AFA Sports   Air Force Academy sports

Troy Calhoun is no stranger to the NFL Combine, and he’s a fan. So much so that the Air Force coach would like to see another version of it that, instead of highlighting college players for NFL evaluators, would put high school athletes there for college coaches to see.

“It would ensure there’s consistency across the board,” Calhoun said. “Compliance-wise it’s something clearly you can monitor, but at the same time it’s fair to everyone involved in terms of being able to evaluate.”

Calhoun’s suggestion is to hold a large number of high school combines, maybe 70, holding two per day in April and May in large cities and at regional sites.

“I think it makes more sense,” he said.

He’s absolutely right. And it would save major dollars.

Instead of paying for each assistant to travel to dozens of towns and schools each year to verify heights, weights and all other measurables for recruits, that effort could be consolidated. There would still be travel associated with recruiting, but if much of the weeding out process could be done in one organized location it would simplify the process and keep costs down at public institutions across the country.

Calhoun said he hasn’t heard any discussion of his proposed college combine, but he sure seemed to be into the idea.

As a former NFL assistant, Calhoun understands how the combine fits into the overall evaluation process. He was part of a draft for the Texans that included stealing tight end Owen Daniels in the fourth round, so he clearly understands how to use it to his advantage.

It would be interesting to see how a program like Air Force, which recruits nationally, could use a college combine to help identify potential recruits. It would also be interesting to see if players from the Colorado Springs area might be able to use such a platform to elevate their status.

It certainly seems worth pursuing.

Colorado State coach Larry Eustachy insists his team’s defense against Kendall Williams of New Mexico was as tight as it was against Air Force’s Michael Lyons. Photo evidence suggests otherwise.

Michael Lyons found himself briefly cheering for Colorado State. More specifically, cheering for CSU’s defense. Even more specifically, cheering for CSU’s defense against New Mexico’s Kendall Williams.Willliams sank free throw after free throw in the final minutes on Saturday, capping a 46-point performance against the Rams that eclipsed Lyons’ own 45-point barrage against the game team the week before.

“I was kind of rooting against him in a way,” said Lyons – sort of joking, sort of not. “That was good for him though.”

Williams followed Lyons as Mountain West player of the week.

It was odd that a team as good as CSU, a top-25 team, would see two similar eruptions from guards in such a short span.

Rams coach Larry Eustachy gave all the credit to the two guards, saying he doesn’t know how he might have changed the defensive approach.

“Every shot was contested,” Eustachy said. “What we got were two incredible players who had incredible outings. It was a reflection on them and certainly not a reflection on our defense.”

This has been something of a trend for Colorado State. According to stats dug up by Geoff Grammer of the Albuquerque Journal, the Rams have allowed an opposing guard to scored 20-plus eight times, 30-plus three times and 45-plus twice.

Among that group, Lyons was king. Who would have guessed how quickly that reign would end?

Air Force released its tentative spring practice schedule, bumping the start up from Friday (as had been previously announced) to Thursday. Weekday practices run from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturday practices are from 10 to 11:45 a.m.

Practices are open to the public and there will be no spring game this year.

A few developments to watch this spring (and we’ll get into this a bit more in depth in a full story) will be to see if the offense takes on a different look following the comments from a top tight end recruit that coach Troy Calhoun intends to open the passing game a bit more. Also, replacements will need to be found for all four linebackers, at quarterback, running back, three of the five offensive line spots and several other positions.

What will you be following most closely as the team practices over the next month?

Air Force basketball coach Dave Pilipovich offered a theory as to why Michael Lyons went off for 45 points against Colorado State on Saturday.

“He seems to play well when his parents are there,” Pilipovich said. “I noticed before the game that his dad, who lives in Virginia, was sitting behind our bench.”

Lyons wasn’t quite as convinced that his parents’ make a difference in his game, though he did conceded some of his top performances have come with them in attendance.

“I think it’s just total coincidence,” the senior guard said. “It has worked out to where every game he’s been there has been a pretty big game, but I guess they’re just my good luck charm.

“I don’t try to do anything else different, it just happens to work out that way.”

Another contributing factor may have been a pregame haircut. Pilipovich, who is painfully superstitious, advised against Lyons getting his hair buzzed Saturday morning. Pilipovich had received a pregame haircut years ago and has since avoided the practice. When Lyons said he had previously had one and it preceded a win, Pilipovich gave the go-ahead.

No word if the scissors or Lyons’ parents will be making an appearance Wednesday in Boise.

A success? A failure? Somewhere between the two?

After the most tumultuous offseason in the program’s history, Air Force managed six victories.

But those six victories were not especially impressive.

Are you satistfied?

Let me know.

The Falcons are 17-point underdogs today against Fresno State, and that line seems a bit harsh for a team that nearly upset Michigan at The Big House.

Do the Falcons have a chance today?

Let me know what you think.

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.

Must say, I am surprised. Falcons have only 94 yards on the ground, at an average of 3.4 yards per carry, against one of the worst rush defenses in college football.

It’s 7-7 with 2:01 left in first half at Falcon Stadium.

I know; it’s almost always beautiful in San Diego. But forecast had been for rainy day.

The Falcons are 71/2 point underdogs, but this Air Force team plays at its best when the odds are against it.

SDSU is on a five-game winning streak, but barely defeated Nevada and Boise State. There’s reason for the Falcons to be optimistic.

And reason for the Falcons to be worried. SDSU clobbered Army, 42-7, earlier this season while stifling the Black Knights rushing attack.

The Falcons are 4-1 against Mountain West opponents.

And they’re 0-2 against Navy and Army.

The Black Knights pulverized the Falcons, 41-21, on Saturday.

What do the defeats to Navy and Army say about the strength of the Mountain West?

This is – and I think this is obvious – a down year for the conference. There’s not a team in the national top 25.

How weak is the conference this season?

Let me know what you think.