ALBUQUERQUE — There could not have been much worse news for the Air Force football team before Thursday night’s game than learning cornerback Carson Bird and offensive tackle Chris Monson wouldn’t play because of a stomach virus.
The absence of Bird, the Mountain West Conference’s leader in interceptions (six), hurt the defensive backfield. And Monson’s absence came at a position where AFA coach Troy Calhoun has little depth.
Air Force freshman Reggie Rembert got the call to start for Bird, and sophomore Chris Campbell, who had just returned from an injury, started for Monson.
“That’s part of football,” Calhoun said after the Falcons’ 34-31 loss to New Mexico. “You have to have guys step up, and we didn’t have enough guys step up today.”
Senior receiver and tailback Chad Hall had been sidelined with the virus through the practice week, but he started and was reported to be recovered. Hall led the Falcons with 97 yards rushing on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns.
Taking a look. Tom Starr, director of the Dec. 31 Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, attended the game. He expressed interest in both the Falcons and Lobos, and indicated his selection committee would continue to follow the winner. However, he agreed that Air Force fits the image of his bowl game and its name.
