FORT COLLINS — Troy Calhoun had a big decision to make midway through the third quarter Saturday.
Colorado State had just scored to cut Air Force’s lead to 28-14 with 9:41 left in the quarter. With quarterback Shaun Carney making good use of his running game, the Falcons faced a third-and-5 play at CSU’s 28-yard line. Carney tried to pass, but was sacked for a 7-yard loss.
Calhoun first thought to punt on fourth down, but then the Air Force coach sent out kicker Ryan Harrison to try a 52-yard field goal. CSU had to call a timeout because its punt return team was in.
“It was 28-14 and everybody felt they might make a little charge,” Calhoun said. “To be able to get a field goal out of that drive was critical. I thought punt, but somebody said he’s got the wind.
“I said, ‘You’re right, it’s a no-brainer.’ He hit it right down the middle.”
Rupp’s big return. The only CSU player to leave Hughes Stadium with half a smile was defensive tackle Matt Rupp. Tormented by teammates since he was stopped at the 2-yard line with a fumble return against Wyoming two years ago, Rupp said he was determined to finish it off.
“(Jake Pottorff) did a good job of stripping the ball. It just kind of landed right next to me,” Rupp said of his 48-yard fumble return for a touchdown. “I saw the ref throw the change of possession flag and I started running as fast as a I could. I got a great block from (cornerback) Joey Rucks.”
Record air show. Despite going 3-of-5 for 52 yards passing, Carney became Air Force’s career passing leader.
Carney reached the mark with his first completion in the first quarter and now has 4,835 career passing yards. He passed Dave Ziebart (4,789 yards from 1976-79). Carney also is Air Force’s career leader in total offense, surpassing the 7,000-yard mark. He now has 7,033. He became the career leader earlier this season, passing Beau Morgan (6,627 yards from 1994-96).
Injury report. CSU wide receiver Johnny Walker left the game early because of a sprained knee ligament and a sprained ankle. The senior said he was determined to make it back before the end of the season.
CSU’s staff reached deep in the safety lineup, with third- teamer Steve Juedes getting in. Zac Bryson bruised his shoulder. Starters Mike Pagnotta (ankle) and Klint Kubiak sat out for the second and third week, respectively.
Good start. In his first start this year, CSU running back Gartrell Johnson nearly doubled his previous career best of 75 yards, also vs. Air Force.
