Air Force played its most complete game of the year, crushing the University of New Mexico Lobos, 42-24, in the Mountain West Conference regular season finale for both teams.

Air Force traded in training camp wristbands with the motto “Every Play, Every Day,” for ones that sported its playbook for their Nov. 19 game before 33,791 fans at the Lobos’ University Stadium.

The move was designed to get the Falcon offense to the line of scrimmage quickly, see how the Lobos defense was set, then call a play written on the wristbands.

The Falcons finished 3-5 in conference play, 4-7 overall, making them ineligible for a bowl appearance. They needed a minimum of six wins for a post-season berth. But, by playing spoiler, they put New Mexico’s bowl plans on hold. Despite its record, the Lobos, (6-5, 4-4) may not get a bowl invitation because four other teams in the conference are also eligible.

“To come down here and beat a team that’s bowl bound, in their own backyard, is a significant accomplishment,” Air Force head coach Fisher DeBerry said. “This is a special group of young men. Winning their last game should motivate them in the off season.”

Playing for nothing more than pride, the Falcons embraced the wristband system and sealed the victory with a 21-point fourth quarter that snapped their three-game losing streak.

“It’s pretty amazing to learn that in four days,” Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney said. “You have a bunch of smart guys here.”

Carney was a quick study, completing 11 of 14 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown, while running for 94 yards and another score.

The Falcons’ offense out-gained New Mexico 464 to 389 yards, including 278-227 on the ground. Air Force fullback Jacobe Kendrick rushed for 89 yards and 2- and 10-yard touchdowns.

Senior wide receivers Jason Brown and Greg Kirkwood ended their Falcon careers by combining for seven receptions totaling 154 yards. Kirkwood caught a Carney screen pass and raced 46 yards for a touchdown giving the Falcons a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. It was the 14th touchdown pass by Air Force this season, a team record since it started running the option offense in 1980.

The wristband system, devised by offensive coordinator Chuck Petersen, worked -- in part -- because for the first time this season the offense had no turnovers.

Petersen looked at the New Mexico defense from the press box, and then called the play to running backs coach Tim Horton on the sideline. Carney, the running backs and receivers looked to Horton for numbers on big flash cards. Each player, including linemen, checked their wristbands and ran the play.

“Our game plan was masterfully constructed by coach Petersen and his staff,” DeBerry said. “We’ve used wristbands before, but it’s was the first time we’ve called our entire offense from the wristbands.”

Defensively, the Falcons’ game plan required little forethought -- limit Lobo star running back DonTrell Moore. Moore ran for 143 yards and an 11-yard touchdown scamper that narrowed the Falcons lead to 21-16 in the third quarter. It was Moore’s 26th career 100-yard game. But, the tide turned when the Falcons stopped him cold on two crucial fourth-quarter, short-yardage situations.

“When you don’t have to think, you’re able to knock somebody out,” Falcon linebacker Overton Spence said. “You’re able to play with that intensity.”

The victory was the swan song for 22 Falcon seniors.

“You don’t forget the last one,” DeBerry said. “The last one is the one you remember.”