Air Force’s lack of experience returning was reflected in the Mountain West preseason poll, released this morning at the conference’s media days.
The Falcons are picked to finish sixth in the league, in a vote of league media. Air Force is replacing at least 16 starters, eight on both sides of the ball. The only time Air Force has been picked to finish lower in the league was in 2007, Troy Calhoun’s first season as coach, when it was picked to finish seventh. Air Force finished second that season. Boise State was picked to finish first this season, grabbing 27 of 30 first-place votes.
Air Force had two players on the Mountain West preseason all-conference team: outside linebacker Alex Means and kicker Parker Herrington. Means led the Falcons with six sacks last year. Herrington hit 83.3 percent of his field goals last season to lead the league.
Predicted order of finish (first place votes in parentheses):
1. Boise State (27)
2. Nevada
3. Fresno State (2)
4. Wyoming
5. San Diego (1)
6. Air Force
7. Hawaii
8. Colorado State
9. UNLV
10. New Mexico
I don’t think you had them sixth, did you Frank? I would say fourth.
Had them picked fifth Steve.
I’m pessimistic about AFA this season. Losing Asher Clark at running back and four year starter Tim Jefferson at QB leaves gaping holes in the Falcons’ backfield.
Until Connor Dietz shows in a game that he can throw the ball effectively I remain unconvinced the Falcons can and will move the ball through the air.
In terms of the conference schedule AFA catches a break in not having to play Boise State. Newcomers Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii represent major challenges for the Falcons. The fact that Hawaii comes calling late in November could favor Air Force especially if the weather is on the chilly side.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons’ secondary better be ready for some games in which the opposition may throw it as many as fifty times a game [Fresno, Hawaii and Nevada all have histories of throwing it all over the lot]. With few returning starters on either side of tyhe line of scrimmage I think this will be a tough autumn for Air Force.
My own $.02 is that if Troy Calhoun can find a way to have this squad post a 6-6 regular season record I think it will constitute his finest coaching job in six years as head coach. I think a 5-7 mark is likely for the Falcons this season.
do they need 6 d-1 wins this year for bowl eligiblity,i thought you can only count the 1-aa towards six wins every 4 years?