How do you feel about Air Force’s bowl bid?

Published: November 18, 2012, 11:27 am, by David Ramsey

The Falcons have earned six wins this season, but let’s take a look at the six wins. Air Force’s victims have lost 46 of 66 games. One of those victims – Idaho State – is 1-10 and has allowed 50 or more points eight times. (Idaho State held Air Force to 49 points.)

The Falcons are playing in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth Dec. 29.

Is this a bowl-worthy team?

Let me know your thoughts.

47 comments on “How do you feel about Air Force’s bowl bid?

  1. Excited for the AF kids and family!

  2. FalconFan5 on said:

    I am glad for the players but not sure AF is a bowl worthy team this year. Hope we can compete with Fresno State this weekend.

  3. Frederic N. Halstrom on said:

    Any team that makes one of the too many bowls deserves it. This group and its staff desires it.

    Assuming they lose next week and win the bowl game, the record for this crew will equal last years under achieving crew.

    Pre season, I think Phil Steele predicted 6-6 and the Armed Forces Bowl.

    Good show given where they began.

  4. Congrats to the team and especially the seniors. Continuing the bowl streak. Finish strong seniors. Also congrats cg28 on a great year

  5. Patrick Maher on said:

    Yes, let’s reward a 6 and 5 team or MAYBE a 7 and 5 team with a meaningless bowel game, THE ARMED FORCES BOWL!!!! Boy, we’ll all be glued to our sets for that “bar burner”!!!!! What an absolute joke.

  6. Patrick Maher on said:

    Oh and by the way, what division II patsy will be available for the powerhouse of a team that Air Force is?

  7. Hopefully one that spells better than you Patrick. Good luck Falcons!

  8. What is an absolute joke?
    Your comment?

  9. Air Force will be slaughtered this weekend, then go on to lose their “much deserved” bowl game, against an opponent from a weaker league.

  10. Too many bowls or not. 6-6 deserving or not. The athletic department gets cash and next years team gets more practice repetitions. Support the Falcons in a down year and look forward to improvement the next.

  11. There are a lot of NCAA football programs who will be putting up their equipment after Saturday. There are a lot of NCAA football programs that would give anything to be 6-5 and going to a bowl.
    Well said Weasel, support them and be thankful, it could be a LOT worse. Look up the road at the University of Colorado or Colorado State or Wyoming.
    Be thankful this Thanksgiving and GO AF!

  12. james merker on said:

    The stats now say there is a 3 way tie for lst place in MWC. AF is second.
    There are 5 bowl tie ins tor the MWC. So, my question is, was AF premature in accepting an Armed Forces Bowl game? And what would happen, if we accidentally beat Fresno State this weekend? Would we not be commited to a different MWC bowl game i.e. by retaining a 2nd place finish?? Would appreciate feedback as to whom will be going to the 5 MWC bowls. It appears confusing?

  13. East Coast Falcon on said:

    In addition to having served as Troy Calhoun’s defensive coordinator in 2007, and therefore having a keen awareness of the multiple “looks” and use of mis-direction the Falcons’ offense ae apt to employ this Saturday, Tim DeRuyter’s Fresno State team if coming off an open week in its schedule. That means the Bulldogs will have had two weeks to prepare for its game against Air Force.

    Based on the Falcons’ performance this month and that of Fresno State, I’m sticking to my assessment that Fresno State will post a double-digit victory over Air Force. I remain hopeful that Air Force will rebound with a bowl victory to post a 7-6 rercord for the season and thereby extend its streak of winning seasons to six.

    GO AIR FORCE! BEAT FRESNO STATE!

  14. Objectively, If the Falcons beat Fresno St., they deserve a bowl. If they lose (and its highly likely they will) they don’t.

    Hans Mueh’s vote is the only one that counts. He has to finance it. He’s determined he can sell enough tickets to a game in Dallas (before even knowing the opponent) , and is willing to swallow any shortfalls.

    Those 10 Bowl practices could turn out to be pretty expensive, but it might be cheaper than finding a new coach. Coaches really don’t like it when an AD turns down post season opportunities. Chris Mooney left after Mueh turned down an NIT bid

  15. The Bird on said:

    AFA HAD to accept this bowl game. With Army and Navy inked to bowl games if they become eligible, we don’t have that luxury. Navy will go this year, Army will not. Before this season started I thought the Falcons had ZERO chance to go bowling. I predicted a 4-8 year so this is a pleasant surprise for this fan to even see them in a bowl game. Further testimony that there are too many bloody bowl games. We are lining up to play a very good Tulsa team, possibly SMU if they beat Tulsa this weekend.

    Happy for the seniors, the last game they will EVER play. Glad for the team and staff that the game is 12/29 and they may or may not miss Christmas with family. I suspect they will assemble in Fort Worth on 12/26. Thats good.

    Financially, the goal is to break even. That’s a stretch as the enthusiasm level behind this team is weak. Ticket sales will be weak and we’ll probably lose $$ on the whole thing. Not good.

    Additional practices will only help if this team focuses on the fundamentals of blocking, tackling, discipline, and securing the pigskin. Hope it helps with recruiting because I think Navy has the edge in talent over us.

    All in all, this team has had just as difficult a year off the field as they’ve had on it. The suspensions, and injuries have been devastating. Regardless of what happens at Fresno, the ability to extend the season should help pay dividends next year.

  16. Bluefan on said:

    The Bowl game IS NOT A BREAK-EVEN. AF LOSES MONEY!!!!!!!! That is our tax payer dollars paying for a bad 6-6 team going to a bowl.
    Most 6-6 teams do not deserve bowls and especially the 6-6 teams in Non-BCS conferences.
    It’s a joke.
    But I still love my Falcons

  17. Blue, get educated! Tax dollars don’t pay for the trip!

  18. Bluefan on said:

    When the trip expenses, including ticket purchase guarantee
    costs more than the bowl payout – who pays for the deficit? AF loses money on this bowl game. Talk to anyone at AF that won’t hide the truth.

  19. East Coast Falcon on said:

    Are Boise State, San Diego State and BYU going to return to the MWC?

    http://tracking.si.com/2012/11/20/conference-realignment-boise-state-mountain-west-byu-san-diego-state/?xid=si_ncaaf

  20. The Bird on said:

    Bluefan,

    I said break even was the GOAL of each team.

    Travel, hotel, ticket guarantees, per diem, etc all come out of each teams payout.

    If the school runs a deficit as a result of the above that money DOES NOT come out of governmental taxpayer appropriated funds. It comes out of the non appropriated bucket of departmental funds.

    You are correct in that most teams outside the BCS games lose money on their bowl games. Look no further than the empty stadiums on TV all over the first 2-3 weeks of bowl games to see that neither school sold their allotment of tickets.

    One of the reasons why everyone wants a shot at the BCS national championship. Follow the money. Also don’t forget that every one of the coaches on the staff probably has an incentive clause in their contract which pays a bonus for a bowl game.

  21. Blue loves to sing the “BLUES”
    GO AF!

  22. To answer James Merker: The bowls with a MWC tie-in have a pecking order to choose who they want, but the the first bowl that chooses (Las Vegas) can pick whomever they want from the conference (i.e., they are not required to pick the conference champion). Same as it goes down the line (Poinsettia Bowl is next). So if we upset Fresno and move up in the standings, there is no conflict, we are locked into the Armed Forces Bowl.

    Whether we have too many football bowl games is a moot point….to use a common phrase “it is what it is.” To debate whether this team, or any team, is “bowl worthy” is a stupid argument to get into, ’cause the bowls will fill their lineups, period. The minor bowls are going to invite teams that can sell tickets.

    After the graduation losses and the suspensions, I had my reservations whether the Falcons would even get a .500 season.

    I’m happy for the team, I’ve already bought my own two tickets and two donated tickets…which I have done for the previous 5 bowls. Why? ’cause I love college football…so don’t give me any **** about wasting my money on a junk game, blah, blah, blah.

  23. T Davis on said:

    I continue to be amazed at comments in regards to players for AF. It is well known that AF, Army and Navy play at a size and at times talent disadvantage to the teams that they play. Yet these young men suit up and play…no excuses. It seems to be lost to those that are watching them play that they are in addition; responsible to their military training and a course load that is no joke, they suit up and play…no excuses. These young men play every game with full expectation of winning…no excuses. For this yes…if they meet the requirements to be bowl eligible I applaud their accomplishment. There is no quitting in these young men and they deserve it. GO FALCONS.

  24. Thunderbird on said:

    Well said Frosty and T Davis.
    Sometimes one needs “to get a life!”

  25. Oh the poor AF student-athletes, they have it so tough, it’s a wonder they win any games at all, they are always the under appreciated, undersized, last recruited, overworked, study harder, have more demands, all on full-ride scholarships and in the end they serve and die for their country. They are the leaders of our country. Carry the flag, blah blah blah. That’s right I said blah, blah, blah. A 6-6 team from a non-BCS conference should never go to a bowl game, but hey that’s because there are too many bowls. I was at the Hawaii game….based on the attendance I think that tells you right there how many people care of Air Force Football right now – not many at all. Ticket sales for the bowl game will be awful. I guess they’re just not as patriotic as all of you.

  26. JoeC….that is absolutely pathetic…your post.
    Thank God you are not defending our country.

  27. Wave the flag B1…drop those bombs baby

  28. If bombs were flying…sure you would be the first one under the table and blaming it on the President or whoever you could blame it on!
    Maybe the USAF.
    I am sure you are a flag waiver, white flag.
    GO AF!

  29. My Dad died in Vietnam. He was in the Army.
    You prick!

  30. I am sorry for your loss of your DAD and his service. If you look in the mirror….you will see a prick! I support the Army and the Navy kids as well.
    I support them all, not run them down.

  31. Will do David.
    Go AF!

  32. david ramsey on said:

    JoeC and B1, CC hockey fans etc. – Can we, um, stick to the subject of football?

    JoeC – Can you maybe settle down? Just a little?

  33. david ramsey on said:

    B1 – You might think about taking a deep breath and settling down, too. Let’s knock it off.

    Now.

  34. The Bull on said:

    Congratulations to the Air Force football team. This is truly a Bowl worthy team. Certainly if six wins are conducive to a Bowl game, then this team deserves this game. The Force reminds me that football is not about being BIG it’s about playing BIG, and that’s exactly what they have done this year. Congratulations, and Good Luck!

  35. Good luck tomorrow in Fresno. I know our kids will play hard and hopefully something special will happen. This group of young men deserve a bowl as laid out by college football rules on what is worthy.

  36. As young as this team is, I think they have done a great job coming together. They have started 25 Freshmen this year, only second to Hawaii who has started 29. I have been going to the home games here for 7 years now, and I was expecting 5 or 6 wins. As with all teams they have had their ups and downs this year, but overall I was very pleased with the way the team progressed. As “The Bull” said, they always play BIG. Most every game they are at a size disadvantage, but seem to overcome that with heart and desire to win, and play to the best of their ability. As a TEAM, they do this very well.

    I was happy for the TEAM after the Hawaii game when they accepted their bid to the Armed Forces bowl. I have, and will always, support these young men. After football they will move on with their lives serving this great nation of ours. .

    I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving, and remember to relfect
    on what this day is actually about.

  37. Well said Darren.

  38. WingsTo Soar on said:

    If they weren’t worthy of the bowl, they wouldn’t have been invited. That said, even if we beat Fresno State and are victorious in the Armed Forces Bowl, this season will still be dreadful. Losing to both both Army and Navy equals FAILed season.

  39. I would love to see us go 8-5.

  40. It’s tough reading through all the whiny BS on here.
    Are there too many bowl games? yeah.
    However, if there’s a bowl game played, and they want a team to fill a spot, might as well be Air Force filling that spot…you can’t replace playing time.

  41. Congratulations to the Falcons on the bowl bid! The NCAA has set the criteria for bowl eligibility,and Air Force met those criteria. It is a good opportunity for the team because, as several posters have said, about half of the FBS teams will NOT have this type of opportunity.

    For those who think that ticket sales will be low, You are wrong. Many fans and grads who live in Texas are excited that AFA will be coming to DFW, and they will be there to support them. The week leading up to the game is full of events that are fun for the players and fans, and many of us will attend some of those, also.

    It would be nice to see AFA finish the regular season with a win and a possibility for 8 wins. But despite what happens in the next two games, it’s always great to see them going to a bowl game.

    GO AIR FORCE! Beat Frenso State!

  42. T and Rick B
    well said….
    they have a tough game tomorrow but with this bunch anything is possible.
    THey usually sell a good bit if not all of their allotment.

  43. Frederic N.Halstrom on said:

    The Armed Forces Bowl will now see our Falcons for the fourth time in six years.
    That bowl, beginning next year, has contracted for Army and Navy to appear, if eligible,alternating for four years beginning 2013.

    Don’t make fun of that bowl. AFA fans have support that bowl, now back in Ft.Worth.
    Such support is why AFA is back. Texas is recruit rich. Better site than New Mexico Bowl and the bowl with the fourth MWC tie in. Buy tickets for use by military personal as many of us do.

    The bowl will get AFA national exposure in all the bowl stories. Navy is bowling in San Francisco and Army is home. Falcons must compete for recruits so. Texas sited bowl is great for the program.

    Go Falcons. Beat Fresno State!

    Anybody see the USA Today story on football coaches money? The Navy HC gets $1.6 mil.

  44. So the teams AF beat have a combined record of 20-46?

    Just like this team since they played @ Army, pathetic.

    The answer to your question is clearly “NO”…but AF this team falls into a category that a lot of college football teams fall into…the one known as “undeserving bowl teams.” Being rewarded for being .500 is a joke…typical modern America doing its part to make as many people feel good as possible…also known as the “pussification of the United States.”

  45. Trick-y-Dick on said:

    Are there Prostitutes that will take accept a John’s money? Always….just as there are Bowls that will take any Bowl Eligible Team’s money…and there’s about as much honor in each. Because that’s whats going on here. They aren’t paying Air Force….Air Force will be paying them.

    Air Force would be dropped in a heart beat if Bowls were allowed to solicit Tennessee, Auburn, Iowa, Michigan State or other BCS loser with a huge fan base and fat wallets.

  46. East Coast Falcon on said:

    Good luck today Falcons. Simultaneously I’ll be pulling for the Air Force to win as I gear myself for what I think will be a double-digit loss to the Bulldogs. I’m glad Troy Calhoun’s team will have another chance in the bowl season to post a seventh win should it lose today.

    GO AIR FORCE! BEAT FRESNO STATE!

  47. batman23 on said:

    Who is this Bluefan guy, grades weren’t good enough to get in the school!!! HATER………………………