Like most people, Air Force football ran into a tough Monday after a Saturday of fun.
The Falcons took a 14-9 victory over Navy on Saturday before the news dropped at the beginning of the week that they would be losing their QB1, Liam Szarka, to a leg injury.
With eight games remaining, a lot of questions surround the Colorado Springs crew. But after taking out the Midshipmen this past week, one rises above the rest: Can Air Force win the Commander-In-Chief Trophy?
Analyzing The Damage
Szarka rushed for 81 yards and two
touchdowns against Navy, being responsible for all 14 points in the Air Force victory.
With him now out of the picture, where will that offensive production come from?
Looking at the QB depth chart, it will be up to Evan Medders and Kemper Hodges.
Medders followed Szarka on the Saturday stat sheet, rushing for 30 yards on five carries.
However, Hodges may be the more productive option. On 23 carries this season, Hodges has 146 yards and two touchdowns, the third-most rushing yards on the team.
Which option will Troy Calhoun go with? Likely both, leaning on the true Air Force triple-option style and keeping the personnel fresh from play to play.
Here Comes Army
It will be Falcons vs. Black Knights on Nov. 7, which is now a clinching opportunity for Air Force to take home the CIC Trophy for the first time since 2022.
Will they be able to take down Army without their starting quarterback?
Army’s run defense is no joke, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards in the American Conference. Who is first? Navy, whom the Falcons were able to take down, with Szarka at the helm.
Whatever the rushing equation may be, the key may be the defense. While Szarka was excellent on Saturday, Air Force’s defense won the day by allowing just nine points.
Air Force is undefeated when allowing 10 points or less, while just 1-1 in shootouts.
Time To Prep
Never fear, Air Force fans. There is plenty of time before Nov. 7.
Air Force’s next four games: @ Northern Illinois, vs. UNLV, @ Wyoming and vs. UCONN.
Plenty of opportunities to retool their offense and also take on quality talent, priming the Szarka-less offense before the next service school showdown.
It will start with a great tune-up opportunity against the struggling Northern Illinois Huskies, being able to get whichever quarterback up to speed.
Air Force @ Northern Illinois is set for Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Your Turn: How do you think Air Force will finish the season?
