Monday 9-27-10

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Jim Arthur 

It wasn't pretty, but it was a good, good win by Air Force at Wyoming. Why? Good football teams have to win games when they don't have their best stuff. The Falcons at times were just bad on Saturday. Penalties, a missed field goal, a field goal try with a bad snap, a fake punt that didn't work. However, when crunch time hit, the Falcons turned it on. A 16 play drive and a 14 play drive in the 4th quarter both resulted in touchdowns. Wyoming had the ball for only 9 minutes in the 2nd half. The Air Force defense shut down Running Back Alvester Alexander and  Quarterback Austin Carta Samuels. And they got two big turnovers from Jon Davis, who has been named the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
The Falcon defense has not given up a point in the 4th quarter through 4 games this season. At the same time if these mistakes keep up they will cost the Falcons a game. The other thing you had to like was the rushing of Tim Jefferson. He is averaging over 6 yards a carry this year. Last year he only averaged 3.4. I asked him about it Saturday and he smiled and said, "I'm healthy this year,"

Jon Davis told me Reggie Rembert was talking to a Wyoming Wide receiver during the game. Reggie asked him, "why aren't you throwing more? The receiver looked at Reggie and said, "because of your secondary, that's why."

Air Force lost Wide Receiver Ken Fogler to a knee injury. He could miss the rest of the season. That could hurt because Fogler was so good at getting deep into the secondary.

Athletic Director Dr. Hans Mueh confirmed to KVOR Air Force will play At Notre Dame next year. That game will replace BYU on the schedule. The Fighting Irish are expected to play Air Force in Colorado Springs in 2013.


Much More to come this week as the Falcons focus on Navy. The Midshipmen were off last Saturday, giving them more time to get ready for the Falcons.

And don't forget, you have a chance to win tickets to Air Force Home games by clicking on this link http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled

Tues 9-22-10

Injury update...WR Kevin Fogler may miss the Wyoming game Saturday. He was hit in the head against Oklahoma and he might have a concussion.....Linebacker Harrison McWilliams has a shoulder injury and is not expected to play.....I have a feeling this game Saturday will not be close-How bout AF 37 Wyoming 13-Just a feeling......Wyoming's running game is bad, and their 3rd down percentage conversion rate is poor. That puts a lot of pressure on their QB Austin Carta-Samuels. If the Falcons can keep him in check they should be okay....I see a big day for the Air Force Offense. They have not been stopped yet and they should move the football Saturday.........Because BYU is leaving next year the Falcons have to fill one more game on their schedule. Don't be surprised if its a big name-a real big name.

What Might Have Been

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By Jim Arthur

Not many people gave Air Force a chance against #7 Oklahoma Saturday in Norman. The Sooners had the nations longest winning streak at 32 games. They were ranked 7th in the nation and have big guys all over the field. However, this is why they play the games. The Falcons matched the Sooners yard for yard and hit for hit and came thisclose to winning. Oklahoma's offense is incredible. They have redefined the standard for running the no huddle. But Air Force adjusted, got their running game going, and showed an enormous amount of heart, guts and determination. I can count on one the hand the number of teams in the nation, that after being down 27-10 going into the fourth quarter, that would have the strength to make a game of it in Norman.  But it's still a loss. There were no moral victories. The players were bitterly disappointed because they realized how close they came to winning. This game will help the Falcons the rest of this season. This club has a lot of weapons. Their chance of winning the Mountain West Conference title actually improved Saturday because they understand how good they can be and how far they can go.

And don't forget, you have a chance to win tickets to Air Force Home games by clicking on this link http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled

Thur 9-16

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Talked to Falcons head Coach Troy Calhoun this morning. Asked about injuries to Jared Tew and Asher Clark. It sounds like Clark is very questionable for Oklahoma. Calhoun said it could be a week before he's back on the field. He really didn't comment on Tew. I do know both players are on the travel roster and are SCHEDULED to go to Oklahoma. But that could change of course. We've seen coaching "gamesmenship" when it comes to injuries, so stay tuned. Both could play and then again, maybe not. Clark has a bum ankle and Tew a very sore and bruised hand.

Really looking forward to watching the Oklahoma offense vs the Air Force defense. If the Sooners get going early don't panic. The Falcons are one of the best teams in the nation at making adjustments. Its a 60 minute game. Let's see how it plays out.

Kickoff is 130 Saturday and its live on Colorado's 740 KVOR.

And don't forget, you have a chance to win tickets to Air Force Home games by clicking on this link http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled

Tuesday 9-14-10

Our Air Force Blog is brought to you by 5 Star Bank at http://www.5starbankus.com/


Jim Arthur

Just got off the phone with Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops. We talked about the Oklahoma passing offense against the Air Force Defense. I think this could be the key to the game. The Sooner receivers are lightning quick, and their Quarterback Landry Jones is coming up a big time performance against Florida State. The Falcons will have to limit yards after the catch and give Jones a bunch of different looks.

Air Force brings more offensive weapons into this game than they have had in years. The Sooner defense only has 3 days to get ready for them. Should be fun to watch

Injuries...Asher Clark has a sprained ankle. Won't know til later in the week if the running back will play. And also, fullback Jared Tew has a badly bruised hand. He too could be questionable for Saturdays game. The Falcons need both of them to have a shot in Norman.

And don't forget, you have a chance to win tickets to Air Force Home games by clicking on this link http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled

Biggest win of the Calhoun Era

Our Air Force Blog is brought to you by 5 Star Bank at www.5starbankus.com. 

By Jim Arthur

Wow...Although I was not surprised. The Falcons 35-14 win over BYU Saturday has to go down as the biggest win in the Troy Calhoun era. He won't admit it, but I saw it on his face in the locker room after the game Saturday.  The Falcons were simply terrific on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Football is a game of adjustments and over the last 3 years Air Force teams have been excellent in making changes as the game develops. The defense was outstanding as they adjusted to the running of Quarterback Riley Nelson. They once again showed their ability to force turnovers, getting 3, 2 fumbles and an interception. After the 1st quarter the Falcons gave up just 126 yards of offense. And it was a total team effort....On offense, the Falcons showed they could pretty much do what they wanted. The offensive line punished the BYU defenders with over 400 yards on the ground. Asher Clark ran hard and was durable in his 100 yard plus effort. And again, the Falcons showed their big play capabilities with Jonathen Warzeka and the emerging Sophomore Mikell Hunter who already has 3 touchdowns in 2 games. And Calhouns 4th down and 2 call in the 2nd half was huge. He has been gutsy since day 1 going for it on 4th down, and Warzekas run for 6 was a back breaker.

Looking ahead... A lot of people noticed the win. The Falcons received votes in both the AP and Coaches poll, and with the victory they sit atop the conference at 1-0.......Next-Oklahoma, Saturday in Norman. The Sooners, after a closer then expected opening week victory over Utah State, pounded Florida State Saturday. But they won't have many days to get ready for the Falcons option. I expect a close game, and a low scoring game, say 13-10. Who wins? Find out Saturday at 130. Watch the game on TV and turn the volume down for your hometown coverage on Colorado's 740 KVOR.

And don't forget, you have a chance to win tickets to Air Force Home games by clicking on this link http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled

Thur 9-9-10

Our Air Force Blog is brought to you by 5 Star Bank at www.5starbankus.com.  Reggie Rembert update-The cornerback was on the practice field Wednesday in a non contact red jersey. I think he will play Saturday. He suffered a neck injury in the win over Northwestern State and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. He went to the hospital for tests and was back at the stadium after the game. I actually talked with him. He was with his family, and relieved his injury wasn't serious. The Academy has put him through a battery of tests already. They will make a decision on his ability to play Saturday Morning......BYU Coach Bronco Mendenhall told me he would love to continue to play Air Force after BYU leaves the Mountain West. He loves what the Academy stands for and the young men that go there....Could be a high scoring game on Saturday. I think BYU will have trouble with the Air Force Offense, and I think the Falcons will throw the ball a bit more than anyone expects....Anthony Wright was dinged up a bit last week but the cornerback will start and play..Defensive Lineman Wylie Wickstrom is out for perhaps the rest of the season with a torn knee ligament. That will hurt the Air Force depth on the defensive line....Final thought-If the Falcons win Saturday they can go back to last week and the scare Northwestern State gave them. It woke them up, and they realized you can't sleepwalk through anybody. And don't forget, you have a chance to win tickets to Air Force Home games by clicking on this link http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled
See You Saturday, and bring those radios so you can listen to your home town coverage on Colorado's 740 KVOR.

1-0.....But.......

The Falcons did what they needed to do Saturday-win. While it wasn't pretty it will make them a better football team and here's why. I don't care who you are, trying to get up emotionally to play a game against Northwestern State is hard. And to the Demons credit they gave Air Force a game. Love their QB Paul Harris. He is a winner. At halftime the Falcons trudged into the locker room and as the players used to say about Fisher Deberry, "We heard some words they don't use in church on Sunday." A solid second half followed. This is a good wake up call.

Thoughts: I didn't think the Falcons defense put enough pressure on Harris in the first half. They blitzed more in the second half and switched up their coverages......Liked how Tim Jefferson played. He ran for two td's and threw for two. He told me afterwards he is feeling much more confident and it shows.....Bad news about losing Wylie Wikstrom to a pretty severe knee injury. We'll now see more of Bradley Connor and Caleb Koneman up front on the defensive line. Air Force looked strong on Kickoff return and punt return. Can they carry that through the rest of the season?.......Talked to Reggie Rembert after the game. He took that huge hit in the first quarter and had to be taken off on a stretcher. They released from the hospital late in the game and he was in the locker room as I was leaving. He was laughing and looked as if nothing had happened. He said he would be fine. But he will have to undergo a battery of tests for him to play this weekend.....Northwestern State moved the ball through the air against the Falcons, and look who's coming to town this week. BYU. Defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt will have to correct some things, and definitely bring more pressure earlier against QB's Riley Nelson and Jake Heaps. Both played in the win over Washington.....Saturdays game, in my opinion, is the biggest game in the Troy Calhoun era....More on that later this week. Don't forget, you have a chance to win tickets to Air Force Home Football games by clicking on this link season you can win tickets to all Air Force home games by clicking on this link http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled and filling out the form. Good Luck. We'll pull a bunch of winners for Saturdays game against BYU.

And as always, this blog is brought to you by 5 START BANK

Here We Go

Kvor's Air Force blog is sponsored by 5 Star Bank.

Game Week.....Northwestern State...Some observations-this game will not be 72-0 like it was against Nichols State last year. Bradley Dale Peaveto the Demons coach was co-defensive coordinator at LSU when the tigers shut down Georgia Tech and their option attack in the Chick Fil-A bowl in 2009 38-3. Also, former Nichols State Coach Jay Thomas who faced Air Force last year, is on his staff. The Falcons will win but not on the scale of last year.....Defensive backs Anthony Wright and Josh Hall have minor injuries and may not play. I would not force Wright into the lineup. BYU is next week and they will need him more against the Cougars...And while Troy Calhoun says they will hold nothing back in this game, I guarantee you we will see nothing fancy from the Falcon Offense or Defense........So BYU has made the decision and will go independent in Football. If I am a coach or player in any of their 18 other sports I am not happy. Because in essence, the administration said "You're not as important to us as football, so suffer with what we stick you with." Many, but not all, will wind up competing in the West Coast Conference. BYU may get some more TV money from ESPN, but if this was a ploy to receive special consideration from the BCS it won't work. Look, in the last 6 years its been TCU and Utah that have led the charge on the front door of the BCS, not BYU. And with most bowls having affiliations with conferences, what post season game do you play in if your record qualifies for a 13th game? BYU could look back on this move with regret in a few short years......Hey don't forget, bring your radios to Saturdays opener against Northwestern State and listen to your hometown coverage on KVOR. We will be on the air at 10am with the First Command Financial Services Pregame Show. And throughout the season you can win tickets to all Air Force home games by clicking on this link http://kvor.com//customform.asp?id=59180&view=scheduled for a chance to pick up some ducats. One more reminder-The first Troy Calhoun Show is Thursday Night September 2nd at 630 at Colorado Mountain Brewery on Interqwest. See ya there.