SAN DIEGO STATE (3-2, 0-1) AT AIR FORCE (3-2, 0-1) 6 p.m. today, CBSCS
AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Call it alarming or just a steeper hill to climb, but quarterback Tim Jefferson and the Air Force offense are carrying a bigger load than usual in trying to secure a winning record for the fifth consecutive season.
With a defensive unit that has been hit by costly injuries, opponents are piling up points in such rapid fashion the Falcons have had a hard time keeping up. With coach Troy Calhoun not anticipating any of the injured players back tonight, the Falcons take on San Diego State and touted quarterback Ryan Lindley and running back Ronnie Hillman at Falcon Stadium.
Lindley has thrown 10 touchdown passes to four interceptions and Hillman is averaging 132.2 yards a game and has scored eight times.
The numbers this season indicate Lindley and Hillman might have an advantage. Last year in 13 games, including a 14-7 triumph over Georgia Tech in the Independence Bowl, Air Force’s offense averaged 30.9 points a game while holding opponents to 21.1 points a game.
This season, Air Force (3-2) is averaging 37.4 points but allowing 34.4.
“The margin has to stretch the other way,” Calhoun said without pointing directly to the defensive numbers. “We do have to create more plays on defense, but the offense can help too.”
Air Force’s defense has forced only three fumbles and show one recovery by linebacker Jamil Cooks. Jefferson has Air Force’s running game averaging 364.2 yards a game.
The numbers are even more alarming if you throw out Air Force’s 63-24 victory over Tennessee State. Without the Tennessee State game and after a 59-33 loss Saturday at Notre Dame, the Falcons are scoring 31 points a game, but the opposition is averaging 37.
Does that mean Air Force has to score 38 points to win?
“That doesn’t always hold true,” Calhoun said. “There are many factors involved. We didn’t have to score 38 points to win a bowl game last year.”
Members of Air Force’s offensive unit are taking a stand that they will score enough points to win. But they are facing an Aztecs defense that is allowing just 24 points a game and has forced 13 fumbles and recovered 10. Aztecs cornerback Larry Parker has four interceptions and has been part of forcing seven turnovers.
“It might put a little more pressure on us,” Air Force senior guard A.J. Wallerstein said. “We have some good players on defense. And they’re getting better each game. We have the playmakers on offense and the offensive line is doing a good job, but we have to be on our game more than any other week of the season.”
Even though he lines up at tackle on the other side of the offensive line, junior Jason Kons doesn’t see it any different.
“Whatever it takes, we’ll do it,” Kons said. “I’ll take a win anytime by one point. The defense carried us last year, but maybe it’s our (offense) turn this year. This is a team game. You need both sides of the ball playing well to be successful. I have 100 percent trust that our defense will do its job as we will do ours.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
Three questions for Air Force
1. Will Air Force’s defense be able to contain running back Ronnie Hillman, who ran for 191 yards and two touchdowns in San Diego State’s 27-25 victory last year in San Diego?
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun was not happy with his team’s tackling in its loss at Notre Dame last week. Hillman has rushed for 661 yards and has scored eight touchdowns in five games.
2. Will Air Force’s offense be able to muster some long scoring drives and keep San Diego State’s offense with quarterback Ryan Lindley off the field?
Air Force usually does a great job winning the time-of-possession battle. But this year, after five games, the Falcons have a 7:10 deficit in possession time.
3. Will Air Force be able to take a 2-1 advantage in what was billed as a black-and-blue October schedule?
The Falcons scored first in the four- game set, beating Navy 35-34 in overtime. But Notre Dame blitzed the Falcons, and Calhoun is counting on his team to rebound after a short workweek. The tough stretch continues next week with a game at Boise State.Irv Moss, The Denver Post
