Group of Five: Week 4 Access Bowl Power Rankings

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Sep 24, 2016; Logan, UT, USA; Utah State Aggies quarterback Kent Myers (2) is sacked by Air Force Falcons defensive lineman Santo Coppola (97) and Air Force Falcons linebacker Haji Dunn Jr. (34) at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Air Force actually fell behind early on its trip to Logan to face Utah State, but a strong second quarter by the Falcons allowed them to escape Maverik Stadium with a 27-20 win. Troy Calhoun’s team actually finished behind the Aggies in terms of yards gained on offense and first downs gained, but forced two turnovers and held Utah State to just 42 rushing yards. The home team scored a touchdown with 32 seconds remaining, but a failed onside attempt prevented the Falcons from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Now Air Force will host Navy in a matchup of unbeaten service academies next weekend in what serves as a virtual Access Bowl elimination game. The Falcons have two main goals every season — win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy and win the Mountain West. They’re on track to contend for both, depending on the results of next week’s game against the Midshipmen. The season finale at home versus Boise State looms as a possible MWC division championship game.

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