 |
 |
|
| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 12-1 (8-1) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Fisher DeBerry Returning starters: 13 (offense 7, defense 5) Outlook Air Force's success over the last two years sets the bar high for the Falcons -- only Tennessee's 24 wins exceeds Air Force's 22. The Falcons' formula is near-perfect: combine a brutally effective, efficient option offense with a defense which gives up points like the CIA gives out secrets. Air Force proved it deserves national consideration after nearly going undefeated (its lone loss came to TCU 35-34) and romping past Washington 45-25 in the Oahu Bowl. Offense For the first time in five years, a Morgan won't be running the offense. The days of Beau and Blane Morgan are over, and it's Cale Bonds' show. Bonds, a 6-foot, 175-pound junior, filled in impressively for Blane Morgan last season against Navy by completing 9 of 13 passes for 194 yards and two TDs while running for 167 yards and two more scores. At Bonds' disposal will be an offensive line loaded with experience. All-conference tackle James Norman leads the way, and three other returning starters will join him in clearing room for one of the nation's top running attacks. The Falcons were third in the nation last season (266.8 yards per game). Although Spanky Gilliam, last year's leading rusher, is gone, there are plenty of options left. Qualario Brown, Scott McKay and Scott Becker should give Air Force it's usual pop out of the backfield. Kenneth Chandler amplifies the running game as one of the top blocking tight ends in the nation. One luxury the Falcons rarely have is an accomplished receiver, but second-team all-conference performer Matt Farmer (35 catches, 650 yards) gives Air Force a big-play weapon to keep advancing safeties honest. He might also see action as a part-time halfback. It's a good sign if: Bonds forms a connection with Farmer early to make defending the option even tougher.It's a bad sign if: The Morgan family took the secrets of winning with it when it left Colorado Springs, Colo. Defense Air Force allowed a paltry 13.3 points per game last season and its two-year average of 12.8 points allowed is second only to Ohio State's 11.7. Longtime defensive coordinator Cal McCombs is gone, and along with adjusting to new defensive chief Richard Bell, the biggest change this year will be felt along the defensive line. Senior Shawn Thomas (6-2, 265) is the only returning starter. He demolished opponents from his tackle spot, collecting eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in '98. Buck Hodgkinson moved up from linebacker to nose guard, but still packs just 230 pounds on his 6-1 frame. Air Force is loaded at inside linebacker. Senior Craig Thorstenson could be the best DeBerry has ever coached. C.J. Zanotti and Travis Meidinger are also back from last year, forming a seasoned group of run-stuffers -- each weighs at least 235 pounds. An overlooked element of Air Force's defense last year was the secondary, which picked off 16 passes. Senior cornerback Tony Jones is the only returning starter, but the new starters all have seen game action before. It's a good sign if: The defense can force as many turnovers (30) as it did last year.It's a bad sign if: Hodgkinson proves to be too small to plug the middle. Special Teams The Falcons are set with the place-kicking duo of Jackson Whitting and David Adams. Whitting's the short-range weapon, nailing 7 of 11 field goals and 53 extra points. Adams made two field goals of more than 50 yards last season. Dallas Thompson, who was the team's kicker before going on a two-year church mission, also returns. Scott Gribben will handle all punting chores this year. Along with his receiving and possible halfback duties, Farmer is an exceptional kick returner. -- Greg Collins |
 | |||||