Turnovers on Air Force's mind as it prepares for Navy

Through three games this season, Air Force is turning the ball over too often, and not forcing enough turnovers.

The statistics pretty clearly point out that issue. The Falcons have lost five fumbles and thrown two interceptions through three games. The defense has recovered just one fumble, but has intercepted four passes. The caveat is, all four of those interceptions came against Air Force’s two Football Championship Subdivision opponents.

The Falcons aren’t going to win many games without winning the turnover margin, especially with so many road games coming up against tough opponents, starting this week against Navy.

“When I think about the upcoming game at Navy, one thing that kind of stands out to me – and it’s my concern - is the turnover battle,” quarterback Tim Jefferson said.

Had the opponent been better Saturday, a couple of turnovers might have been devastating for the Falcons. They lost two fumbles – tailback Anthony LaCoste lost one just before he crossed the goal line for a touchdown, and fullback Mike DeWitt lost one at Tennessee State’s 5-yard line.

Against Tennessee State, Air Force played through those mistakes and got an easy win. The Falcons can’t expect to do that against Navy and win.

“When we play against Navy every year, it’s always a war of attrition,” Jefferson said. “The thing that’s the most critical is who wins the turnover battle.”

The fumbles have been a concern. The Falcons have had nine fumbles and lost five, a very large number for only three games.

“Recent years, we’ve been a team that’s been winning the turnover margin,” receiver Jonathan Warzeka said. “That’s something we have to work on. We’re not going to be able to win many games giving up the ball that many times.”

The problems holding onto the ball haven’t resulted from a lack of coaching. The one thing the players hear constantly is they can’t afford to put the ball on the ground. Coach Troy Calhoun has typically had very little patience with players who fumble too often.

“It’s definitely concentration,” Jefferson said. “Holding onto the ball is something we always preach, you just have to execute. You can’t just think nothing is going to happen, you have to be ready for everything. Holding onto the ball is the most crucial aspect of the game.”

As the games start to get tighter this month, Air Force will need to win the turnover battle. And that works both ways – the offense needs to be more careful with the ball, and the defense has to be opportunistic.

“I think that’s something that’ll help us,” Calhoun said. “Part of it is the more you learn and evolve and get comfortable in your role, you tend to see more of those (forced turnovers).”

Hennessey practices

Outside linebacker Patrick Hennessey was supposed to be out until at least mid-November, but he was back for a limited practice with Air Force on Monday. Hennessey, who has a broken bone near the base of his thumb, would need to be fitted for a special cast before he can return to a game, Calhoun said. Calhoun wouldn't say if Hennessey could play this week, or when he would return.

"I'm not sure what that timetable is," Calhoun said. "It's still a ways off."