Air Force Falcons Football Preview 2013 [AUDIO]

The Air Force Falcons, who posted a 6-7 (5-3 MWC) record in 2012,  must replace 15 total starters this season. However, Air Force looks to keep their six-game post-season appearance streak alive as well.

Air Force ranked second in the nation in rushing offense during the 2012 season.  However, the Falcons lose two of their most productive rushers in running back Cody Getz (51.5 yds/game) and quarterback Connor Dietz (104.0 yds/game).  Another big loss for their running attack includes fullback Wes Cobb, which means they will be looking for junior running back Jonathan Lee (45.4 yds/game) to step up as a leader in the rushing category in 2013.  Also, the Falcons will be looking for junior quarterback Kale Pearson to fill the role as the signal caller and be a major contributor to their running attack.  Last season, Pearson ran for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He also threw 12 completions on 29 attempts with 128 yards and 4 interceptions.

As an aid to the Falcon’s passing game, Ty MacArthur returns as the team’s leading receiver last season with 411 yds and 2 touchdowns.  MacArthur was also seen as a ball-carrier in Air Force’s multiple-look, option offense in 2012 and averaged 35.9 yds/game.

In order to continue its success at running the ball, Air Force must replace three offensive linemen.  In addition, look for junior TE Marcus Hendrix (7 catches, 117 yds, 2 TDs) to fill the shoes of Austin Briehl.

Defensively, the Falcons lose linebackers Austin Niklas and Alex Means in their multiple defensive look.  Niklas ranked 2^nd in the Mountain West and 23^rd nationally in tackles with 128 total tackles.  Means followed with 101 total tackles and ranked 8^th in the Mountain West.

However, defensive backs Christian Spears and Steffon Batts will return in 2013.  Spears was the third leading tackler on the team last season with 48 solo tackles and 91 total tackles. Batts led the team in interceptions with 2.

 Win the turnover battle: To improve in 2013, Air Force must take better care of the football.  The Falcons threw 8 interceptions and lost 21 fumbles in 2012.

 Defend the pass: Air Force ranked 8^th in the conference last season in pass efficiency defense, allowing opponents to complete 67.9% of their passes.  The Falcons must improve in this category to improve as a defense overall.

 2013 Schedule:

8/31 Colgate

9/7 Utah State*

9/13 @Boise State*

9/21 Wyoming*

9/28 @Nevada*

10/5 @Navy

10/10 SDSU*

10/26 Notre Dame

11/2 Army

11/8 @New Mexico*

11/21 UNLV*

11/30 @Colorado State*

 *-Conference Games

 Critical Games:

1. New Mexico: New Mexico finished 5^th in the country in rushing and continues to add depth on both sides of the ball.  This team also gave Air Force a scare last season in Colorado Springs.
2. UNLV and Colorado State: These games are equally critical in that they could determine whether Air Force will play in the post-season.

Returning Starters: 7 (3 Offensive, 4 Defensive)

 ^-Second Team All-Mountain West

This article was complied with the use of NCAA Football Statistics, Mountain West Conference Football, and 2013 Air Force Football Quick Facts

Audio:

Troy Calhoun (Head Coach) talks about: Kale Pearson, Running backs and MacArthur, Style of offense, Inexperience, Linebackers, and CB Stephon Batts

Jim Arthur (Voice of The Falcons) talks about: QB situation, Lack of redshirt season, Maintaining competitiveness, A day in the life of an AFA football player