2010 Air Force Football Predictions
The Air Force Falcons ended the 2009 season with an impressive win over Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl to push their overall record to 8-5
. The Falcons however were unable to crack the top three in MWC play, as they finished fourth at 5-3. This year the Falcons have just 11 starters back, but still appear strong enough to make it back to postseason play. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Falcons will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will finish the season in the MWC.
Offense:
The Falcons return junior starting quarterback Tim Jefferson, but with the success Air Force has running the football and the emphasis they put on running the ball, Jefferson rarely is asked to step back and throw the ball. In 2009 Jefferson attempted just 93 passes completing 53 of them for 848 yards and five scores.
The main source of the ground game came from senior full back Jared Tew and junior tailback Asher Clark, as Tew led the Falcons with 970 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Clark finished with 865 yards and seven touchdowns on 87 less carries. Five other players ran the ball at least 42 times, including Jefferson, who had 254 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
The Falcons return both starting wide receivers from last year, but the only one that really had an impact on the offense was senior Kevin Fogler, who had a team best 25 catches for five touchdowns. Junior Jonathan Warzeka is the other starter back, and it looks as though senior Chaz Demerath is going to take over the starting job at tight end.
The offensive line is a bit of a concern for the Falcons heading into the 2010 season, as they don't have a single starter back from last year. Service academies do a pretty good job at producing quality linemen, but no experience back has to have the Falcons worried.
Defense:
Air Force has just six starters back on defense, but they have been relatively strong on this side of the ball, as they allowed just under 16 points a game in 2009. The only starter back on the defensive line is senior defensive end Rick Ricketts, who recorded an amazing 57 tackles last year. Junior Ryan Gardner and senior Wylie Wikstrom are the two new starters up front in the Falcon's 3-4 scheme.
The Falcons will have to replace both starting inside linebackers this season, but do return sophomore Wale Lawal and senior Andre Morris at the two outside spots. Heading into the start of the season, it looks as though junior Brady Amack and senior Keith Lamendola are going to take over at the two inside spots, and this unit should be pretty solid in 2010.
Three more starters return in the secondary for the Falcons as they get back the starting corner duo of Anthony Wright and Reggie Rembert plus return junior free safety Jon Davis. The only change in the defensive backfield will be the addition of junior Phil Ofill at strong safety.
MWC Prediction 3rd: I believe that the Falcons are going to surprise a lot of teams in 2010, as I have them currently ranked ahead of BYU in the MWC. I am counting on the five new starters on the offensive line to be much better than many might think with a completely revamped line, but if they struggle the Falcons will likely finish closer to 5th or 6th in the MWC.
For a complete look at where the Falcons and the rest of the MWC will finish the season, check out our
2010 MWC predictions.
If you are looking to make some money betting on the
college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert
college football picks.
2010 Air Force Football Predictions
By: Jack Jones
2010 Baylor Football Predictions 2010 Vanderbilt Football Predictions 2010 Army Football Predictions 2010 FIU Football Predictions Louisiana-Monroe Football Predictions Fantasy Football-top Three Fantasy Football Secrets Your Competition Doesn't Want You To Know Football Crazy Goodies Fantasy Football Essentially Requires Kicker Voi Jeans Football Stars NCAA FOOTBALL Live Action Western Michigan Broncos vs Michigan State Spartans NCAA FOOTBALL Live Action Western Michigan Broncos Tottenham Tickets | Tottenham Club |Tottenham Football Tickets| Tottenham Hostpur| Tottenham Football Great News For Usc Football