Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 8, 2024 3:55 pm GMT
Air Force Football Faces Early Challenges Ahead of Mountain West Opener Against San Jose State
Air Force football’s journey in the 2024 season continues as it prepares to face San Jose State on Saturday, September 7, at Falken Stadium in its Mountain West opener. Following a rocky start, in which the Falcons secured a 21-6 victory against FCS opponent Merrimack on August 31, head coach Troy Calhoun emphasized the absence of a quick solution for turning the program’s fortunes around. “You’re telling me to say all of a sudden it’s abracadabra? I don’t think there’s magic,” Calhoun remarked, underscoring the gradual process he anticipates for the team’s improvement.
Week One Highlights and Struggles
In their season opener against Merrimack, the Falcons fielded a notably inexperienced squad, with 16 players recording their first starts. Despite the victory, the performance raised concerns. Air Force’s offense averaged a mere 3 yards per carry, generating only 166 rushing yards. This stat places them near the bottom of the Mountain West in total offense, trailing only Colorado State and Wyoming, who faced tougher competition from Power Five teams.
As Air Force gears up for its upcoming game, senior guard Michael McAninch expressed hope for improved team cohesion. “Maybe there might be a bit of jelling that could happen, I guess. We might come together a little more here in the next game and down the line,” he said, pointing to the potential for growth and adaptation as they gain on-field experience.
Quarterback Insights and Offensive Expectations
Newly appointed quarterback John Busha echoed this sentiment, noting, “There’s a lot to learn in this offense. I think, with time, we’ll definitely play a lot better.” As the team works through its growing pains, understanding the offense’s complexities will be crucial, especially given the Falcons’ historical reliance on a strong rushing game.
For Air Force, a successful ground attack is integral to its game strategy. The team has consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in rushing since 1987. Without a robust offensive performance, the responsibility will fall on the defense to compensate for any shortcomings, a situation that could prove challenging as competition intensifies.
Defensive Performances and Upcoming Challenges
Air Force’s defense held up well against Merrimack but has tougher matchups ahead. Cornerback Trey Williams, who played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive strategies, emphasized the importance of physical preparedness. He noted that inexperienced players learned valuable lessons about handling soreness and maintaining their focus through practice. “The weeks are going to come fast,” Williams said, highlighting the need for the team to adapt quickly as the schedule accelerates.
Calhoun remains realistic about the path forward for the Falcons. He acknowledges that improving performance is less about any single play and more about consistent, incremental progress. “That’s not real. It’s inch by inch,” he said, communicating his understanding that transformational change takes time and effort.
Looking Forward: Matchup Against San Jose State
The upcoming game against San Jose State will serve as a critical early test for Air Force. With the Mountain West conference season beginning, Calhoun and his team will need to harness the lessons learned from the Merrimack game to enhance their on-field coordination and execution. As kickoff approaches at 5 p.m. Saturday, the Falcons are set to face a San Jose State team looking to make its mark in the conference.
As the Air Force team works through their busy schedule, what they learned from their first games will be very important for their success. Fans are excited to see how the team grows and if the Falcons can improve and play better in the coming weeks.
