College Football - Air Force Review

AIR FORCE
STRENGTHS: QB Tim Jefferson was tabbed the 2008 MWC Freshman of the Year and talented
tailback Asher Clark was the team's top rusher from the nation's No. 6 rushing attack. Both return
although Jefferson took time out from the off-season to concentrate on academics. Clark is now
being experimented at QB, his former position. Both give this ground attack solid wheels. The
secondary appears to be the strength of the defense. Senior Chris Thomas, the teams MVP last
fall, returns at safety as does starting corners Reggie Rembert and Anthony Wright. All three
linebackers are back in the fold to further enhance the back seven.
CONCERNS: The biggest question is up front on the DL where two quality bookends have
departed in Ryan Kemp and Jake Paulson. Getting pressure on opposing QBs won’t likely equal
the same positive results. The Falcons are also missing an experienced receiver despite the fact
the passing attack is only the last ditch option. Expect the ground game to continue to be the play
of choice nine times out of ten. One of the biggest losses is in the kicking/punting game where
two-year starter Ryan Harrison needs replaced.
PROGNOSIS: Air Force has nearly twice as many starters back as it did a year ago, but the team
is still fairly young. Most of the starters are freshmen and sophomores. A steady defense and
continued use of the running game is still the winning formula and so it should be no surprise that
head coach Troy Calhoun makes a bowl game for the third straight season.
PROJECTED RECORD: 7-5
BRIGHAM YOUNG
STRENGTHS: QB Max Hall is a legitimate Heisman contender, RB Harvey Unga is a former
MWC Freshman of the Year who is now healthy after a lesser sophomore outing and TE Dennis
Pitta may be the best TE across the national landscape. DE Jan Jorgensen is one the best sack
masters in the conference while operating under this unique 3-3-5 defensive scheme and all of
the linebackers return to the fold. The defense should be stiff.
CONCERNS: Only four starters return to the offensive side, which means there is sure to be
gaping holes. The first area of concern is at receiver where Mike Reed and Austin Collie are
chasing NFL dreams. All of the incumbents are short on quality experience. Also the offensive line
has to replace four starters. Replacing both starting safeties becomes the priority on the
defensive side. Projected secondary starters Brandon Bradley and Scott Johnson have been
battling through injuries and projected starting CB Brandon Howard has left the school for
personal reasons. Incoming JUCO transfers could be vital here.
PROGNOSIS: An undefeated season is out of the question. The Cougars open with Oklahoma
and gets Florida State two weeks later. With senior Max Hall behind center anything is possible
as Coach Mendenhall strives to keep pace with Utah and TCU in conference (they get both at
home). Keep an eye on TE Dennis Pitta as he could easily wind up the top TE in the 2009 NFL
Draft. The lack of playmakers at receiver and a newly formed OL could make the season
interesting at times against teams BYU is favored over. The defense is good enough to stuff the
ground game but keeping the passing yards down is going to be a difficult task with this
secondary.
PROJECTED RECORD: 8-4