AIR FORCE ACADEMY — How about light years in difference?
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun didn’t want to put a percentage on the upgrade in competition his team will face next Saturday at Minnesota.
It probably would be difficult to figure, after the Falcons pounded Nicholls State 72-0 in their season opener Saturday at Falcon Stadium.
“It’s going to be a step up and not a small one,” Calhoun said. “Our eyes are going to be opened soon. Every week is going to be like that for us.”
The Falcons will play Minnesota (1-0) of the Big Ten after playing what amounted to be little more than a scrimmage. And they’re playing the Gophers in the first game at their new stadium in Minneapolis.
“It’s going to be a completely different atmosphere than today,” Calhoun said.
Air Force fullback Jared Tew sounded brave.
“I think we’re ready for that jump,” said Tew, who rushed for three touchdowns against Nicholls State. “It’s going to be a big jump. We still recognize that we need to improve.”
AFA linebacker Justin Moore spelled out the difficulties.
“We’re definitely going to be seeing some speed and big bodies up there in Minnesota,” Moore said. “It’s hard to quantify the difference we’ll see in the competition. It’s going to be a challenge.”
Familiar feeling.
Moore thought Nicholls State’s offense looked familiar. Well, it should. Former Air Force coach Fisher DeBerry loaned the Colonels’ his triple-option in 2001.
Nicholls State switched to the triple-option and invited members of DeBerry’s staff back then to attend its spring practice to provide tips on the transition.
“It looked about the same as what we see when we play Navy,” Moore said. “It was similar also to what we run here.”
Injury report.
AFA defensive backs Phil Ofili (shoulder) and Brian Lindsey (hand) are day to day.
Irv Moss, The Denver Post
