Air Force rolls past UNLV 45-17, gets within win of bowl eligibility

UNLV and Colorado State probably don’t realize it, but they are Air Force’s first two playoff opponents.

When Air Force lost its fifth game against Wyoming last week, every game became an elimination game. With one more loss, the Falcons wouldn’t be eligible for a bowl game. The Football Bowl Subdivision doesn’t believe in a playoff system, but Air Force suddenly did.

The Falcons stayed alive in their pursuit of a bowl berth Saturday by beating UNLV 45-17 at Falcon Stadium. For the seniors, who were playing their final home game, the urgency for the final two games of the regular season is palpable.

“They say diamonds are formed under pressure, right?” inside linebacker Jordan Waiwaiole said. “We obviously wish we were sitting better than five losses, but it’s good to come out and have this kind of unity at this point in the season.”

Even if Air Force didn’t figure on having five losses by mid-November, the Falcons are still enjoying being in a self-made playoff atmosphere.

“You love brackets, don’t you?” Falcons coach Troy Calhoun said. “Well, it’s not quite a bracket, but in its own way, maybe it is.”

Air Force took a 7-0 lead on its first drive, and then had some shaky moments before taking control of the game late in the first half.

Parker Herrington missed a couple of field goals, and Air Force allowed a long scoring drive to pull UNLV within 14-10. Asher Clark helped the Falcons start to turn the game back in their favor for good.

Clark took an option pitch from Jefferson, cut all the way back across the field and outran the defense to the end zone for a 67-yard touchdown. That was the longest run of his career, and moved him past Beau Morgan for second place on the all-time list for rushing yards in Air Force history.

Clark’s run gave the Falcons a 21-10 lead, and it started the blowout.

“That was a huge play,” Calhoun said.

Senior quarterback Tim Jefferson had a 1-yard leap over the pile for a touchdown on fourth and goal in the third quarter. Jefferson hit Dontae Strickland for a 25-yard touchdown pass later in the third quarter, and the rout was on.

The Falcons playoff road moves to Fort Collins next week. If they beat Colorado State, they’ll be eligible for the fifth bowl in Calhoun’s five years as coach. The first step was a good one, especially for the seniors who got a win in their final home game.

“They aren’t done yet, and they don’t want to be done yet either,” Calhoun said.

The senior class desperately wants to go to a bowl game, and that was reflected in a good week of practice.

“We know if we don’t win out, there’s no chance at having that 13th game,” guard A.J. Wallerstein said. “That’s a big goal for all of us. It’s pretty serious, everyone was focused this week.

“I think we’re much more focused than we’ve been in a few weeks. I think it helps on the field. We don’t want to lose.”

Although there is pressure to win out, the seniors took some time to enjoy the win Saturday, as they began to realize it will be their last time playing in their home stadium.

“It’s starting to set in a little bit for me, I think,” Waiwaiole said. “It has been a great ride. We’re looking forward to finishing out strong.”

—

Contact Frank Schwab: 476-4891

Twitter @GazetteAirForce

Facebook Gazette Frank Schwab