Thursday, August 26, 2010

News....

Air Force has sidestepped serious injuries so far in camp. Cornerback Anthony Wright is out with an undisclosed injury, but I don't think its serious. He could be held out of the Northwestern State game and the Falcons would still be fine. Wide Receivers Kevin Fogler and Nate Kauth have worn the red injury jersey, and linebacker Brady Amack was dinged up a bit, but all now are fine.

Speed. The Falcons have a lot of it on offense. Asher Clark, Jonathen Warzeka, Cody Getz, Kyle Haldrerman, Dontae Strickland, Mikell Hunter, Darius Jones. Plenty of speed on the edge for the Falcons. Big Play Speed.

I would be very surprised if Tim Jefferson is not starting at QB for the Falcons September 4th. He has had a solid camp, especially throwing the ball. My little voice tells me the Falcons will throw more this year. But I also do expect to see Connor Dietz play. And the Falcons have moved Defensive Back Ben Cochran back to quarterback. He is a heck of an athlete, and may see time on special times, or perhaps even on defense in a dime package.

We would love for you to join us at Falcon Stadium. Click on this link for a chance to win tickets from Colorado's 740 KVOR. http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled We'll draw names before every home game. And when you come out, bring your radio for your hometown coverage on KVOR.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Reps

Air Force Coach Troy Calhoun told me he is giving a lot of his younger guys plenty of reps during the first 3 weeks of practice. Makes a lot of sense to me. He knows who his starters are both on offense and defense. Many of the scrimmage type situations have featured underclassmen, getting the chance of impress the coaches. The veterans can help them during the scrimmages, and as an added bonus they save their legs just a bit. Beginning Monday August 23rd you will see more of a focus on the 1st and 2nd string with the season opener lurking September 4th.

I talked to cornerback Anthony Wright the other day at practice.  He was the only defensive back not wearing gloves. I asked him about that. he said its just a feel thing. He told me last year he did not wear gloves in 2 games. Its just how he feels going into games.

The BYU Thing.... All is quiet in Provo as the Cougars mull taking their football team independent, and playing the rest of their sports out of another conference. It sounds like The WAC and BYU had talked and all 8 schools, outside of Boise State, would welcome the Cougars in for Basketball and other sports. But when the Mountain West announced Fresno State and Nevada as new league members, BYU's plan suddenly lost a lot of air. It left the WAC scrambling for its life. And BYU is on the clock. If they want to go independent for 2011 they must give the Mountain West notice by September 1st. I think its an image thing as much as it is a money thing, although as an independent they get to keep all their bowl money rather than split it with conference teams. And make no mistake about it-they're still miffed that Utah got all the attention and a PAC 10 invite. It left the Cougars standing and stomping and demanding, "What about us?"

Monday, August 16, 2010

Welcome

Hi. My name is Jim Arthur. I am the Play By Play voice for the Air Force Football Team. Throughout the 2010 season I will give you my thoughts on players, games strategies and more as the Falcons begin what  may be their most difficult season in many years.

Thoughts: I believe Tim Jefferson will start at quarterback even though Troy Calhoun has yet to name a starter. TJ looked so strong when he was healthy last year, which wasn't that often. But he clearly is faster and stronger so far this year and throwing the ball better. What I believe Air Force needs more of from TJ is rushing yards. He only averaged 24 yards a game rushing for the Falcons last year. I think that's why Troy Calhoun is so intrigued with backup Connor Dietz. He came on when Jefferon went down with his injuries and played well. He is an average passer, but a better runner than Jefferson. Dietz averaged 52 yards a game, and 5.1 yards a carry. The option works best when the QB, Fullback and Tailback are all threats to break one. While Calhoun may be hesitant to use a 2 QB system don't be surprised to see Dietz get some snaps because of his ability to run the football.

Quick Reminder: Saturday is Air Force Kids Day. The Falcons practice at Falcon Stadium from 930 to 1130am which is open to the public. Then kids can come on the field and get autographs and pictures with Air Force players and coaches. The Bird and the AF Cheerleaders will also be there. It free for everybody.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Welcome!

Hello, as promised we've launched the new Air Force Blog!  We're just weeks away from the start of another exciting season of football.  Check back often, and click to follow the blog.  It's a great way to stay up-to-date and follow your favorite team.