SAN DIEGO — Quarterback Tim Jefferson had his plan on how Air Force might regain it national image after a 27-25 loss Saturday to San Diego State.
The Falcons entered the game ranked 23rd in both polls, but their chances of staying in the top 25 took a major hit. And the path ahead is filled with potholes.
“They look for whether you win games or not,” Jefferson said of the voters. “We have a tough path with TCU this coming week and Utah the week after that. We have to find a way to win games.”
Jefferson had an uncharacteristic game. He passed 30 times in an attempt to rally the Falcons past a talented Aztec team. He completed 13 for 175 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 88 yards behind team-leader Asher Clark’s 116 yards.
Receiver Jonathan Warzeka was Jefferson’s main target with five catches for 55 yards. Tight end Chaz Demerath caught four passes for 52 yards.
Injury report.
The path ahead became clouded with a couple of key injuries.
Workhorse fullback Jared Tew left the game in the first period with an injury to his right leg. He carried only five times for 16 yards before the injury. Receiver Zach Kauth, the team’s leading pass catcher, also was out of action with a leg injury and didn’t catch a pass.
Coach Troy Calhoun estimated that Tew would be lost for six weeks and Hauth for at least three weeks.
