Two years ago, Air Force was riding high, coming in to LES. A lot of people (not just Utah fans) thought they could take down the Cougars and compete for the conference title. BYU thumped them. They handled the option, forced turnovers, and moved the ball easily for a big win. They got up early and stayed ahead.
This year, Air Force comes in with a better defense, an efficient offense, and without all the fanfare. BYU has a lot of potential records to set this week: Max Hall could become the all-time leader in wins for a BYU QB, Harvey Unga could set the record for rushing yards and attempts by a BYU player, and the home sellout streak could extend as well. BYU essentially got eliminated from a conference championship chance, which is one of their goals. The defensive line seems more concerned with the method Air Force's O-line employs to block (cut blocking which is totally legal) than they are with the scheme they will employ.
BYU has had a great run defense to counter Air Force's great run offense. BYU has been one of the most efficient pass offenses in the country and Air Force counters with the most efficient pass defense in the country. Strength on strength, weakness on weakness. BYU players expect their strengths to win out over the Academy's. The difference is: this year Air Force feels the same way.
Bronco Mendenhall has owned Air Force since his arrival in to the BYU program. Last year they showed a small chink in the armor, but still won by two scores. A lot of things point to BYU winning this game. Air Force lost a tough one to TCU (by 3 which is TCU's closest game this season). They lost to Utah in overtime on the road. Today, in LaVell Edwards Stadium, they finally get that signature win they have been needing this season. Today they prove that you have to take Air Force seriously, or they will knock you in the mouth, over and over again. Air Force 31, BYU 27. Sorry, Cougar fans. From what I have listened to, I just don't hear the BYU players being focused enough this week to beat the Air Force Falcons. To the Poinsettia Bowl go the Cougars.
I didn't get to read your prediction until today. You didn't miss it by much, oh wait, you weren't even close. Congratulations on having the nerve to pick though. It was as one sided a game as I have seen BYU play in a while. The number one pass defense in the country gave up their average yards in the air in the third quarter alone. They showed no pass defense whatsoever, from the opening drive to the last possession. I don't know how they gave Utah and TCU such trouble. I guess it comes to matchups.
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