AIR FORCE ACADEMY — There was way more on quarterback Tim Jefferson’s mind Saturday at Falcon Stadium than any personal accolades.
Even though he and the Falcons ran up a 37-20 victory over spunky South Dakota, Jefferson said he was “highly disappointed” in his team’s showing a week before a Mountain West showdown against Texas Christian, also at the academy.
Jefferson still felt dissatisfied even when he found out his victory against the Coyotes tied the school record for wins by a starting quarterback.
“I’m not happy at all,” he said. “The second half was awful. We stopped playing at the start of the third period because we were up by 23 points. Maybe some of us started looking ahead to TCU, but you can’t do that.”
Jefferson did his part to keep the Falcons on track for their seventh consecutive home-opening win. A crowd of 39,105 saw the Falcons amass 18 first downs and 391 yards of rushing that virtually trampled the Coyotes in their attempt to step up from the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA).
But maybe it was a step out of character that ushered in the Air Force victory. Rather than run an option play or throw a pass, the Falcons began the season with a reverse. Receiver Mikel Hunter galloped 80 yards down the west sideline, putting Air Force ahead 7-0 just 16 seconds into the game.
“We’ve got to have a little misdirection in our offense,” Hunter said. “It might be unusual for us to use it on the first play of the game. But it worked out well.”
Hunter was a thorn in the Coyotes’ side the entire game. The Air Force junior reached the end zone again in the third quarter, catching a 55-yard pass from Jefferson for a 37-7 lead. But there was still enough time for South Dakota quarterback Dante Warren to engineer two late touchdowns.
“I thought we were ready for something, but I guess not,” South Dakota safety Aaron Swift said of Hunter’s reverse. “When it’s the first play of the season, anything can happen. We expected a deep ball. We didn’t expect a reverse.”
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said the play was scripted more than a week ago.
“First games are unique,” he said. “I don’t care if you’re national champs and playing at home, there are going to be challenges in the initial outing.”
Warren provided plenty of challenges, with 61 yards rushing and completing 15-of-26 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
But Air Force defenders got their say with six sacks and interceptions by Anthony Wright, Jon Davis and Jamil Cooks.
Wright was glad to have some competition early. Davis’ interception was on the Coyotes’ second play of the game.
“I was glad South Dakota came in with some fire,” Wright said. “It helps us set the stage for our upcoming games. I hope this is an omen for a good season.”
Jefferson reached the Air Force record book with a big game while tying Dee Dowis (1986-89) for the most victories by a quarterback of record at 22.
Jefferson rushed for 69 yards and two touchdowns and was 4-of-9 passing for 96 yards and a touchdown.
“This is a team game,” Jefferson said. “I don’t know why they have a record for the quarterback. The quarterback doesn’t play defense or make tackles. What is it, 22? If my win total gets to 33, I’ll be happy with it.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
