After saying his team has to find different ways to win, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun wondered Sunday if there is a way against No. 20 Utah.
With quarterback Brian Johnson the catalyst, Utah has chalked up victories at Michigan, 25-23, over Nevada-Las Vegas, 42-21, and 58-10 at Utah State.
In the three games, Johnson has done what Calhoun worries about. The senior has thrown for five touchdowns and 692 yards on 58-of-88 passing; he also has three interceptions.
Calhoun has to wonder if his Falcons can keep up after not completing a pass in Saturday’s tense 31-28 victory over Houston.
“We’re going to have to find a bunch of ways to win,” Calhoun said. “When we play really good teams, rarely are you going to look up and see a sizable difference on the scoreboard.”
With quarterback Case Keenum collecting 437 total yards and four touchdown passes, Houston scored the last 21 points to make it close.
“Houston’s quarterback was the real deal,” Calhoun said.
Calhoun thinks the same of Johnson. But that’s not the only reason why he thinks his team has its work cut out Saturday against Utah.
“They don’t relinquish yards and they don’t relinquish points,” Calhoun said. “Teams just don’t go 75 yards and score points. Their defense has been a stingy group.”
Asked if he would seek a more balanced offense after no pass completions in seven attempts and 380 yards rushing on 71 carries, Calhoun talked of finding the positives.
“I think we’re going to be about our strengths and playing to those strengths as much as possible,” Calhoun said.
The Falcons came out of the Houston game with free safety Aaron Kirchoff (shoulder) and fullback Todd Newell (ankle) on the injured list. Calhoun said he’d know more of their status for Saturday after Tuesday’s practice.
Irv Moss: 303 954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
