The Air Force Falcons ran into a brick wall two weeks ago when they fell to the TCU Horned Frogs, 35-19. This was the first major test of the season for the Falcons and they failed. It was one thing to defeat South Dakota, 37-20, and coast by during the second half of the game, but the Horned Frogs, despite a loss to Baylor, were a much better opponent.
Instead of getting right back to the schedule last weekend, the Falcons had their bye week to get ready for this Saturday's home game against the Tennessee State Tigers. This FCS team hails from the Ohio Valley Conference and is 1-2 on the season. After opening the season with a 33-7 season over Southern University, the Tigers have dropped their last two games. They allowed 58 points to Murray State last weekend to open conference play.
As the Mountain West Connection points out about Tennessee State:
The Tigers have allowed an average of 410 yards per game through the air. But don't expect Air Force to automatically decide to exploit their secondary. No, the Falcons will get back to basics in this game. Think of it as a re-start to the season.
The Falcons have the No. 5 rushing offense in the nation at 320 yards per game, and there is no reason that head coach Troy Calhoun shouldn't stick with that for the entire game. Quarterback Tim Jefferson Jr. will look to rebound after being benched for the final portion of the TCU game. Look for Jefferson and Asher Clark to pile up the yards on the ground.
If the Falcons don't win this game by several touchdowns, they might be in for a tough time against the Navy Midshipmen next week. The Falcons would love to hold onto the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for a second year in a row.
Tune into the Mtn. at 1:00 p.m. MT for live coverage of this game at Falcon Stadium.