Jefferson's big throws give Air Force edge early in second half

FORT COLLINS • Early in the second half of Saturday’s game, Colorado State seemed poised to seize momentum from Air Force.

Up only a touchdown, the Falcons had lost 8 yards on a fumble that was the result of a bad option pitch by quarterback Tim Jefferson, and they faced a third-and-18 from the 14-yard line. With a stop, the Rams would force a punt into the wind and likely get the ball back with good field position and the chance to drive for a game-tying score.

But Jefferson delivered one of his better throws of the day, hitting junior receiver Kevin Fogler down the right sideline for 34 yards. Six plays later, Jefferson made another big throw, finding sophomore receiver Jonathan Warzeka down the middle for a 24-yard touchdown and a 23-10 lead.

“It was really huge for our momentum in the second half,” Jefferson said of his throw to Fogler. “We got backed up because I made a bad pitch, so it really helped us get going in the second half.”

Fogler ran a simple hitch-and-go pattern and, when Fogler stopped to feign the hitch, Jefferson delivered a pump fake that froze cornerback Gerard Thomas. Fogler then ran by Thomas, and Jefferson floated a touch pass that hit Fogler in stride.

“Great throw,” coach Troy Calhoun said. “And great catch by Fogler, too.”