Air Force football coach Troy Calhoun chose his words carefully this week as he talked about Saturday’s game against Navy and its Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy implications.
The Falcons (3-1) haven’t won the trophy since 2011. To have a chance this year, they have to beat Navy. The Midshipmen (2-3) come to Falcon Stadium for Saturday’s 1:30 p.m. game carrying a two-game winning streak over Air Force, with Commander-in-Chief’s Trophies to show for it both years. The trophy goes to the winner of the Air Force-Navy-Army round-robin schedule.
“It’s unique,” Calhoun said when asked about the service-academy rivalry and the prestigious trophy that goes with it.
Air Force is coming off its best performance in two years. Seven turnovers by Mountain West favorite Boise State helped the Falcons upset the Broncos 28-14 last weekend at Falcon Stadium.
This week, Calhoun has worked to make sure the Falcons look ahead, not behind.
“We’re facing the No. 1 rushing team in the country,” Calhoun said of the Midshipmen and their triple-option offense. “We have to be very sound with defensive assignments.”
Navy leads the nation with an average of 358.4 yards per game on the ground. Air Force ranks fifth nationally, averaging 323 yards rushing per game.
Air Force players are excited about Saturday’s matchup.
“This week is different. There’s a bond between the players and the cadets on the hill,” said defensive end Nick Fitzgerald.
Senior free safety Christian Spears also senses the difference.
“Everybody is excited about the game,” he said. “There are signs all over saying ‘Sink Navy.’ It’s definitely a different week.”
Spears isn’t bashful when talking about the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
“We want it back,” he said. “Some people might think last week was a fluke. We want to prove how good we are.”
Just win, Bears. Northern Colorado coach Earnest Collins Jr. knows what would cure his ailing team. The Bears (1-3, 0-1 Big Sky) play Northern Arizona (3-2, 1-0) at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in their homecoming game.
“We need to start winning games,” Collins said.
Collins has a problem at quarterback because of the uncertain status of sophomore Sean Rubalcaba, the Bears’ starter in their first three games. Rubalcaba sat out the 38-13 loss at Montana last weekend because of an injured hand.
“He hasn’t been able to practice, and it’s more likely he won’t go this week,” Collins said.
Jon Newsom, a junior from Foothill Ranch, Calif., replaced Rubalcaba against Montana and most likely will be the Bears’ starting QB on Saturday.
Newsom completed 22-of-40 passes against Montana for 198 yards, with one interception. He rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com or
