The Air Force Academy lost a 4-yr. starter at QB(Tim Jefferson), an 1100 yard-rusher, and 3 starting offensive linemen. You know what: they will still have one of the nation's premier rush attacks, and high scoring offenses. The option offense they run will still be a well-oiled machine. It's run with great military discipline, and, is an offense rarely seen by Falcon opponents.
On the other hand, Air Force's defense will give up a lot of yards this year. Unlike the offense, where experience isn't always a necessary ingredient, returning starters are important for a service academy. They simply lack size and talent, and many times veteran leaders can make up for the talent gap. Well, this year's Falcon defense not only lacks size and skill, they also lack experience. Only 3 starters return from last year's defense,and that "D" gave up 220 yards-rushing, and a 62% completion rate last year.
The AirForce has a very good coach in Troy Calhoun. The sparseness of returning starters would almost certainly doom any other college program, but, what I've learned in the past from service academies is few returning starters does not always translate to a bad year in the win/loss column.
I will call for a team that will be involved in many high-scoring games and I'll be patient with the Falcons and see how they perform in early games vs. UNLV and Colorado St. I am prepared to be surprised by unexpected successes.
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