In a game that started out with promise for the Falcons, ends with UConn running away with it. The Air Force defense did something that no other team was able to do this season, intercepting Joe Fagnano
in UConn’s first possession of the game. The Falcons were unable to cash in on that turnover, and things completely unraveled on them as the game wore on.
The most notable thing to happen was the loss of Liam Szarka late in the second quarter to a hand injury. Kemper Hodges got extended playing time, finishing the rest of the game. While the offense never did get back on track once Szarka exited the game, it wasn’t because of anything Hodges wasn’t able to do. The offense sputtered out under Szarka’s operation as well. Missing pitches, committing critical penalties were big contributors to their inability to score points.
Something that may get lost as this game got away from them was some questionable decision making by the Air Force coaching staff. They had an opportunity for an easy field-goal in the second quarter, with a 4th and goal from a long four yards out, and failed to convert, forfeiting a sure three points for a turnover on downs. Then, late in the 2nd with just under two minutes remaining they opted to attempt a 53-yard field goal, that Reagan Tubbs just missed right, and resulted in a gifted three points and a 9-7 lead for UConn at halftime. This is important, because Air Force had really controlled the game to this point.
Ultimately, it was the one thing we highlighted in our preview that the Falcons could not allow to happen in this game, and that was Cam Edwards having a big game. And he did. For all the accolades Fagnano drew coming into the game, it was Cam Edwards and the UConn running game that really sealed this one. The Air Force defense performed well against the Huskies very effective passing attack. But it simply wasn’t enough when you consider all the factors of the game.
Losing Szarka certainly has an affect on the game. But for as spectacular as he has flashed this year, the offense overall has slowly come back to Earth as the defense started to step up their game. It’s created for a more balanced team, but when the offense was putting 30+ points every game, it created some expectations that may not have been realistic or sustainable.
One thing that was encouraging is something I had hoped to see last year, and that was a better look at Kemper Hodges at quarterback. If you just went by the CBS Sports Network coverage, they’d have you believe he was just a converted fullback filling in as a gadget quarterback. Watch Hodges throw the ball, and it is a healthy reminder, this guy was a very highly recruited quarterback out of high school. Troy Calhoun had him pack on weight when he came to Colorado Springs as he converted to fullback. But this is a guy who could sling it in high school, and from a pure arm talent standpoint is quite capable.
It’s a shame that the offense and defense never peaked or sustained at the same time this season, or we would likely be looking at some interesting bowl prospects. But that has not been the case, and with this loss to a very good UConn Huskies team, they are eliminated from bowl contention barring a highly unlikely scenario where there are less bowl eligible teams (6 wins or more) than there are bowl game slots.
Hats off to Jim Mora and UConn for the continuation of a very impressive 2025 season. For Air Force, it will be much like last year, where the focus turns to getting better each and every week to try and stand up a formidable team for the 2026 season. But games against New Mexico and Colorado State await.
Next up, the Falcons will host New Mexico at Falcon stadium next Saturday evening.
