Army coach Bobby Ross can hardly complete a discussion on rival Air Force without mentioning the passing arm of Falcon quarterback Shaun Carney.
It’s as if he is worried more about the almost forgotten side of the triple-option offense than the 266.9 rushing yards, which leads the Mountain West Conference and ranks third nationally.
“Shaun Carney has a cannon of an arm,” Ross said earlier this week in anticipation of Friday night’s game in Michie Stadium. “I’ve looked at a lot of film, and Carney’s throwing makes you always worry with Air Force.”
Carney has warmed up for Friday’s game with a combined 13 pass attempts in the past two games. He is 6-of-13 for 63 yards and no touchdowns in losses to San Diego State and BYU.
DeBerry doesn’t support Ross’ worries. Army’s defense ranks 107th nationally against the run and 87th against the pass.
“Our method of winning games and operating our offense is rushing the football,” DeBerry said. “We’re in the top five in the country in rushing the football. We’ll choose to pass the ball whenever the situation in the game merits. We haven’t yet opened up our passing game, but I can assure you that we’re not going to go in with the attitude to throw the ball every down and be a different personality than we’ve been all along.”
However, Carney believes the offensive game plan has to change a bit.
“We have to be efficient with what we do,” Carney said. “We can’t have dropped passes and sacks like last week. I think our passing game will change this week. We plan on throwing the ball this week.”
In his third season as Army’s coach, Ross locked into the importance of the game. Army ended the Falcons’ eight-game winning streak in the series last season with a 27-24 win. And if Army (3-6) beats Air Force and Navy on Dec. 2, the Black Knights will have their first Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy since 1996.
“Last year might help us confidence-wise this year,” Ross said. “But our past history against Air Force hasn’t been very good.”
The Falcons have won 15 of the past 17 games, including the past four in Michie Stadium. Army hasn’t beaten Air Force in consecutive seasons since 1977-78.
“Anytime you have a shot at the trophy it adds to the importance of the game,” Ross said. “Both sides realize how important this game is.”
Army freshman quarterback Carson Williams made his first start Saturday in a 42-28 loss to Tulane, and while Air Force strong safety Julian Madrid said Williams may be inexperienced, he doesn’t see it as an advantage.
“We’re preparing as if he’s a senior,” Madrid said. “There might be a point in the game where a more experienced quarterback could be more poised and make a better decision.”
Said Army senior guard Pete Bier: “We’re not letting our quarterback carry all of the burden of being a freshman. We’re all taking some of the burden and putting in a little extra focus.”
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
