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Air Force vs. San Jose State: Game Preview, Kick Time, TV & Radio Schedule, Livestream, Prediction
Friday Night Lights in Colorado Springs
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WEEK 5: Air Force (2-1) vs. San Jose State (2-1)
WHEN: Friday, September 27 — 6:00 PM MT/5:00 PM PT
WHERE: Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colorado (46,692)
TV: CBSSN
STREAM: Watch with free trial on SlingTV
RADIO: Air Force | San Jose State
SERIES RECORD: The all-time series favors Air Force, 3-1
GAME NOTES (PDF): Air Force | San Jose State
ODDS (via OddsShark): Air Force -19
Air Force and San Jose State are locking horns in what is a second consecutive Friday night match-up for the Falcons. These two teams will be coming off of completely different experiences from the previous week. The Spartans are riding high on momentum from knocking off an SEC team in Arkansas last week. Air Force on the other-hand, is looking to find their way and rebound after a difficult loss at the hands of Boise State.
https://twitter.com/AF_Football/status/1176987241085751296
Three Keys to an Air Force Victory
1. Think like Polonius
In Bill Shakespeare’s famous play, Hamlet, Polonius famously says “to thine own self be true”. It would serve the Falcons well to do heed these words. As the option attack goes, so goes the team. When their offense is clicking, not only does it create nightmares for the opposing defense, but it keeps the Air Force defenders fresh and contending with far less possessions to defend.
2. Show No Love
Josh Love has continued to improve year after year in the Spartan offense. It may not get a lot of notice due to the overall lack of success that his team has had in recent years, but he has clearly made strides. The last time these two teams met, a very effective Kenny Potter gave the Falcons fits, putting up 38 points in a losing effort. I don’t think Air Force wants to test out the scoreboard just yet.
As is usually the case, pressure could go a long way in creating turnover opportunities for the Falcons. They can’t afford to let what has acquitted itself as an effective pass attack get comfortable at Falcon Stadium.
3. Stay on Schedule
The Air Force philosophy on offense is highly cerebral. It is predicated on precision and decision making. The Falcons have to find their rhythm on offense to boost the overall performance of the team. This has been the case historically, and holds true today. Penalties and lack of success on early downs are a significant hindrance to this teams scheme.
Getting on schedule and staying on schedule with the down and distance has to be a focus. This all starts with what often surmounts to a fullback dive for a steady three yards. The adage that you can’t go broke taking a profit is most apropos in a triple option offense.
Prediction
Like a lot of people, I am trying to gauge just how good the Spartans are this year. There is no doubt, the win over Arkansas is a great indicator for a team that’s been a divisional doormat over the last few seasons. Unfortunately, beating Arkansas is not a right of passage to success in the Mountain West, ask Colorado State.
What I do know is; this is a team playing with a lot of confidence, they have some offensive weapons and they have some really stout defenders- in particular at linebacker. Fortunately for Air Force, they should not be caught off-guard by strong defensive play. They have have already seen All-Conference talent from the Pac-12 as well as in conference.
In spite of being dinged up, Quarterback Donald Hammond is still atop the depth chart for the San Jose State game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see backup Isaiah Sanders either by design or demand. This is a key subplot to the game for how the offense will operate. With either of them under center, I see the Falcon offense being more than capable.
Falcons Fly.
Air Force 30- Boise State 21
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