AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Air Force coach Troy Calhoun knows a good thing when he sees it. Senior Asher Clark has been a good thing for Calhoun’s offense for four seasons.
Clark, who ranks third in Air Force history with 3,300 career yards rushing, needs 184 more to hit the 1,000-yard mark for the second season in a row. Clark has Saturday’s home finale against Nevada-Las Vegas and a Nov. 26 game at Colorado State, plus a potential bowl game, remaining in his college career to pick up the necessary yards.
Right now, the next two games are primarily on Clark’s mind — victories in both so that the Falcons (5-5, 1-4 Mountain West) reach seven victories and become eligible to play in a bowl game.
“We have to deal with the bad with the good that has happened this year and finish with two wins,” Clark said Monday after the Falcons’ first practice since their 25-17 loss to Wyoming at Falcon Stadium. “You start to feel the pressure going into the last two games because you want to go out on a good note. Anytime you can add an extra game to a 12-game season, it’s a blessing.”
Clark, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound tailback from Lawrenceville, Ga., arrived at the academy straight out of high school. He became a starter with the Falcons halfway through his freshman season.
Calhoun said Clark has been one of the most consistent players in a senior class that is determined to win its final home game Saturday.
“Asher came here and right away made a transition from quarterback to running back,” Calhoun said, agreeing that Clark has gone about his football business quietly. “It’s a little bit of his personality. He’s very quiet and respectful. But when you get to know him, you find there’s plenty of personality there.”
Clark needs 79 yards to move into second place on Air Force’s career rushing list. He has nine 100-yard games in his career, including 102 yards against Notre Dame on Oct. 8.
“Everybody looks at 1,000 yards as a decent year for a running back,” Clark said. “It doesn’t mean anything if you don’t win. I feel that every year, I’ve progressed. Saturday will be an emotional game. Our families will be here. I’ll cherish the moment.”
Jefferson update. Senior quarterback Tim Jefferson remained under watch Monday for symptoms of a concussion. Jefferson, a four-year starter, left the Wyoming game during the first quarter and didn’t return. Calhoun won’t know his status until midweek. The availability of cornerback Anthony Wright Jr. (back injury) also is uncertain.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
