Falcons' Clark is primed for stretch

Air Force’s offensive balance and much-improved passing garnered most of the attention in Saturday’s 34-16 victory over Colorado State.

But, quietly, sophomore tailback Asher Clark turned in a noteworthy performance.

The Falcons’ leading returning rusher from the 2008 campaign had gone five straight weeks without cracking 40 yards in a game and had averaged just 3.1 yards per carry during that stretch. Against the Rams, however, he picked up 75 yards on 10 carries. And on the new two-deep chart released Monday, Clark was listed as the starting tailback — he had been listed as a co-starter for several weeks with junior Savier Stephens.

Clark, who rushed for 588 yards and five touchdowns last season as a freshman, was hampered by a shoulder injury for much of October. But he said last week he felt healthier. And on Monday he said he feels like he’s ready for a break-out game.

“It’s been a long time since I had a big game this year,” he said. “And I feel stronger as the season’s gone on.”

Air Force coach Troy Calhoun was most impressed with Clark’s blocking Saturday, but Clark did show some flashes of the big-play ability he had last season. Three of his rushes went for 12 or more yards, including a season-long 31-yard burst.

“He made a couple guys miss in the open field,” Calhoun said, “which is good to see.”