Breakdown of Air Force at Colorado State
Three things to watch
1. Don’t feel pressure
Colorado State doesn’t have much to play for the rest of the season, but it doesn’t have much to lose either. Air Force becomes bowl eligible with a win today, and its season is over with a loss. The Falcons can’t succumb to that pressure.
2. Play the run well
The Rams’ mediocre run game came alive a few weeks ago when tailback Chris Nwoke was given the majority of the carries. He had more than 200 yards against San Diego State two weeks ago. The Falcons haven’t been a great run defense, so the Rams will give Nwoke plenty of carries.
3. Hit some big plays
Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson and receiver Zack Kauth have hooked up on some big plays in recent weeks, and that opens up the Falcons' offense. The Rams will be concentrating on stopping the run, so the deep pass should be available.
Key matchup
Air Force’s linebackers vs. Colorado State QB Garrett Grayson
Grayson, a freshman, will be making his second career start. While he doesn’t have much experience, he is a good athlete who can keep drives alive running the ball. Air Force’s linebackers need to make sure they don’t let Grayson have huge lanes to run through when the secondary has good coverage.
Quote to note: “Right now it’s about getting this win against CSU and hopefully get that 13th game. If I can get it done in that time, great, but if I end up with 142 rushing yards in the next two games, and we get two wins, that’ll be fine as well.” – Air Force running back Asher Clark, who is 143 yards behind Dee Dowis’ school record for career rushing yards.
Note to quote: The Falcons have never won seven games in five straight seasons, or made five straight bowl games. They could accomplish both with a win today.
By the numbers
50: Meetings between the two in-state teams, counting today. Air Force leads the series 29-19-1.
5: Years since the Falcons played this late in the season. This is Air Force’s latest regular-season game since Dec. 2, 2006, when it played at TCU.
5: Consecutive games Air Force has won against Colorado State. The past four games have been decided by 85 points.
