AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Because they operate in the triple-option offense, Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson and fullback Jared Tew know each other quite well.
They cross paths on just about every offensive play. In the triple option, the first question for the defense is to determine if Jefferson has handed off to Tew or kept it for further options.
As Jefferson works his way through his third season as the starter, Tew has the best view of why the Falcons’ quarterback seems to have come of age running the complex offense.
“His experience and playing time has allowed his play on the field to become second nature,” Tew said. “He has a great feel for the game. It seems as if he’s just out there playing and having a lot of fun this year.”
Tew sees more than the statistics that reveal Jefferson is leading the team with 547 yards in total offense and in scoring with 24 points (four rushing touchdowns). He also has thrown three TD passes.
“He seems to have a lot more enthusiasm and passion, and that attitude gets everybody pumped up,” Tew said. “When we’re on a bus, he talks to everybody. He’s more confident, and he’s the offensive leader on the field.”
With a 3-point loss last week at Oklahoma, the Falcons (2-1) return to conference play Saturday with a trip to Wyoming. Jefferson is focused on a tough game with the Cowboys (1-2).
Jefferson, a junior, says his work this past offseason is a big reason he is finally on top of his game. Despite starting the last eight games in 2008 and being named the Mountain West freshman of the year, Jefferson said it wasn’t until about halfway through last season that he had a “good understanding of our offense and the formations.”
“I took it upon myself in the offseason to become a better and more complete player,” said the 6-foot, 200-pound Jefferson. “I hit the weight room pretty hard, and I feel stronger.”
Quarterbacks coach Blane Morgan set the standards for Air Force QBs. He led the Falcons to a 22-4 record from 1997-98.
Morgan says when you sign up to play quarterback at the academy, there are “always going to be bumps and bruises” along the way.
“Tim has been able to execute and play at a faster tempo this year,” Morgan said. “He has become a more accurate passer, but in our offense, you have to be a very efficient passer because we don’t throw the ball that much.”
Morgan would like to see a pass-completion percentage in the 60s. Jefferson has completed 20-of-39 passes (51.3 percent). He has kept the ball for 193 yards rushing on 30 carries.
After Air Force beat BYU 35-14 two weeks ago, Cougars coach Bronco Mendenhall said Jefferson’s decision-making and leadership are “exhibited at a much higher level. . . . He was very balanced in being able to run and throw effectively.”
As for the 27-24 loss to Oklahoma, Jefferson, who was 8-of-14 for 107 yards against the Sooners, said it was one of the best experiences he has ever had.
“The fans gave us a standing ovation when we entered the field,” he said. “We felt we could have won, but we didn’t. Now, we put it in the back of our minds and move on.”
Falcons coach Troy Calhoun calls Jefferson an academy player through and through.
“He takes a lot of pride in his work and the way he practices,” Calhoun said. “He’s as team as team can get. He’s always been a leader but even more so this year. There’s a natural step between the sophomore and junior years here. There’s not quite as many people looking over your shoulder, and you can be a little more yourself.”
Irv Moss: 303 954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
Three questions for Air Force
1. Will the Falcons let Wyoming’s rushing offense, which has compiled only nine first downs in three games, break out and be a factor? Last year, Wyoming’s rushing offense compiled 101 first downs in 13 games. Wyoming’s rushing yardage of 73 net yards ranks 120th — dead last — in NCAA Division I-A.
2. Can AFA shake off the last week’s 27-24 loss at Oklahoma to get back on the winning side? Falcons coach Troy Calhoun said the loss to the Sooners is “water under the bridge.” The Falcons actually moved up in the “others receiving votes” in the polls after losing to the Sooners; AFA had 44 points in this week’s poll, which put them one point away from being in the top 25.
3. Will Air Force’s defense be a match for Wyoming quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels, who has completed 70.1 percent of his passes with four touchdowns? Air Force’s defense hasn’t put up big numbers against the pass. The Falcons have only two interceptions and eight sacks. Last season, the Falcons recorded 24 sacks and 20 interceptions.
Irv Moss, The Denver Post
