Air Force Football: Can Falcons get back to bowl game in 2019?
By Daniel Smyth
Defense continuing its climb?
Last season the Air Force defense was ranked No. 43 overall in total defense and No. 16 overall in rushing defense. Due to the complimentary style of football that the Falcons play that involves chewing up clock by running the football, they should continue to have a solid overall defense.
The biggest weakness in this team’s defense is through the air. Last season, Air Force was ranked No. 84 in the nation in passing yards allowed, giving up 244 yards through the air per game.
In the secondary Air Force will have cornerbacks Zane Lewis and Dailen Sutton returning as well as free safety Jeremy Fejedelem. The latter was the best player on this defense as he recorded 104 total tackles and three interceptions.
On the defensive line, All-Mountain West second-team defensive end Jordan Jackson will headline the unit. He recorded 4.5 sacks in 2018 and should increase his total in 2019.
At linebacker, Kyle Johnson, the second leading tackler in 2018, will lead that unit.
Overall, the Air Force defense should be one of the better units in college football, but could also be exposed by more talented teams.