College Football Nation: Knights-Falcons 110709
Air Force, Army embrace sibling rivalry
November, 7, 2009
Nov 7
8:27
PM ET
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- When the pageantry and cheering faded from Saturday’s 35-7 Air Force win over Army, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun put the game in perspective.
While Air Force and Army is one of the most heated rivalries in the country as it battles for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy, a prize that’s also coveted -- and owned -- by Navy, it’s easy to forget what the game stands for.
“The reality is that every guy that was on that field today is a winner,” Calhoun said. “As a country, we’re fortunate as can be that we have young men and young women at these schools that are going to serve for us. They’re just remarkable young people and they make it where we’re able to enjoy some of the freedoms we have in this country.”
Even in defeat, the Army players appreciated Calhoun’s sentiment.
Army freshman quarterback Trent Steelman, who was playing in his first Commander-in-Chief game said he was disappointed in the loss, but that the game was something he’d remember for a lifetime.
“I was just exciting,” Steelman said. “It was an experience. Even though the outcome [wasn’t great] I’m going to take advantage of it and learn from it.”
Army, which hasn’t beaten Air Force since 2005 and has only beaten the Falcons twice in the past 20 tries, came out with a fire that’s not unusual in this game. They dominated Air Force on defense and took advantage of the few chances it had on offense.
Conversely, Air Force came out unusually flat. It amassed just 39 yards of total offense and three first downs in the first half. Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson said it was the most uninspired start to any Commander-in-Chief game that he’s ever been a part of.
“I think it was really odd,” Jefferson said. “This is the first game for me between Army and Navy so far where we just came out just sluggish. But, we found the switch and we switched it and we got things going.”
Air Force came out inspired in the second half and scored on four of its five possessions in the period. The Falcons had 259 yards of total offense in the second half, including several big plays that led to scores.
“On a day like this you just have a few things that cut at you,” Calhoun said. “You want to play well in these games. You know just how tough and how physical they are. Really, you come in and in a lot of ways, when you go play a game like this it’s bone against bone and knuckles rubbing against knuckles. When you look into the eyeballs of guys on both sides, these are extraordinary young people.”
The Air Force win was a little bittersweet. The Falcons have no shot to win the Commander-in-Chief Trophy because of an overtime loss to Navy earlier in the year. Even if Army were to upset Navy, the award would be split between the three schools and Navy would retain it because it won it last year.
However, the win did make Air Force bowl eligible for the third consecutive season.
Jefferson said there’s something unique about playing one of the other academies that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Each player knows that they’re brothers in defending the country, but before they get to the battlefield, they enjoy a bit of sibling rivalry.
“Off the field, they’re definitely our brothers,” Jefferson said. “On the field, we don’t want them to have any type of success at all. It’s a whole different type of atmosphere say when we’re in Iraq or Afghanistan. It’s a whole different story there. But on the field, between these stripes, we don’t want them to have any type of success.”
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- When the pageantry and cheering faded from Saturday’s 35-7 Air Force win over Army, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun put the game in perspective.
While Air Force and Army is one of the most heated rivalries in the country as it battles for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy, a prize that’s also coveted -- and owned -- by Navy, it’s easy to forget what the game stands for.
“The reality is that every guy that was on that field today is a winner,” Calhoun said. “As a country, we’re fortunate as can be that we have young men and young women at these schools that are going to serve for us. They’re just remarkable young people and they make it where we’re able to enjoy some of the freedoms we have in this country.”
Even in defeat, the Army players appreciated Calhoun’s sentiment.
Army freshman quarterback Trent Steelman, who was playing in his first Commander-in-Chief game said he was disappointed in the loss, but that the game was something he’d remember for a lifetime.
“I was just exciting,” Steelman said. “It was an experience. Even though the outcome [wasn’t great] I’m going to take advantage of it and learn from it.”
Army, which hasn’t beaten Air Force since 2005 and has only beaten the Falcons twice in the past 20 tries, came out with a fire that’s not unusual in this game. They dominated Air Force on defense and took advantage of the few chances it had on offense.
Conversely, Air Force came out unusually flat. It amassed just 39 yards of total offense and three first downs in the first half. Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson said it was the most uninspired start to any Commander-in-Chief game that he’s ever been a part of.
“I think it was really odd,” Jefferson said. “This is the first game for me between Army and Navy so far where we just came out just sluggish. But, we found the switch and we switched it and we got things going.”
Air Force came out inspired in the second half and scored on four of its five possessions in the period. The Falcons had 259 yards of total offense in the second half, including several big plays that led to scores.
“On a day like this you just have a few things that cut at you,” Calhoun said. “You want to play well in these games. You know just how tough and how physical they are. Really, you come in and in a lot of ways, when you go play a game like this it’s bone against bone and knuckles rubbing against knuckles. When you look into the eyeballs of guys on both sides, these are extraordinary young people.”
The Air Force win was a little bittersweet. The Falcons have no shot to win the Commander-in-Chief Trophy because of an overtime loss to Navy earlier in the year. Even if Army were to upset Navy, the award would be split between the three schools and Navy would retain it because it won it last year.
However, the win did make Air Force bowl eligible for the third consecutive season.
Jefferson said there’s something unique about playing one of the other academies that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Each player knows that they’re brothers in defending the country, but before they get to the battlefield, they enjoy a bit of sibling rivalry.
“Off the field, they’re definitely our brothers,” Jefferson said. “On the field, we don’t want them to have any type of success at all. It’s a whole different type of atmosphere say when we’re in Iraq or Afghanistan. It’s a whole different story there. But on the field, between these stripes, we don’t want them to have any type of success.”
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- And that should do it.
Tim Jefferson just scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to give Air Force a 28-7 lead, which, the way Army has been playing on offense, is pretty insurmountable.
Air Force has scored three touchdowns this half after amassing just 39 yards of total offense and three first downs in the first half.
The Army defense that was downright dominant in the first half has been exploited by big plays in the second. It’s worn down because the offense hasn’t been able to mount consistent drives and stay on the field.
Army quarterback Trent Steelman is going to have to show off his throwing arm if he wants to get back into this game and passing isn’t the strong suit of this team.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- And that should do it.
Tim Jefferson just scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to give Air Force a 28-7 lead, which, the way Army has been playing on offense, is pretty insurmountable.
Air Force has scored three touchdowns this half after amassing just 39 yards of total offense and three first downs in the first half.
The Army defense that was downright dominant in the first half has been exploited by big plays in the second. It’s worn down because the offense hasn’t been able to mount consistent drives and stay on the field.
Army quarterback Trent Steelman is going to have to show off his throwing arm if he wants to get back into this game and passing isn’t the strong suit of this team.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- It’s been big plays that have hurt Army in this game.
First it was the 88-yard punt return for a touchdown and then a couple rare lapses by the Army defense that gave Air Force tailback Asher Clark a 34-yard touchdown and a 73-yard passing touchdown from Tim Jefferson to Kevin Fogler. It was Clark’s first rushing touchdown of the season and Fogler’s longest career touchdown.
Army’s offense hasn’t been able to do enough against the Air Force defense to try and match the score. The Army defense has played well with the exception of the big plays and it’s going to need to either score a defensive touchdown or put its offense in a good spot to get back into this game.
Otherwise, this is going to be yet another loss in the Commander-in-Chief Trophy race for Army.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- It’s been big plays that have hurt Army in this game.
First it was the 88-yard punt return for a touchdown and then a couple rare lapses by the Army defense that gave Air Force tailback Asher Clark a 34-yard touchdown and a 73-yard passing touchdown from Tim Jefferson to Kevin Fogler. It was Clark’s first rushing touchdown of the season and Fogler’s longest career touchdown.
Army’s offense hasn’t been able to do enough against the Air Force defense to try and match the score. The Army defense has played well with the exception of the big plays and it’s going to need to either score a defensive touchdown or put its offense in a good spot to get back into this game.
Otherwise, this is going to be yet another loss in the Commander-in-Chief Trophy race for Army.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- Air Force needs an offensive spark.
The Army defense has been dominant during this game. It has nine tackles for loss for 45 yards and three sacks. Every time Air Force starts to get something positive going, Army pushes the Falcons back.
Perhaps Air Force needs a quarterback change?
Already this season, Connor Dietz has come in and led the Falcons to a win after starter Tim Jefferson struggled. Although he’s not necessarily a better quarterback, he’s a change of pace and could inspire the Falcons’ offense.
Right now, it needs some inspiration.
Conversely, Army has been tremendous so far. While the offense hasn’t been great, it does have 138 yards and has gotten into the Air Force end a couple times. Freshman quarterback Trent Steelman has been the Black Knights best weapon and the Falcons have yet to find a solution for him on the ground.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- Air Force needs an offensive spark.
The Army defense has been dominant during this game. It has nine tackles for loss for 45 yards and three sacks. Every time Air Force starts to get something positive going, Army pushes the Falcons back.
Perhaps Air Force needs a quarterback change?
Already this season, Connor Dietz has come in and led the Falcons to a win after starter Tim Jefferson struggled. Although he’s not necessarily a better quarterback, he’s a change of pace and could inspire the Falcons’ offense.
Right now, it needs some inspiration.
Conversely, Army has been tremendous so far. While the offense hasn’t been great, it does have 138 yards and has gotten into the Air Force end a couple times. Freshman quarterback Trent Steelman has been the Black Knights best weapon and the Falcons have yet to find a solution for him on the ground.
Posted by ESPN.com's Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY --- It's halftime at Falcon Stadium and Army has dominated the game against rival Air Force.
Turning point: When Air Force returner Anthony Wright scampered 88 yards for the Falcons only touchdown, it was the biggest mistake Army made all game. If Wright doesn’t return that punt, Army has the lead in this game since the Air Force offense has done very little so far.
Stat of the half: Air Force’s offense has 39 total yards in the first half. The Army defense has played inspired so far in this game. The Black Knights have nine tackles for loss and three sacks through the first 30 minutes.
Best player in the half: Army quarterback Trent Steelman has kept the Air Force offense on its toes. He’s rushed for a game-high 80 yards and he has the Black Knights' only score on a 42-yard run.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY --- It's halftime at Falcon Stadium and Army has dominated the game against rival Air Force.
Turning point: When Air Force returner Anthony Wright scampered 88 yards for the Falcons only touchdown, it was the biggest mistake Army made all game. If Wright doesn’t return that punt, Army has the lead in this game since the Air Force offense has done very little so far.
Stat of the half: Air Force’s offense has 39 total yards in the first half. The Army defense has played inspired so far in this game. The Black Knights have nine tackles for loss and three sacks through the first 30 minutes.
Best player in the half: Army quarterback Trent Steelman has kept the Air Force offense on its toes. He’s rushed for a game-high 80 yards and he has the Black Knights' only score on a 42-yard run.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY --- Army is not going away.
Freshman quarterback Trent Steelman just scampered 42 yards to tie the score at 7.
The Army defense has done a good job of containing Air Force’s offense. Other than the punt return for touchdown, the Falcons have been able to do very little on offense. They have just one first down and 13 total yards.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY --- Army is not going away.
Freshman quarterback Trent Steelman just scampered 42 yards to tie the score at 7.
The Army defense has done a good job of containing Air Force’s offense. Other than the punt return for touchdown, the Falcons have been able to do very little on offense. They have just one first down and 13 total yards.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- Air Force has struck first with a an 88-yard punt return by Anthony Wright Jr.
Wright broke a few tackles after catching the ball headed right and saw nothing but blue jerseys in front of him. He jogged into the end zone.
The punt return was the second-longest in Academy history and the first punt return for a touchdowns since 1998 against New Mexico.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- Air Force has struck first with a an 88-yard punt return by Anthony Wright Jr.
Wright broke a few tackles after catching the ball headed right and saw nothing but blue jerseys in front of him. He jogged into the end zone.
The punt return was the second-longest in Academy history and the first punt return for a touchdowns since 1998 against New Mexico.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- The pageantry is starting here at the Air Force Academy.
The cadets are marching out onto the field and the stands are starting to fill up.
Cars are still coming in and I heard from a couple media folks who cover this team regularly this is the most traffic they’ve seen trek into this stadium in quite some time.
The crowd just held a moment of silence for the victims of the Fort Hood shootings before the national anthem was played.
I'm eagerly awaiting the flyover.
As I pointed out in an earlier post, Air Force has dominated this game over the past 20 years, but this will be a tougher test than the Falcons have faced in the past. Army hasn’t really been blown out this season. While some of the scores have been lopsided, the Black Knights have been in almost every game they’ve played and this one should be no different.
“It means a lot to us especially the seniors,” Army receiver Ali Villanueva said. “We’ve tried for four years now and this is our last chance to get it. They’re a great football team, but we obviously have a chance. We have a chance to beat every single team we play on our schedule. It’s a test, a new season for us right now, so we just need to come out and prove to everybody that we can do this.”
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- The pageantry is starting here at the Air Force Academy.
The cadets are marching out onto the field and the stands are starting to fill up.
Cars are still coming in and I heard from a couple media folks who cover this team regularly this is the most traffic they’ve seen trek into this stadium in quite some time.
The crowd just held a moment of silence for the victims of the Fort Hood shootings before the national anthem was played.
I'm eagerly awaiting the flyover.
As I pointed out in an earlier post, Air Force has dominated this game over the past 20 years, but this will be a tougher test than the Falcons have faced in the past. Army hasn’t really been blown out this season. While some of the scores have been lopsided, the Black Knights have been in almost every game they’ve played and this one should be no different.
“It means a lot to us especially the seniors,” Army receiver Ali Villanueva said. “We’ve tried for four years now and this is our last chance to get it. They’re a great football team, but we obviously have a chance. We have a chance to beat every single team we play on our schedule. It’s a test, a new season for us right now, so we just need to come out and prove to everybody that we can do this.”
Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- I haven’t been to many Air Force football games -- maybe five or so, including a Navy game -- but this is by far the most crowded I’ve ever seen this place.
The stadium isn’t full yet -- still more than an hour until kickoff -- but there’s a ton of tailgating and traffic is backed up to Monument in I-25.
Welcome to the battle for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy.
This is Air Force’s second and final opportunity to at least take a share of the trophy that is fought over by the three military academies. It lost to Navy 16-13 in overtime earlier this year. Army is playing in its first leg and will play against Navy on Dec. 12.
I’m excited for this game for it pageantry. You really throw out the records in this one because both of these teams take great pride in besting each other. Air Force hasn’t lost to Army since 2005 and has won 18 of the past 20 contests.
However, Army has played well in every game it’s been in this season. Yes, the Black Knights are just 3-5, but under new head coach Rich Ellerson, they believe they can win every contest they play.
I’m looking forward to a competitive game and a raucous crowd.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- I haven’t been to many Air Force football games -- maybe five or so, including a Navy game -- but this is by far the most crowded I’ve ever seen this place.
The stadium isn’t full yet -- still more than an hour until kickoff -- but there’s a ton of tailgating and traffic is backed up to Monument in I-25.
Welcome to the battle for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy.
This is Air Force’s second and final opportunity to at least take a share of the trophy that is fought over by the three military academies. It lost to Navy 16-13 in overtime earlier this year. Army is playing in its first leg and will play against Navy on Dec. 12.
I’m excited for this game for it pageantry. You really throw out the records in this one because both of these teams take great pride in besting each other. Air Force hasn’t lost to Army since 2005 and has won 18 of the past 20 contests.
However, Army has played well in every game it’s been in this season. Yes, the Black Knights are just 3-5, but under new head coach Rich Ellerson, they believe they can win every contest they play.
I’m looking forward to a competitive game and a raucous crowd.
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