While it may not be emphasized as much as it was in the Fisher DeBerry era, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun believes in the importance of his team’s success on the first possession of the second half, either offensively or defensively.
DeBerry used to say that what happens on the first series of the second half could dictate the outcome of the game.
“There’s something to it, giving yourself a better chance to win,” Calhoun said. “It can be a key indicator on both sides of the ball. The beginning of the second half gives you a chance to get something going out of the blocks and take advantage of adjustments you’ve made at halftime.”
This season, Air Force’s offense, with senior Shea Smith and freshman Tim Jefferson sharing the starting quarterback assignments, scored three touchdowns on initial second- half possessions. With Smith at quarterback, the Falcons scored a touchdown on the first possession of the second half against Houston, Air Force’s opponent in the Dec. 31 Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas. Air Force beat the Cougars 31-28 in the first meeting in a game played in Dallas because of Hurricane Ike hitting the Houston area.
Otherwise, the Falcons punted four times and lost the ball on a fumble at the beginning of the second half.
Air Force’s defense was up to the task, allowing one touchdown, forcing a punt and a missed field goal and intercepting a pass.
Last year, with veteran quarterback Shaun Carney at the helm, the Falcons scored four touchdowns and two field goals when opening the second half on offense.
“If you’re successful on the first possession of the second half, it definitely can get the momentum going,” Jefferson said. “But there are four quarters, and I think the way you finish is as important as the way you start. For me, it doesn’t matter if we have the ball to start the game or the second half.”
Although Calhoun believes he has deferred to get the ball in the second half each time the Falcons have won the coin toss this year, the chance to receive in the second half isn’t the only reason.
“There are a few variables involved in the choice, such as the opponent and the weather conditions,” Calhoun said.
The Falcons are 17-8 overall the past two seasons, 7-2 when they score on the first possession of the second half.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
Second-half beginnings
How the Falcons have fared on offense and defense on the first possession of the second half:
2007
Air Force: TD 4, FG 2, punts 2.
Opponents: TD 2, punts 3
2008
Air Force: TD 3, punts 4, fumbles 1
Opponents: TD 1, punts 1, missed FG 1, interception 1
