FORT WORTH — The path of least resistance was on the ground in Wednesday’s bowl game at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
An Armed Forces Bowl-record six rushing touchdowns were scored, three by each team. Air Force fullback Jared Tew had two touchdowns, both on 2-yard runs.Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson also scored a rushing touchdown.
Houston countered with two rushing touchdowns by quarterback Case Keenum and one by running back Bryce Beall, named the game’s most valuable player. Beall nearly had another but fumbled at the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter. Beall thought he scored on the play.
A Case of good defense.
While the Falcons came up short, their defense kept Keenum under control. His 252 yards passing were his fewest all season.
The Falcons stopped Houston on its final three possessions of the first half, including linebacker Ken Lamendola’s tackle of receiver Tyron Carrier at the Air Force 14 as time ran out in the second quarter.
Smith plays.
Senior quarterback Shea Smith, the Air Force starter when the Falcons beat Houston 31-28 in the third game of the season, saw action in his career finale. Smith gave way to freshman Tim Jefferson in the sixth game of the season and didn’t play in the final seven games of the regular season. On Wednesday, he completed 1-of-4 passes. Against Houston the first time, Smith was 0-for-7.
Wide receiver Spencer Armstrong, playing in his first game since breaking a leg against Houston in the earlier meeting, had two catches for 60 yards.
Irv Moss, The Denver Post
