Despite what was termed a solid performance by Shea Smith in Saturday’s season opener, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun considers his quarterback position to be open.
Smith had 166 yards of total offense (91 yards rushing, 75 passing) in Air Force’s 41-7 victory over Southern Utah at Falcon Stadium. In his first start, Smith rushed for a touchdown and passed for another as the Falcons amassed 508 total yards.
But Calhoun wouldn’t say Sunday that Smith had the job locked up.
“There’s a pretty good chance he’ll start this week against Wyoming,” Calhoun said of Smith’s place in the lineup. “He was solid, but by no means outstanding. We’re going to be evaluating week to week. I’m not sold on the idea that it has to be one player at quarterback. I’d like to have three guys who are really strong contributors.”
Smith, a senior, played most of the game against Southern Utah. Eric Herbort, a junior, and freshman Tim Jefferson also played. Calhoun believes the Falcons will adjust to the different level of competition they will face this week in Laramie against Wyoming. It’s the Mountain West Conference opener for the teams.
“Our players have a little bit upstairs,” Calhoun said. “They know they’ll have to play much, much better than they did Saturday.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
