Falcons may go to the air in Armed Forces Bowl

FORT WORTH • The script already seems written for the Armed Forces Bowl meeting between Houston and Air Force.

Houston will constantly pass and Air Force will constantly run when the teams meet Thursday. Right?

Don’t be so sure.

In Houston’s three losses this season, the Cougars were shredded by the pass. Texas-El Paso, Central Florida and East Carolina completed 61-of-89 passes (68.5 percent) for 779 yards.

Yes, the Cougars struggle against the run, allowing 2,770 yards already this season. But they struggle even more against the pass, allowing 2,985 yards in the air.

Air Force coach Troy Calhoun is most concerned about keeping Houston quarterback Case Keenum and his offensive circus off the field. The Cougars average 43.9 points this season.

Running the ball, Calhoun said, is the best way to keep Keenum on the sideline.

But Calhoun won’t ignore the pass. If Houston defenders crowd around the line of scrimmage, Calhoun said Sunday, Air Force will “find ways to go after some big shots.”

In last season’s bowl loss, Calhoun called for a half-dozen long throws. Quarterback Tim Jefferson just missed on several touchdown opportunities. This season, center Michael Hampton said, could be different.

“I think people watching this season will be real surprised by how well he throws the ball and how accurate he is,” Hampton said. “I’m real excited for his opportunity on this big stage.”

Houston might decline to follow the script, too. In last season’s bowl victory, Houston’s pass-happy Cougars turned to the run in the second half. Houston collected 163 rushing yards, including 113 in the second half.

Injury update
Quarterback Connor Dietz, recovering from a broken right hand, and Kyle Halderman, recovering from an injured knee, appeared to practice at full speed.

“They did everything in practice today,” Calhoun said. “You don’t see a whole lot of lingering effects.”

Eyes on Meyer
Calhoun has been watching the Urban Meyer saga. Meyer said Saturday that he was leaving Florida because of the extreme demands of coaching. Meyer then said Sunday that he might return to the Gators after an indefinite leave.

“I know at our place you have to work,” Calhoun said. “I don’t want to say you have to be a maniac, but you’re pretty darn close in the way you have to work and the way you have to recruit and the amount of time you spend in constant consideration and thought about how to help your guys. … It’s just got to be done with that kind of purpose and that kind of intensity.”