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Air Force Football: 3 reasons why Falcons will win MWC

By Tanner Sperry

Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Air Force Falcons running back Timothy McVey (33) runs the ball against California Golden Bears linebacker Hardy Nickerson (47) in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Air Force Falcons running back Timothy McVey (33) runs the ball against California Golden Bears linebacker Hardy Nickerson (47) in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Air Force Falcons running back Jacobi Owens (28) runs the ball against Army Black Knights defensive back Xavier Moss (9) during the first half at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Air Force Falcons running back Jacobi Owens (28) runs the ball against Army Black Knights defensive back Xavier Moss (9) during the first half at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s common knowledge that Air Force relies heavily on its running game. Although the offensive line needs some work done to help this group of players, the talent, and experience at running back should really give this team life.

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Since Air Force relies on several backs, there usually won’t be one that sits atop of the nation in rushing yards gained. Six players received at least 50 carries last year. Jacobi Owens, the Falcon’s leading rusher the last two years with over 1,000 yards each season, approached 1,100 yards on 205 carries in 2015.

That’s why you didn’t see an Air Force back with gaudy individual numbers. Take, for example, last year’s Alabama team that saw Derrick Henry lead the nation in rushing but he had 395 carries. Only two other teammates had over 50 carries–Kenyan Drake and quarterback Jake Coker.

Air Force should be able to depend on very good depth because of this, and although all of the backs may not be capable of rushing as well as Owens, several solid options are in line behind him.

When you add the running backs with the overall team experience, then you should have plenty of success. The last reason Air Force can win the Mountain West is due to the schedule.

Next: 3. The schedule

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