Sophomore Halderman comes up in big ways

If there can be such a thing as an under-the-radar big-play threat, Air Force sophomore Z receiver Kyle Halderman is it.

While the freshman duo of quarterback Tim Jefferson and tailback Asher Clark have garnered much of the attention in recent weeks - and deservedly so, as the Falcons are 5-0 with them in the starting lineup - Halderman quietly has put together a season full of big plays.

Of the Falcons' 23 plays that have covered 25 yards or more, Halderman has been involved in eight - five receptions and three rushes.

"I've never really thought of myself as a big-time-play guy," Halderman said. "Of course when I go in (the game), I want to make things happen."

He's done it in 2008. Halderman has gained 311 yards on 32 carries, and his 9.7 yards-per-rush average is the best on the team among players who have carried the ball more than five times. He's also caught eight passes for a team-high 239 yards and has a team-high 29.9 yards-per-catch average.

But his long-yardage plays haven't just padded his stats. Often they've been game-changers.

In the opener against Southern Utah, he ran 48 yards for a score on the fifth play from scrimmage in the second half to give the Falcons a 28-0 lead. The following week at Wyoming he took a pitch from Shea Smith and ran 74 yards. Though he was caught from behind at the Cowboys' 1-yard line, his run set up Air Force's first touchdown, which broke open a tight, defensive struggle.

He caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Smith to tie the game against Navy in the third quarter. He hauled in a 44-yard touchdown pass from Jefferson to cut UNLV's lead to two early in the fourth quarter on Oct. 18. And last Saturday his 74-yard touchdown reception from Jefferson gave Air Force a lead it would not relinquish.

"He has good hands, and he transitions well after the catch," Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. "He's a good worker, he's smart. He's made himself a better football player.. ... There's still a good bit of upside there too."

Tew can haul it, too

With the Falcons running more triple-option in recent weeks, senior Todd Newell has provided a strong fullback presence, compiling 428 yards on 94 carries in the last six games.

But against Colorado State, sophomore Jared Tew proved the Falcons have an effective second option. Tew gained a career-high 50 yards on 10 carries, mostly in the fourth quarter. On the Falcons' final drive, Tew got the ball on half the 14 plays and gained 37 of their 70 yards.

"He has some carrying skill with his feet, and he has pretty good vision," Calhoun said.

"He's got a really good lower-half of his body - you see it in the weight room. And I think physically he's not done filling out."

Tew, who had missed two games with a shoulder injury prior to Saturday, moved into the backup spot on the two-deep chart released Monday.

No contact yet

The Seattle Times reported earlier this month that Calhoun was a possible candidate for the soon-to-be open head coaching position at Washington. Calhoun said Monday he has not been contacted by Washington.

Etc.

Junior Justin Moore moved in front of senior Brandon Reeves at one starting inside linebacker spot. ... Sophomore outside linebacker Patrick Hennessey (shoulder) is doubtful for Saturday. Newell (ankle) is questionable, as is senior receiver Spencer Armstrong.