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 at Utah State, 58-10.
In three games, Johnson has five touchdowns and 692 yards on 58-of-88 passing and just 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 Houston quarterback Case Keenum amassing 437 total yards and four touchdown passes, the Cougars scored the last 21 points.
“Houston’s quarterback was the real deal,” Calhoun said.
Calhoun thinks the same of Johnson. But that’s not the only reason he thinks his team has its work cut out Saturday against Utah at Falcon Stadium.
“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 against Houston, 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.
Falcons free safety Aaron Kirchoff (shoulder) and fullback Todd Newell (ankle) are on the injured list.
Calhoun said he would know about their status for Saturday after today’s practice.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
