Practice proceeds full speed ahead

With a 1-hour, 40-minute practice Saturday, Air Force resumed preparations for Wednesday's Armed Forces Bowl against Houston in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Falcons began the session in TCU's indoor facility because of lightning and heavy rain but then moved outside. It was the team's first practice since Dec. 18.

"We went in full pads, and we went at it heavily," coach Troy Calhoun said via phone after practice. "We did a lot of (starters) against (starters) just because I think that's the only way to get full tempo at least in terms of speed on both sides of the ball."

Nearly all of the key players participated in practice. Two who did not were senior nose guard Jared Marvin (knee) and senior fullback Todd Newell (ankle). Marvin is not expected to play in the bowl, while Calhoun said it was "doubtful" that Newell would play.

Sophomore outside linebacker Patrick Hennessey and senior inside linebacker Brandon Reeves, both of whom are nursing shoulder injuries, were "a little bit limited." Sophomore Z receiver Kyle Halderman, who has been recovering from mononucleosis, should be able to play, Calhoun said.

Etc.

Calhoun said all of the players arrived in Fort Worth by late Friday night. ... Players were scheduled to attend the Dallas Stars' game against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night at American Airlines Center. ... The Falcons will practice at 9 a.m. today.