If you took the time to read our preview of this game, the one area of this match-up that we thought the Falcons may have an advantage was in special teams. Well irony had its way, as a missed field-goal was the difference in score. Now, that is not to say the very manageable first quarter kick that Air Force missed cost them the game. But they certainly could have used the points.
Ultimately, they lost the game to Navy for very similar reasons they weren’t able to secure a win the previous three
weeks. Costly turnovers and historically bad defense. Liam Szarka continues to quietly play as good as any quarterback in the country. Yes, I said country. You just wouldn’t know it because despite scoring 30+ points every game, his team cannot find a win. The CBS Broadcast highlighted the distinguished company that Szarka is in, accounting for 250+ pass yards, 100+ rush yards and three touchdowns in three consecutive games. His company; Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson. You may have heard of them.
Szarka did have a costly turnover late in the fourth quarter on a drive that could have given Air Force a late lead. Now, lets be clear though, no lead would be safe with the way this defense has played. And the turnover was on a forced pitch on an option read to get some positive yards on third down, giving a manageable attempt on fourth down. Furthermore, that pitch is symbolic of the position that Szarka and the offense have been put in all season long; they have way too much pressure to walk away with points each and every possession because the opposing team will surely be.
The caveat to the last few losses have been the surprising play of the offense, despite the struggles on defense. That can’t be the case anymore. The offense is what it is, absolutely dynamic. Unfortunately, a dynamic offense is just barely enough to keep them in games at this point because of the historically poor performance from the defense.
I know anyone who watched the game may suggest I’m not giving Navy their due credit. That is not the case at all. If I may refer to the preview again, this Midshipmen offense is outstanding. And they did it today without one of their best weapons, Alex Teczca. However, as dynamic as Blake Horvath has been at quarterback, the fact that he threw well over 300 yards to receivers who in most cases didn’t have a defender within five yards is beyond indicting of how bad the Air Force defense is right now. And maybe I should be more specific, Eli Heidenreich in particular was embarrassing this secondary all game long, on his way to breaking Navy receiving records. He amassed 243 yards on eight catches, with three touchdowns. In case your wondering, the remark about no defenders within five yards was not an exaggeration in many cases today.
Anyone who watched the game was treated to an entertaining show put on by both offenses. Quarterback play in particular was outstanding by both Horvath and Szarka. If your an Air Force fan, I don’t believe there is anything positive to take away from a three point loss to a very good team this week. The blaring concerns about the defense are only getting magnified, and historically good offensive output has been required just to allow this team to even stay in games. This team has got to dig deep and find some answers on defense before the season gets completely away from them. It may already already be gone when you look at the remaining schedule.
Next up is UNLV in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 11th at 3:30 EST.
