Air Force has engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in college football this year, going from 2-10 (0-8 Mountain West) a year ago to 7-2 (3-2). The whole roster has contributed, including players such as senior center David Jones.
After being a backup for most of his career at the academy, Jones got the starting assignment two games ago when coach Troy Calhoun shuffled his offensive line to get additional senior leadership on the field.
Michael Husar was firmly planted at center and had received conference recognition for his status. Calhoun moved Husar to guard and Jones took over at center.
Air Force’s offense didn’t miss a beat. The Falcons gained 382 total yards in a 23-6 victory at Army and 339 total yards in a 48-21 victory at UNLV.
“It gave us a chance to have both Husar and Jones on the field at the same time,” Calhoun said. “David has been in our program a long time and we’ve seen some pluses from the change.”
Air Force’s jump from two victories to seven is tied for the biggest turnaround in the nation. Western Michigan is 6-3 this year after going 1-11 in 2013.
“I’m pleased with what I’ve been able to contribute in my senior year,” Jones said. “But I’m just proud to be part of this team.”
Air Force’s turnaround this season includes winning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy by sweeping arch- rivals Army and Navy. The Falcons have clinched a winning record and will be going to a bowl game.
“Everybody on this team is a leader,” Jones said. “We lead by example. Everyone puts in a lot of work.”
The Falcons continue their Mountain West schedule Saturday against Nevada at Falcon Stadium.
All aboard. Northern Colorado coach Earnest Collins Jr. and the Bears are taking the scenic route to Ogden, Utah, for Saturday’s Big Sky game at Weber State. They leave Friday on their only bus trip of the season.
UNC sophomore quarterback Sean Rubalcaba continues to improve the more he plays. “Sean is relaxing and playing exceptionally well as he stops worrying so much about making mistakes,” Collins said.
Rubalcaba is on pace to set a school record for completion percentage. He’s at 68.5 percent. The school record is 62.3 percent, by T. J. Swanson in 2006.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com or
