, but said he’s fine.

“Just a little bruise,” Clark said.

Calhoun said tight end Josh Freeman is expected to be out “for a good while” after suffering a shoulder injury.

First-half onside kick fails

The Falcons tried a rare first-half onside kick. With 13:41 left in the second quarter and Air Force trailing 21-9, Calhoun instructed kicker Erik Soderberg to try an onside kick.

The ball traveled 9 yards, and Air Force’s Jamil Cooks was in position to pick it up, but the ball squirted backwards and was recovered by Notre Dame.

“We didn’t execute,” Calhoun said.