Air Force Academy — A new look and a new era meshed almost perfectly for the Air Force Falcons on Saturday as the Troy Calhoun coaching era began with an impressive 34-3 victory over South Carolina State.
The Falcons put to good use a more diversified offense brought in by Calhoun and a more aggressive defensive scheme initiated by defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. Senior quarterback Shaun Carney mixed and matched passing and running to keep the Bulldogs off-balance.
Carney passed for 176 yards and a touchdown and tailback Kip McCarthy rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons took command on their first possession of the game with a 79-yard scoring drive and went out in front 24-0 to leave little doubt of the outcome.
To make sure, Carney led the Falcons on an 80-yard scoring drive to start the second half, with freshman Savier Stephens getting his first collegiate touchdown on a 1-yard run.
Kicker Ryan Harrison added a 22-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to boost Air Force’s lead to 34-3.
With Carney working out of the shotgun much of the time, the Falcons put together a workmanlike first half on offense. They went out to a 24-0 lead before the Bulldogs cracked the scoring column with a 51-yard field goal by Stephen Grantham on the last play of the first half.
Carney passed for a touchdown and tailback Kip McCarthy and receiver Chad Hall each scored on the ground. Air Force’s new offense churned out touchdown drives of 79, 70 and 76 yards.
Kicker Ryan Harrison added a 48-yard field goal on one of two Air Force possessions that didn’t result in a touchdown.
Carney threw an interception as the Falcons were driving late in the first quarter, but otherwise completed 8-of-13 passes for 138 yards.
Air Force’s defense was equally impressive, with an interception by cornerback Carson Bird on a pass tipped by linebacker Drew Fowler. Bird also recovered a fumble that was forced by linebacker Austin Randle on South Carolina State’s best scoring chance — a drive that reached the Air Force 39-yard line with 6:53 left in the half.
Staff writer Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
