Armed Forces Bowl Preview: Air Force Vs. Houston

(8-4) (7-5)

Amon G Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX 11AM CT TV:

This is a rematch of a September 13th game where Air Force defeated Houston 31-28. That game is some what misleading because the game was moved to SMU's stadium in Dallas because of Hurrican Ike. Air Force is a surprise team that after losing near all of its offense with Chad Hall leaving and losing an experienced quarterback this year was to be a rebuilding year. Second year coach Troy Calhoun brought the team together and proved that Air Force is capable of competing at a high level in college football despite their restrictions.

Expect this game to be high in the points because Air Force can just run the ball at you and make a big run if the teams defense is not disciplined, as for Houston they have an all out air attack starting with quarterback Case Keenum who threw for 362 yards and four touchdowns the last time these two teams met and he's thrown for more than 400 yards in three straight games. Also, with Houston typical four wide out base set the Air Force defensive backs will have troubl covering all the recievers, so look for Houston to have some big passing plays.

If Air Force's defense can slow down Houston a little bit they should win this game, because when Air Force has the ball they will grind out the clock and lull the team to sleep with their option. Another weapon for Air Force is freshman quarterback Tim Jefferson, he took over for the Falcons in game five of the year and he will run for about 50 yards a game and can make the timely pass when Houston does not expect it.

Houston can win if they do not stall out too often in the passing game, and if they get out to a big lead early. Getting up by three touchdowns early could put an end to this game quickly, because Air Force does not have big play capability to chase points if they are down big.

The Essentials

Houston

Offense - 575.08 ypg, 413.5 ypg passing, 161.58 ypg rushing
Defense - 418.58 ypg, 249.08 ypg passing, 169.5 ypg rushing
Versus Bowl Teams -(L) klahoma State,(L) Air Force, (L) Colorado State, (W)East Carolina, (W)Tulsa, (L) Rice

Air Force
Offense - 348.84 ypg, 79.92ypg passing, 268.92 ypg rushing
Defense - 335.33 ypg, 195.58ypg passing, 139.75 ypg rushing
Versus Bowl Teams - (L)TCU, (W) Colorado St., (L)Brigham Young, (L)Utah, (W)Houston, (L) Navy

Prediction: Air Force 34 Houston 31

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