Just finished a season wrap-up conference call with Air Force coach Troy Calhoun (check for my story later on Gazette.com, which will wrap up this season and look forward to next year), and he said that after a couple days to reflect and watch the film, he has no regrets about going for a fake extra point and the two-point conversion in the Military Bowl against Toledo with 52 seconds left. The try failed and Air Force lost 42-41.
“No, sir,” Calhoun said when asked if he had any regrets.
The details of the play, what Air Force was expecting from Toledo’s defense on the extra point try and what Calhoun’s reasoning was for the call, are explained here.
“The look is exactly what we expected,” Calhoun said. “You still have to punch it in. That’s on a coach, too.”
Calhoun credited Toledo for thwarting the attempt. Toledo defensive end Jayrone Elliott sniffed out the play, burst through the line and hit Air Force holder David Baska well short of the goal line.
“That kid did make a pretty darn good play,” Calhoun said.
I don’t see why he would have any regrets. The call would have been brilliant had it worked. It did not, but next year they will have other calls…it is the Seniors who will be asking “what if” as they move on to bigger and better things. We are all proud of these Cadets, and their Coaches. Look forward to next season!
Absolutely the correct call. Although not sucessful, it was the correct call. Life and Air Force football moves on to next year. Go Falcons. Very proud of our 2011 team. You played hard and no regrets. For all you Seniors, enjoy your trip to the White House and God’s Speed in your future as Air Force Officers!!
I do not see why people agree with the call. The defense was clearly there to stop our 100 pound holder from making a miraculous play. The place kick holder never once looked to pitch the ball but rather he committed to run it in. He got hit on the 2 yard line and at his weight there was no hope for him. The kicker lived up to the stereotype of kicker and could not make an athletic scoop and score play. I guess the frustrating thing for me is if you are going to try and win it, call TO, get your senior led offense to win the game. I feel for Kauth and the rest of the senior Falcons. If you are going to end the season on a risky play don’t have it be on the shoulders of your small holder and kicker running an option.
In Calhoun’s first 4 years, I thought we was usually a little too conservative. He gambled alot more this year, probably because he felt he had too. I’m not going to second guess him now.
I agree with “MarktheFalcon”, run your offense or kick the ball, one or the other. That fake only works if it’s a surprise…no one was surprised.