Editor's note: This is the ninth in a series previewing each of the opponents BYU, Utah and Utah State will face this season.
The matchup
Utah State at Air Force, Nov. 14
Time, TV TBA
Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colorado
This time last year, Air Force was searching for answers on how it could rebound from an uncharacteristically underachieving 2013 season.
Now, the Falcons are looking to build on a 10-3 record in the 2014 season, a drastic improvement over a 2-10 campaign the year before. There are holes to fill, as the Falcon defense lost seven starters and the offense is replacing quarterback Kale Pearson.
Still, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun has led his team to the postseason in seven of his eight seasons, leaving plenty of room for optimism in the Falcons' camp.
The Deseret News caught up with Brent Briggeman, who covers Air Force football for The Colorado Springs Gazette, to discuss what to expect from the Falcons during the 2015 season.
DN: Some people called Air Force a surprise team last season after it won 10 games. Will the Falcons continue to surprise people this season?
BB: I think the bigger surprise was that Air Force had fallen so low in the 2013 season, when it went 2-10 and was not competitive in most of those losses. Prior to that, the program had been to six consecutive bowl games. It averaged 8.5 wins per year from 2007-10. So, the rebound last year was more of a return to the norm than an out-of the-blue surprise. If the team can stay healthy again, there’s no reason to think it can’t be just as strong this year. However, that doesn’t mean the record will be the same, since Michigan State is now on the schedule and games against teams like Boise State and Colorado State are on the road instead of at home.
DN: What can we expect from quarterback Nate Romine?
BB: He’s a strong thrower and a confident “California kid” who should slip seamlessly into the role. He’s not the runner that Kale Pearson was, but he’s had enough experience in the system to understand how to run the option when necessary. But with the skill position players around him, his job will be more of a distributor and passer than playmaker with his legs.
DN: Other than Romine, who are the players to watch on offense?
BB: Offensively, Air Force returns as much talent as they ever have at the skill spots. Fullbacks Shayne Davern and D.J. Johnson combined for 869 yards and 11 touchdowns, and the vast majority of that came over the final seven games. Tailback Jacobi Owens ran for 1,054 yards as a sophomore before a foot injury ended his season after 10 games. Receiver Jalen Robinette has an NFL body at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds and can out-muscle corners to get the ball, while slot receiver Garrett Brown provides a jitter-bug alternative on the other side. Tight end Garrett Griffin is a lean, strong pass-catcher. Those three combined 1,648 of the team’s 1,893 receiving yards last year and 14 of its 15 receiving touchdowns, and they are all back.
DN: Who are the players to watch on defense/special teams?
BB: Defensive end Alex Hansen was a breakout star as a freshman, dipped in production as a sophomore, then re-established himself last year with 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He should be the big-play guy up front. Weston Steelhammer had six interceptions last year as a sophomore and returns at safety. Connor Healy was second on the team in tackles at linebacker. On special teams, Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year Will Conant has graduated after starring as the field goal kicker and punter. Replacing him will be a challenge.
DN: What question marks does the team need to solve in fall camp?
BB: Major questions exist at kicker. It remains to be seen how Owens returns from foot surgery at tailback, though others are there to replace him if necessary. The biggest thing will be finding physical defenders to replace defensive tackle Nick Fitzgerald and linebacker Jordan Pierce, who provided a we’re-not-going-to-take-it-anymore mentality to that unit that it had been lacking when the program dipped for about a year and a half. If that can be done, the offensive will score enough points for Air Force to be in bowl contention again.