I’m really curious about this game Saturday for a number of reasons. Can the Falcons beat a good team at home? Falcon Stadium is the only place in the conference where Boise St hasn’t won, although it is a small sample size. The Broncos strength is the Falcons weakness, because Boise St will throw the football all over the place. They have 7 receivers with 10 or more catches this year. Air Force has been suspect against the pass. Part of the challenge is getting pressure on the quarterback. The Falcons have just 9 sacks in 7 games. John Rudzinski, the Defensive Coordinator, may have to blitz on every play, because Brett Rypien has carved up every team he has faced when he has time. He was 22 of 26 against CSU last week. Those are John Madden Playstation numbers. You can’t give him time to throw…On the other side of the ball the Falcons have generally been able to move the ball and score against the Broncos Defense, however last year the Falcons committed 3 turnovers in the first half which led to 17 Bronco points. QB Isaiah Sanders will need to have a similar game Saturday as he did against UNLV. Sanders looked comfortable both running and throwing, and I thought he did an excellent job on his option reads. I also thought it was the best play calling game of the year by Offensive Coordinator Mike Thiessen. But Air Force may have to attempt 15-18 passes Saturday to keep the Broncos defense honest. Boise St has been the class of the conference, but it’s clear they are a little less confident when they play Air Force because of the option. What doesn’t help the Falcons is they probably will be without WR Ron Cleveland and LB Lakota Wills. Missing Cleveland will really hurt because he is a difference maker and a game breaker. Saturdays game isn’t a deal breaker for the Falcons, but it does narrow their chances of getting to a bowl. Should they lose, they would have to win 3 of their last 4 games, which include the likes of Army, Colorado State, Wyoming and New Mexico. Not an easy road the rest of the way.
Our coverage begins at 3pm Saturday afternoon with the Raytheon Pregame show on 740 KVOR. Kickoff is set for 5. For tickets, go to AFTickets.com
