WASHINGTON — After playing in the Military Bowl at RFK Stadium today, and after making a return trip to the nation’s capital to visit with President Barack Obama, Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson will be ready to move on with his life.
But Air Force coach Troy Calhoun believes this is just the beginning for Jefferson and the Falcons’ other seniors, who are trying to add a fifth consecutive season of at least eight victories to the Calhoun era at the academy by beating Toledo.
“This will be a fun group to follow and see what they’re going to achieve down the road in 10, 15 years,” Calhoun said. “They play hard, they’re unselfish and I know they’ve won a bunch of games. But more important, they’re going to be darn good graduates of the Air Force Academy.”
Air Force (7-5) plays Toledo (8-4) in a bowl game that AFA athletic director Hans Mueh has called “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The Falcons seemed to be headed to a repeat appearance in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. But when Navy didn’t finish with enough victories to be eligible for a postseason game — the Midshipmen would have played in the Military Bowl — AFA officials, the Mountain West and the Independence Bowl worked out an agreement to allow the Falcons to play in Washington near the Pentagon. Missouri ended up taking Air Force’s place in the Independence Bowl and beat North Carolina 41-24 on Monday.
Matt Campbell, 32, makes his debut as Toledo’s coach today. Campbell was promoted from offensive coordinator Dec. 12 after Tim Beckman left the high-scoring Rockets to be Illinois’ new coach.
Speaking at a Military Bowl luncheon Tuesday, Campbell said Toledo feels honored to be playing Air Force.
Jefferson, meanwhile, goes into his last game with the Falcons as the winningest quarterback in AFA history.
“We’re leaving a winning legacy,” Jefferson said, referring to the senior class. “When you set a base like that, it’s a great way to look forward to the future and see what happens next.”
Jefferson will be among the Air Force seniors returning to Washington with Calhoun after the season to receive the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy from Obama at the White House.
Jefferson plans to enter pilot school after he graduates.
“Winning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy (by beating Navy and Army) for the second time was a highlight for me,” said Jefferson, a four-year starter who has an Air Force-record 28 victories at quarterback.
“I’ve gotten too much recognition,” Jefferson said. “There has been too much focus on me instead of the team. I played such a small part in it. Football is a team game and I had to live with it, but at the same time share the wealth.”
Jefferson knows the seniors playing their last game for the Falcons today will be heading in different directions in a few months.
“There’s a wide variety of destinations for all of us,” Jefferson said. “Only a few of us will go to pilot training. I’m a solitary person and can take care of myself on my own.”
He said he is completing his football career with no regrets.
“I’m going out with a great spirit inside me,” Jefferson said. “It has been a learning experience. We’ve faced ups and downs together, but that’s part of playing college football. But it’s over after (today).
“I’m ready to move on with my career.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
