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The Air Force Falcons enter the 2012 season with tempered expectations, far different than from the start of 2011. A year ago, the Falcons were a dark horse to challenge Boise State and TCU for the conference title. After a 7-6 season and a 42-41 loss to the Toledo Rockets in the Military Bowl, Air Force is looking at being in the middle of the conference once again.
The Falcons take on the FCS Idaho State Bengals on Saturday to open the season. Connor Dietz takes the reins at quarterback with the graduation of Tim Jefferson Jr. Dietz played sparingly over the last few seasons, but the senior will be looked on to be the team's leader.
Air Force played and defeated two FCS opponents in 2011, South Dakota and Tennessee State, and should add another one victory to the school's win-loss record. However, with the big Michigan game coming up on Sept. 8, the Falcons don't want a lower-level football team take advantage of them before a trip to the Big House.
Game time/date: Noon MT, Saturday, Sept. 1
Location: Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colo.
TV Schedule: None; streaming at: goairforcefalcons.com
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