Who, What, When: Air Force
By Paul Myerberg // Jul 17, 2010
Want an Air Force player to watch? A theme key to this team’s success? One game to circle in red ink? Let’s take a look.
Who: fullback Jared Tew
I touched on the importance of the fullback to the option offense during the Army preview. While the Cadets only recently added a fullback capable of adding a new dimension to their offense, Air Force relies heavily upon Tew, a proven rusher who led the team in rushing in 2009. While tailback Asher Clark is a key figure on the ground, and quarterback Tim Jefferson does his fair share, Tew makes this offense hum. It’s worth noting that Army’s new fullback, Jared Hassin, is an Air Force transfer.
What: Offensive line
All five starting offensive linemen from 2009 must be replaced. Included among this group were three all-conference performers: Chris Campbell, Nick Charles and Peter Lusk. Supplanting this front will be a formidable task, even for a veteran assistant like offensive line coach Clay Hendrix, a 23-year veteran of the Air Force staff. The good news is this: regardless of who starts, Air Force will run, and run well — and then run some more. It does give some pause, however, to see that only returning lineman, junior A.J. Wallerstein, brings any meaningful game experience into the 2010 season.
When: Sept. 11 vs. B.Y.U.
B.Y.U. will surely take at least a slight step back from its current stretch of 10-win campaigns, what with the losses at the offensive skill positions. Utah and T.C.U. may remain too stout to fall victim to an Air Force upset. The Falcons, who will be very strong, are more than capable of defeating the Cougars at home. If they do, third place in the Mountain West is in the cards.
Tags: Air Force, B.Y.U., Jared Tew
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Paul,
I really enjoy your previews, but I just don’t understand why you (seem) to indicate that it shouldn’t be too much problem for the AFA to replace its offensive line. True, SA teams like AF and Navy are going to run and run some more, but that doesn’t mean they’ll do it as well as they had the year before, especially under such circumstances.
I think it’s also worth noting how dominant Ben Garland was on the nose for the past three years. Ken Niumatalolo will be the first to tell you that no other defensive player had more of an impact against the triple option than him, and that includes players from WF, ND, and Missouri. The guy was a legit beast, and even though AF’s defense should be strong as usual, it will take a step back without him.
Paul: It’s a concern, no question. And I don’t mean to say that the group will be as good as last year’s, merely that Air Force will continue to rank in the top five nationally in rushing. I think we can both agree on that. The secondary will be superb, but yes, Garland’s departure opens up the nose. His replacement, Gardner, has some experience. Good thing Navy doesn’t pass, am I right?
Well, I wouldn’t want to test those AFA corners. They are solid in coverage, but they also pinch in tight quite a bit, forcing offenses like Navy to play between the tackles. That’s why Garland was able to dominate (that and, like I said, brother was a beast). I still think we’re in for another defensive AFA-Navy game, but I can see more offense this time around than last year’s game.
Paul: That’s a really interesting point about how the Air Force secondary helps out against the run. Thanks, Adam. Both Navy and A.F. have the ability to score points, as you surely know about the Mids. I still think Navy has what it takes, even in Colorado Springs.