Air Force Falcons
Mountain West
Air Force did not defeat any bowl eligible teams during the 2011 season, but managed to reach the seven win mark they needed to reach a bowl themselves. That pretty much means that this is a team that is steady enough to beat the teams they should, but lacks the firepower and defensive stinginess to pull off a major upset.
2011 Record: 7-5, 3-4
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Independence Bowl vs. Utah (W 26-3)
Big Wins: 10/1 at Navy (35-34), 11/26 at Colorado State (45-21)
Bad Losses: 10/13 San Diego State (27-41), 11/12 Wyoming (17-25)
Coach: Troy Calhoun (41-23 at Air Force, 41-23 overall)
Bowl Record: 2-2 at Air Force, 2-2 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Clay Hendrix and Blane Morgan
Defensive Coordinator: Matt Wallerstedt
Strengths:
This is Air Force and they get most of their work done on the ground. Asher Clark and Mike DeWitt are a couple superb backs who fit very well into the option attack. Clark is the big play back, but DeWitt is the more bruising back who will punch the ball into the end zone. Wes Cobb is also emerging as a quality back and he gives the Falcons yet another option. Quarterback Tim Jefferson does what he needs to do on the ground and through the air. Jefferson is a good orchestrator of the offense. He may not pass too often or too efficiently, but Air Force can put the ball in the air occasionally and at least surprise the opposition. When the ball does go in the air, receivers Zack Kauth and Jonathan Warzeka are the usual targets. The overall offense is good, but this is a team that needs to stay ahead of the chains and ahead in the scoring column since they will not be able to consistently throw the ball.
Weaknesses:
The Air Force defense has had some decent outings, but they allow quite a few yards per play. Since the Falcons run the ball so often and effectively, it will keep the opposing offense off of the field. That did not stop TCU from scoring 35 points or Notre Dame from posting 59 or San Diego State from scoring 41 or Boise State from tallying 37 points. Even when the opposing team does not get a lot of opportunities, they surely can take advantage. The biggest problem plaguing the defense is the total lack of pressure in the backfield. Linebacker Alex Means is really the only consistent threat to get to the quarterback and he is not that consistent. The front line has to do more, but inexperience and injuries have put an end to any hope of that happening this season. Brady Amack is a fine tackler and Jon Davis and Anthony Wright can make some big plays in the secondary, but this defense cannot do enough to make up for the lack of a passing game when the offense needs help keeping up.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Asher Clark, RB, 1,096 yards
Passing: Tim Jefferson, QB, 1,478 yards
Receiving: Zack Kauth, WR, 543 yards
Tackles: Brady Amack, LB, 125
Sacks: Alex Means, LB, 6.0
Interceptions: Jon Davis, S, 4
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 320.33 (2nd in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 138.50 (113, 7)
Total Offense: 458.83 (20, 2)
Scoring Offense: 34.42 (22, 3)
Rushing Defense: 227.75 (115, 6)
Pass Defense: 162.67 (7, 1)
Total Defense: 390.42 (70, 4)
Scoring Defense: 27.25 (62, 4)
Turnover Margin: .00 (59, 6)
Sacks: 1.42 (94, 6)
Sacks Allowed: .75 (8, 3)
