NCAAF Analysis: For the first time since taking over a then struggling Air Force Falcons football program in 2007 head coach Troy Calhoun is feeling heat as his program has suffered a serious drop in prestige both on and off the field. The Wyoming Cowboys are starting over with first year head coach Craig Bohl as Dave Christensen was unable to sustain consistency and success, not to mention field even an average defense, in his five years on the job.
The Wyoming Cowboys will host the Air Force Falcons at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday night with coverage on ESPNU starting at 10:15 PM ET.
Takeoff?
Air Force has desperately needed something to feel good about and got it last week in a 44-16 home win over 1-AA Nicholls State. While the competition was second rate it was at least a case of the Falcons doing what they were supposed to do. Jacobi Owens ran wild with 233 yards rushing on 23 carries as Air Force compiled 539 total yards on the ground at 7.4 yards per rush.
No Bohl
It was a successful opening game for new Wyoming coach Craig Bohl as the Cowboys scored a 17-12 home win over 1-AA Montana. The Cowboys had 209 yards rushing good for 4.5 yards per carry. Defense was a major problem for Wyoming last year and the debut was encouraging, albeit against a weaker level of competition. QB Colby Kirkegaard had an underwhelming performance throwing for 13 of 21 with just 92 yards and an interception.
Matchup and Pick
Air Force has covered the spread in just two out of their last nine away games with just seven out of their last 19 away games going under the total. Wyoming has not been able to hold much betting value at home with just four payouts in their last 14 games at War Memorial Stadium with seven out of their last 12 home games going over the total. Wyoming has dominated the purse strings against Air Force with five consecutive payouts and has covered the spread in 10 out of their last 13 overall games in this head to head series with six out of the last seven games between Wyoming and Air Force going under the total. The head to head record makes Wyoming the call.
