Column: USU football’s keys to success against Air Force
Utah State opens Mountain West play on the road against the Air Force Academy on Saturday. Utah State is on a two-game losing streak against the Falcons, getting outscored 66-14 in those games. All time, the Aggies are 3-6 against the Academy and 3-5 since joining the Mountain West. They are looking to take one step closer to evening the series this year.
This season, Air Force is scoring 29 points per game and giving up only 8.5. The Aggies, on the other hand, are scoring 37 but giving up 23.5.
This matchup between the two teams should be an intriguing one. Air Forces offense has one defining characteristic that makes them particularly difficult to defend against — the triple option. But so do the Utah State Aggies — a possible dual quarterback system.
Even with a PAC-12 win behind them, this might be the stiffest test of the season so far for the Aggies.
Utah State’s keys to the game
1. Dominate the first quarter.
Utah State’s most significant weakness this year has been its performance early in games. Getting off to a slow start has forced Utah State to come from behind to win their first two games. Against Washington State, the Aggies went down 5-6 in the first half, and in the game against North Dakota, the Aggies were down 21-7 after the first quarter. Utah State can no longer afford to play from behind. Air Force plays slow and doesn’t make mistakes. If Utah State can come out prepared and execute well, the first quarter could be on their side. If they can’t, they give Air Force control of the game.
2. Stop the option
Service academies are notorious for using the triple-option offense, and the Academy is no different. Air Force runs their option very effectively. So far this season, they have rushed for 546 yards and eight touchdowns in two games. Coach Banda has coached against the option before. When he was at Miami, conference foe Georgia Tech ran the triple option. Banda’s teams went 2-1 against Georgia Tech before they stopped using the option.
3. Find a way around the defense
The staple of this Air Force team is their defense. In week two, the Falcons gave up only 68 yards of total offense to the Navy Midshipmen. The staunch defense could be problematic for Utah State. But the Air Force defense isn’t perfect. The service academies have a natural size disadvantage, so Utah State’s offensive line should have more success upfront. In addition, their backfield could be vulnerable. Utah State is going to have to throw everything they can at this Falcon defense. If Andrew Peasley is utilized, it’d be a helpful way to change the pace and look for different opportunities.
4. Limit turnovers
The way Air Force plays often limits possessions. With this increased scarcity of possessions, Utah State needs to make every drive count. Interceptions and fumbles will be especially costly. They’ll give Air Fore the ball back and further allow their desire to control the clock.
5. Stay focused
Utah State is going up against one of the most disciplined teams in the country. Air Force is currently a top 30 least penalized team in the nation. The Aggies are also coming off an emotional two games to start the season.
USU needs to look out for mental whiplash as they go from a Power Five opponent to an FCS opponent back to another high-level opponent in Air Force. If they slip up, the Falcons will take full advantage.
Air Force’s keys to the game:
1. Score first
In their past 14 games, the Falcons are 7-0 when they score first.
Air Force’s run-heavy offense burns time off the clock and makes every possession more valuable. They’ve rushed for 546 yards and just 99 passing yards through their first two games. If they score first, they don’t fall behind, and they don’t pick up the pace on offense.
2. Stop the passing game
The Falcons defense has been sturdy this season. They allowed only 68 total yards of offense against Navy in week 2. But if there is a flaw, it’s pass defense. The Falcons have given up 275 yards in the air compared to just 79 on the ground. While the rushing defense may cause problems for Utah State running backs, the lack of pass defense may cause even bigger problems for Air Force. Logan Bonner has proven to have a great arm, and the talented receiving core that includes Deven Thompkins, Brandon Bowling, Derek Wright and Justin McGriff could cause major problems.