Tail backs take a back seat

Through eight games, Air Force’s top two tailbacks, sophomore Asher Clark and junior Savier Stephens, have combined for just 744 yards. And neither has gained 100 yards or more in a game.

On the surface, those are startling numbers, especially considering how essential the tailback was in 2007, when players lining up at that position combined for 10 100-yard performances.

But coach Troy Calhoun and running backs coach Jemal Singleton both noted Clark and Stephens have good yards-per-carry averages (4.6 and 5.1, respectively). Their numbers are down, the coaches said, because the Falcons aren’t using the tailback as much. Fullback Jared Tew’s 135 carries are nearly as many as Clark and Stephens have had combined (154), and quarterbacks Connor Dietz and Tim Jefferson have combined for 110 carries.

Calhoun said the Falcons have given the fullback more carries for several reasons: Tew has played well; some of the opponents had defenses with good closing speed that swallow up plays on the perimeter; and the Falcons have used less shotgun formation “and that tends to change the game a little bit, especially for a tailback.”

Air Force could use far more from its tailbacks in terms of big plays. The Falcons have had just two plays of more than 30 yards this season against Football Bowl Subdivision squads, neither by a tailback.

“We’re just at a point now where those guys do have to bust one,” Singleton said. “We need a long run. We need a long carry.”