Falcons romp past San Diego State

  • Published
  • By Wayne Amann
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Conventional football wisdom says the run is used to set up the pass. Air Force is thinking -- and winning -- the other way around.

Thanks to a 231-yard passing game that loosened the San Diego State University defense, academy ground troops traveled 272 more yards en route to a convincing 41-29 Air Force win Sept. 10 in the Mountain West Conference opener for both schools here.

Fullback Jacobe Kendrick capitalized most from this newfound balanced formula. The junior ran for a career-high 128 yards on 26 carries and scored four touchdowns.

Meanwhile, sophomore quarterback Shaun Carney riddled the Aztecs secondary for 231 yards passing, completing 10 of 12 attempts including one for a touchdown.

The 503 yards in total offense not only had the sun-drenched 30,101 in attendance roaring its approval, but, more importantly, it helped snap a three game losing streak to San Diego State. The Falcons are 6-1 in conference openers since joining the conference in 1999.

“No question the air is back in our attack,” said Air Force head coach Fisher DeBerry. “This is the second week in a row we’ve had 200-plus yards passing and 200-plus yards rushing. If we continue to do that it’ll be difficult for defenses to lock down on our game plan.”

In their next matchup, the Falcons (2-0) host the University of Wyoming Cowboys (1-1) Sept. 17.