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AIR FORCE FALCONS BY DAN MURPHY ir Force's offense might be spending a little bit more time in the air in the years to come. Disappointed with his team's 13-13 record in the past two seasons, Falcons head coach Troy Calhoun is making moves to modify the offense. The plan, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette's Brent Briggeman, is to eventually evolve from an option team to one that passes the ball more often. Calhoun started by bulking up his offensive line for pass-blocking purposes this spring. He added a dozen recruits to the roster that weigh at least 255 pounds, which is a big number for a military academy. Sophomore quarterback Jaleel Awini — a 6-2, 190-pound quarterback from Aurora, Colo. — also has the type of build and arm strength the Falcons will need to start throwing more often. Awini didn't pass presumed starter Kale Pearson on the depth chart during the spring, but he's expected to continue to push the issue in training camp. "They threw the ball a lot in spring," Briggeman said. "I don't know how much of that was just implementing it when they can or if that is actually what the new offense looks like. I think it will be more baby steps toward it." This season is a good time for a change on an Air Force team that lost the majority A GAME 8 • OCT. 26 • FALCON STADIUM of its starters from a year ago and will have a fresh look in 2013. The team's starting quarterback, top running back and two of its Prediction Notre Dame 27, Air Force 17 — Wide receivers DaVaris Daniels and perhaps freshman Corey Robinson could create mismatches in the passing game for Notre Dame on the edge of the defense. Air Force will be able to grind away to keep it close on their home turf, but the altitude won't be enough to keep the Irish from controlling the line of scrimmage and leaving Colorado with a victory. 2013 Schedule Strength: Offensive Backfield Along with the explosive Jon Lee, Air Force thinks it has added some potential upgrades at quarterback and fullback, too. Pearson and Awini have different strengths, but both are capable of winning the starting job. Brent Briggeman of the Colorado Springs Gazette said junior Broam Hart, a strong complement to the option offense at fullback, might also be due for a breakout year. "They like to run up the middle, and he'll be pretty good," he said. "That will be a nice change of pace if Lee gets established at tailback." This group is well-equipped to help ease the transition to a passing attack in coming years. Weakness: Cornerbacks Seniors Chris Miller and Steffon Batts make up the most veteran pair of returning starters anywhere on Air Force's depth chart. That also means opponents have had a long look at where they are vulnerable. Rice hung 295 passing yards and three touchdowns on that pair during the Armed Forces Bowl in December. At 5-8, Miller needs to be perfect technically to compete against taller receivers, and he wasn't a year ago. Defensive coordinator Charlton Warren took over the defensive backs' room this spring in an effort to try to close the gaps at a position that could cost Air Force dearly in the Mountain West. top three receivers graduated. All four starting linebackers from a year ago are gone, including leading tackler Austin Niklas, older brother of Notre Dame tight end Troy Niklas. "I don't think that's a totally bad thing for them," Briggeman said. "They didn't lose many world-beaters, except on defense. The new guys they have in a lot of cases are going to be better, especially at the skill positions." Air Force's staff was excited about sophomore Conor Healy and junior Joey Nichol, who are slotted to take over the two inside linebacker spots. Both played on special teams and in minor roles on the defense last year. Calhoun used the spring as a chance to foster some durability and aggression from his new lineup on both sides of the ball. The 15 practices, which started in early February, were as physical as NCAA rules would allow. X-FACTOR: Junior Jon Lee is one of the more athletic running backs to land in Colorado Springs in recent memory. Lee averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns in a backup role last season. The Georgia native is expected to be the Falcons' main offensive weapon in 2013. PHOTO COURTESY AIR FORCE Quick Facts All-Time Series: Notre Dame leads 23-6 Last Meeting: Notre Dame 59, Air Force 33 (Oct. 8, 2011, at South Bend, Ind.) Head Coach: Troy Calhoun, 47-31 (7th year) 2012 In Review: 6-7 overall, 5-3 Mountain West (4th) Final 2012 Ranking: Unranked 2012 Stats Rankings: 51st total offense (418.8 yards per game) and 72nd total defense (409.4 yards allowed per game) Returning Starters: 7 (3 offense and 4 defense) Key Losses: QB Connor Dietz (1,131 yards) and LB Austin Niklas (128 tackles) 2013 Preseason Rankings: No. 82 by Athlon and No. 85 by Lindy's Date Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 10 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 8 Nov. 21 Nov. 30 Opponent Colgate Utah State at Boise State Wyoming at Nevada at Navy San Diego State Notre Dame Army at New Mexico UNLV at Colorado State 2012 Result — — — W, 28-27 — L, 28-21(OT) L, 28-9 — L, 41-21 W, 28-23 L, 38-35 W, 42-21 Last Bowl Appearance: 2012 (Armed Forces Bowl, Rice, L 33-14) Did You Know?: The heaviest player listed on Air Force's 2012 roster was 6-4, 265-pound lineman Nick Fitzgerald … Notre Dame and Air Force set an attendance record for Falcon Stadium in 2002 when they drew 56,409 fans to the building that sits 6,621 feet above sea level. Returning Leaders Rushing: Jon Lee (545 yards, 4 TD) Passing: Kale Pearson (128 yards, 0 TD) Receiving: Ty MacArthur (411 yards, 2 TD) Tackles: Christian Spears (91) Sacks: Alex Hansen (4) Interceptions: Steffon Batts (2) BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2013 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 116-127.Opponent Previews.indd 123 ! 123 6/25/13 2:54 PM