ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Quarterback Tim Jefferson knew what should have happened when Air Force converted a crucial fourth down in overtime Saturday.
With Navy holding a three- point advantage after the first series in overtime, the Falcons put everything on the line on a fourth- and-1 at Navy’s 16-yard line.
Tailback Savier Stephens rushed for 2 yards for the first down, but that was as close as the Falcons could get to a possible winning touchdown. Erik Soderberg’s 31-yard try for a tying field goal was wide left.
“That was a real emotion swing when we made the first down,” Jefferson said after the Falcons lost 16-13. “Everyone in the crowd was against us. It was one of those things where you build momentum, but we didn’t build off it.
“It’s the second straight week we’ve gone without a touchdown. It makes it harder for the team to win when we don’t put the ball in the end zone.”
AFA coach Troy Calhoun noticed, and his forecast was for some things to happen at the quarterback spot this week.
“We’ve got to get settled at what we’re doing at quarterback,” Calhoun said. “I think we’re trying to rob Peter to pay Paul. We have to make sure our quarterback is tiptop in terms of how he can operate.”
Calhoun’s plan to settle on one quarterback was interrupted when Jefferson injured an ankle and had to leave in the first quarter two weeks ago against New Mexico. Sophomore Connor Dietz finished that game and started last weekend against San Diego State while Jefferson healed.
Calhoun noted that Jefferson and Dietz divided snaps last week while it was determined Jefferson could play against the Midshipmen.
Jefferson reinjured the ankle in the third quarter. He returned later in the game.
It’s likely Calhoun will determine his starting quarterback early this week and give the chosen one most of the practice snaps.
“We’re going to have to get better with everything we do,” Jefferson said. “Navy’s defense was well prepared for our offense.”
Footnotes.
AFA fullback Jared Tew saluted the Falcons’ defense. “Our defense played their hearts out,” he said. “But we can’t put it on the defense every week.” . . . Defensive back Chris Thomas, on his dead-ball penalty for a personal foul that kept a Navy drive going: “I was just getting up after the play was over. I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary.”
Irv Moss, The Denver Post
