Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197760
air force previewOCt. 23, 2013 What Shutdown? The Falcons' defense has been far from a gridlock group during a 1-6 start to the season The Falcons have played in a bowl game in each of head coach Troy Calhoun's first six seasons at the helm, but that streak is in danger this year due to a struggling defense. photo courtesy air force By Dan Murphy I t doesn't take long to discover the main source of Air Force's dismal 1-6 record through the first half of the regular season. Already well on the way to its worst start in Troy Calhoun's seven-year tenure, the Falcons' defense has worked less often than the government that funds it in recent weeks. The defense ranks no higher than 102nd among Football Bowl Subdivision teams in any of the four major statistical categories. The 37.6 points per game they have allowed so far this season are more than 112 other FBS teams. The run and pass defenses rank 111th and 102nd, respectively, which left the Falcons with a ranking of 116th in total defense through the first three weeks of October. The military academies always go to battle with an undersized defensive line, and Air Force also had to replace all four linebackers from last year's starting lineup. That includes former big hitters Austin Niklas and Alex Means, who combined for 229 tackles in 2012. But the defense's biggest issues this season have been in the passing game, according to Colorado Springs Gazette reporter Brent Briggeman. Briggeman, who covers the Air Force team on a daily basis, said a mixture of scheme and execution has led to opponents throwing at will. The Falcons defensive backs typically line up six or seven yards off the line of scrimmage, leaving a lot of space for passes in the flat and wide receiver screens to develop. "I don't think it's so much the pass rush because most of the teams that have been picking them apart have been really quickhitting passers," he said. "… That's really been their Achilles' heel." Efficient passing attacks have helped teams rack up yardage and come from behind to steal wins in the second half in recent weeks. Air Force has taken a lead into halftime in each of its last three losses. Navy trailed by a field goal after two quarters but ran off three straight touchdowns, two in the fourth quarter, to win ✦ Game Facts Date: Oct. 26, 2013. Site: Falcon Stadium (46,692). Kickoff: 5:06 p.m. ET. Television: CBS Sports Network. Radio: This broadcast can be heard on SIRIUS Satellite Radio (channel 129). Series Facts: This is the 30th meeting between Notre Dame and Air Force. The Irish hold a 23-6 advantage over the Falcons, and won the last meeting 59-33 in South Bend in 2011. Coaches: Notre Dame — Brian Kelly (33-13, fourth season). Air Force — Troy Calhoun (48-37, seventh season). Noting Air Force: The extra elevation in Colorado Springs has not been an advantage for Air Force in this series, with four of Notre Dame's six losses to the Falcons coming in South Bend … Their last meeting, a 59-33 win for the Irish, was the highest combined score in the history of Notre Dame Stadium, and the 59 points was the most scored by a Notre Dame team since Lou Holtz's last game in 1996 … Calhoun won the Mountain West Coach of the Year award in 2007, his first season with the Falcons and the only year in which he beat Notre Dame.