2012 Air Force Football Preview

Each Wednesday, up through August, I’ll cover a different Big Ten team or Michigan non-conference opponent. This week, I’m covering the Air Force Falcons, the second game on Michigan’s schedule in 2012.

To see all of our football previews, click here.

2012 Air Force Falcons Football Preview

2011 Record: 7-6 (3-4 Mountain West)

Head Coach: Troy Calhoun, sixth season (41-24 all at Air Force)

Projected Returning Starters: 7

Spring Game: TBA

Notes: In recent years, the Falcons have been the most consistent service academy. Coach Troy Calhoun, a quarterback for Air Force from 1985-1988, played under legendary Coach Fisher DeBerry. Calhoun would go on to coach at Ohio University and Wake Forest at the college level before heading to the NFL. As head coach of the Falcons, Calhoun has run a triple option offense, utilizing running back Asher Clark and quarterback Tim Jefferson in recent years. Both are out of eligibility, and Calhoun will now have to replace them, as well as WRs Jonathan Warzeka and Zack Kauth, who combined for 58.3% of the Falcons’ receiving yards.

BVTSB Take: After we just got done saying who Air Force has to replace, here’s where we tell you it won’t be all that bad. Air Force does have some experience at quarterback – Connor Dietz, but he has competition from Tucker Tipton, Kale Pearson, and Mitch Griebel. The Falcons’ run defense must improve in 2012, or the team will be destined for a fall. TCU moves out of the Mountain West and the Falcons avoid Boise State this season, so the schedule is very favorable for Air Force. Idaho State and Army look like non-conference wins, but the Navy game could be troublesome. Air Force gets a week off after their trip to the Big House.

2012 Early Projection: 7-5

To see the 2012 Mountain West composite schedule, click here.

What are your thoughts on Michigan’s matchup with Air Force? Tweet to us @BVTSB.