2006 Week 7

After a dismal showing last week, Shaun Carney bounced back in a big way this week, leading the Falcons to a 48-31 win over their rival Coloroda State Rams. Carney threw for 221 yards and 3 TDs (1 interception) and rushed for 41 more as the Falcons improved their record to 3-2.

Air Force's defense didn't do the team any favors, as the safeties were often caught out of position in zone coverage, and weren't fast enough to make plays on CSU's speedy receivers, but with the offense clicking on all cylinders, the Falcons merely outgunned their opponents. Combined, the teams produced 970 yards of offense, and only two punts. After trading touchdown for touchdown in the first half, Air Force finally began to pull away, holding the Rams to a field goal with 40 seconds left in the second quarter, then scoring a touchdown with 15 seconds left, set up by a great 49 yard kick return from Chad Smith. That made the score 35-24 at the half, and the Falcons wouldn't look back. Colorado State's only score of the second half came off an impossible interception by CB #28 that was returned for a touchdown.

Despite the 582 yards of offense, coach Hemmen was most complimentary of his defense after the game. "These guys buckled down in the second half," he explained. "After giving up 38 points to Navy last week, and 24 here in the first half today, these guys stepped up when they needed to." Hemmen gave most of the credit to his defensive coordinator, who moved to a man scheme in the second half, giving the not-so-speedy Falcon safeties less to worry about alone the sideline streak routes.

The win moves the Falcons to 3-2 on the season, 1-1 in rivalry games, and 2-1 at home. They will travel to San Diego next week, to face the Aztecs in another conference showdown.

[video] - Shaun Carney hits Victor Thompson who makes a nice move to avoid the defender and provide Air Force's second score.
[video] - Justin Handley makes a good read and follows a nice hole up the middle for a 41-yard touchdown scamper.
[video] - Chad Smith sets the Falcons up with good field position in the closing seconds of the first half.
[video] - Carney rolls out and finds Mark Root in the endzone.
[video angle1 angle2 angle3] - Kendricke's carry results in a very questionable fumble call.