Air Force Falcons-Strike Like Lightning

Against FAU, Daniels rushed for 164 yards and 2 TDs in a 31-7 win. In a losing effort against Army, he passed for 226 yards and a touchdown.

Daniels helped the Falcons to a 9-3 regular season record, and Air Force accepted a berth in the First Responder Bowl to take on Louisville. That game saw Daniels take over the game, accounting for four touchdowns.

He was 9 of 10 passing for 252 yards and two TDs. Daniels also added two rushing touchdowns in a 31-28 win over the Cardinals. For his efforts, he was named the MVP of the game.

RB Brad Roberts

Roberts rushed for 1357 yards and 13 touchdowns. His yardage total was the 3rd most in Academy history and he averaged 104 yards per game (ranked #17 in the FBS).

Roberts carried the ball 297 times and rushed for over 100+yards seven times. He also rushed for two or more TDs in a game five times.

Last season, in the month of October, Roberts rushed for 447 yards and five touchdowns.

His high game of the 2021 season: 32 carries, 151 yards, and 2 TDs against Colorado State. Roberts was named 1st Team All-Mountain West.

A Solid Offensive Line

Air Force returns three starters on the offensive line. The other two spots will be filled by players who have 9 combined starts last season. As a unit, they allowed just 12 sacks last season and were ranked #3 in the FBS in that category.

Air Force Falcons Defense

Air Force ranked in the Top 20 in several defensive categories, including

• #18 in sacks (39)
• #5 in total defense (299 yards/game)
• #18 in pass defense (193 yards/game)
• #9 in rushing defense (105 yards/game)
• Tied for #16 in scoring defense (19 points/game)

The Falcons return experience on the defensive line, at linebacker, and in the secondary. On this side of the ball, Air Force depends on:

• DL Christopher Herrera: 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2021.
• LB Vince Sanford: 59 tackles, 17 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 3 PBUs, and 4 forced fumbles; 2nd Team All-MWC
• LB Alec Mock: 53 tackles
• SS Trey Taylor: 62 tackles, 5 PBUs
• LB Camby Goff: 42 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles

Notable Games on The Air Force Schedule

At Falcons Stadium, where opponents’ hopes and dreams are thrown in a hole and buried, Air Force hosts Boise State (7-5), Colorado (4-8), Colorado State (3-9), and Navy (4-8).

They play Army (9-4) at a neutral site: AT&T Stadium (affectionately called “Jerry’s World”) in Arlington, TX.

Notable road games include Utah State (11-3) and San Diego State (12-2).

Conclusion

The three losses by the Air Force in 2021 were by seven points or less. Based on their returning production and their schedule (which ranks as the 121st toughest schedule in the country for 2022, according to Phil Steele) I project the Falcons to post a 10-win season and lead the country in rushing for a third consecutive year.

Thanks for reading.