Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/195693
Game Preview: Air Force On Paper By Andrew Owens Air Force Running Game Vs. Notre Dame Run Defense If there's one thing this Air Force squad does well — and traditionally succeeds at — it's running the football. While the rest of the Falcons' offensive and defensive statistics linger in the 100s of college football, the school ranks 12th nationally in rushing yards per game with 268.57. Air Force boasts a balanced rushing attack in the triple option under seventhyear head coach Troy Calhoun. Seven players on the roster enter the home contest against Notre Dame with more than 100 rushing yards this season. Junior fullback Broam Hart leads the way with 386 yards and three touchdowns while receiving the most carries of any Falcon (89, with 51 as the next highest total). In the triple-option offense, the quarterback position also produces a significant amount of rushing yards. Sophomore quarterback Jaleel Awini rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns in four games before the academy announced he was no longer a cadet in good standing in late September. Not only do the Falcons run effectively, but they run a lot. In fact, only Army has rushed the ball more times than Air Force's 379 attempts. While the Irish offense experienced difficulties containing the triple option early under head coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, Notre Dame has since stifled that type of offense. Advantage: Even Air Force Passing Game Vs. Notre Dame Pass Defense As is usually the case, Air Force does not pass the ball often or with much success. Entering the clash with Notre Dame, only New Mexico and Army produce fewer yards through the air than the Falcons (102.3 yards per contest). Three of the team's four Sophomore Karson Roberts, one of four quarterbacks to see action for Air Force this season, has completed 14 of 30 passes for 207 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in seven appearances. photo courtesy air force