Air Force Falcons – October 8th, 2011 2:30 CT, NBC at Notre Dame Stadium
Head Coach – Troy Calhoun
Career Record – 37-19
- 37-19 in five seasons at Air Force (2007-2011)
2010 Season (9-4)
| Opponent | W/L | AF | OPP |
| Northwestern State | W | 65 | 21 |
| BYU | W | 35 | 14 |
| at Oklahoma | L | 24 | 27 |
| at Wyoming | W | 20 | 14 |
| Navy | W | 14 | 6 |
| Colorado State | L | 49 | 27 |
| at San Diego State | L | 25 | 27 |
| at TCU | L | 7 | 38 |
| Utah | W | 23 | 28 |
| at Army | W | 42 | 22 |
| New Mexico | W | 48 | 23 |
| at UNLV | L | 35 | 20 |
| INDEPENDENCE BOWL | |||
| Georgia Tech | W | 14 | 7 |
SERIES FACTS
The Fighting Irish lead the series 22-6.
STRENGTHS
- Rushing Offense – The Falcons have rushed for 1,458 yards in 4 games for an average of 364.5 yards per game. That’s an average of 6.9 per carry. They had an astounding 595 yards rushing against Tennessee State. Asher Clark leads the team averaging 95.5 per game.
- Red Zone Superiority – They have completed 15 of 17 red zone opportunities for an 88 % success rate. That includes 12 touchdowns for 71% and 3 field goals. This has helped the Falcons to get off to great first half starts. Scoring 42 points in the 1st quarter, 47 points in the 2nd.
- Passing Efficiency – Thanks to the rushing game, Air Force has not had to pass the ball very often. That means less chances for interceptions. QB Tim Jefferson has completed 33 of 46 passes with 2 interceptions, 5 TDs, 70.2 percent completion rate, and a total of 493 yards.
WEAKNESSES
- Red Zone Defense – They have given up 14 of 16 red zone scores for an 88% success rate to the opponents. Their foes have scored 12 touchdowns and kicked two field goals. This has enabled the opponents to make comebacks in the second halves.
- Scoring Defense – Air Force opponents have scored 113 points in 4 games. That is an average of 28.2 per game. Giving up 4 TDs per game to big time opponents is not that big of a deal anymore. However, allowing 20 points to South Dakota and 24 to Tennessee State is trouble.
- Second Half Collapses – The first two weaknesses lead to this third one in a big time way. Navy trailed 3-21 at the half. Air Force has given up 28 points in the third quarter and 38 points in the fourth quarter. Navy unbelievably led in possession time 40:46 to 19:14.
GAME ANALYSIS
Air Force is 3-1, losing to a decent TCU squad. They blew a big lead and may have been lucky against Navy. Over the years, the academies have had tremendous rushing efforts against the Irish. I was at a game in South Bend where the Irish seemed to be on an island by themselves when trying to stop the Air Force rushing game. It is the key to the entire football game. For Air Force to win, ball control via the rushing game, no mistakes, and possession time, are the keys to a victory. Air Force could pull a surprise, but it will not happen in this game.
Notre Dame’s performance against Purdue was hitting on all cylinders. It will not be that easy against Air Force. That being said, it is time for the Irish to start rolling over this type of opponent. They did it last week, they need to do it this week. Cierre Wood ran the ball like many envisioned he would. Michael Floyd is the best wide receiver in America. Tommy Rees has to play like he did last week. The kicking game, namely the FG unit and the punt return team have to improve. Ditto for the kick off team. Brindza had been booting the ball into the end zone, let him kick !
PREDICTION
The Fighting Irish will roll again this week. Air Force will be able to run the ball, so they will score points and have some ball control Their defense will not be able to stop the Irish this week either. Notre Dame will score at will in this game.
NOTRE DAME 43
AIR FORCE 21
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