2023 Mountain West Football Media Days
7/17/2023 10:29:00 AM | Football
July 18-20, 2023, Las Vegas, NV
Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun, along with senior offensive lineman Thor Paglialong and senior safety Camby Goff will represent the Academy at the Mountain West Football Media Day in Las Vegas July 18-20.
FALCONS AMONG ELITE ACADEMICALLY
The Air Force football team has established itself among the nation's elite academically. The Falcons ranked eighth nationally in Academic Progress Rate (APR) in 2022 with a score with a 992, according to the NCAA's latest multiyear NCAA Division I scores. This season marks the 11th straight year in the top 10. Air Force led the nation in 2019 with a 997 and was second in 2018 with a 993.
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship (recruited and on varsity roster for non-scholarship schools). The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team's academic performance.
PLEASE EXCUSE OUR MESS
The Air Force Academy officially broke ground Jan. 24, 2023 on the Falcon Stadium East Club modernization with a ceremony at the construction site.
After nearly six decades of football and lacrosse games, graduations, concerts and various events, the renovations coming to Falcon Stadium will help transform the facility into a first-class venue.
The Falcon Stadium modernization is a fundraising priority within the $270 million Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign publicly launched in September 2021. The Air Force Academy Foundation and the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation have partnered to achieve the fundraising goals for the stadium as part of the athletics component of the campaign.
The investment required for the initial phase of the Falcon Stadium modernization project totals $90 million. Philanthropic support through the Air Force Academy Foundation will provide $35 million as part of the campaign and the remaining $55 million investment will be financed by Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation revenue. The Foundation is working toward raising $15 million to complete the donor-funded portion of the initial phase.
The new East Club will provide Falcon fans an unmatched setting to enjoy Air Force football, lacrosse and special events. The East Club will enhance the existing east concourse and will feature 1,200 premium seats and a state-of-the-art club level experience. The project includes a modern and efficient entrance, a heritage plaza, open-air hospitality decks, enhanced food and beverage options, updated restrooms, new merchandise area and a ticket office.
2023 SCHEDULE FEATURES GAMES IN ALL FIVE TIME ZONES
The Air Force schedule features five games in Falcon Stadium, including Robert Morris, Utah State, San Diego State, Wyoming and UNLV, along with a home game vs. Army at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. The Falcons' road schedule features games in all five time zones.
Zone.......... Opponent
Hawaii........ at Hawaii (11/11)
Pacific........ at San Jose State (9/22)
Mountain... at Colorado State (10/28); Boise State (11/24)
Central....... at San Houston (9/9)
Eastern...... at Navy (10/21)
FALCONS CARRY SEVERAL STREAKS INTO 2023
• Air Force has won 16 straight season openers dating back to 2007, which is the third-longest active streak in the nation. Only Ohio State (22) and Alabama (20) have longer win streaks on opening day. Cincinnati (11) and Marshall (9) follow Air Force.
• Air Force has held five straight opponents under 300 total yards of offense.
• The Falcons have forced 21 straight unsuccessful attempts on third down. Air Force held San Diego State (0-10) and Baylor (0-11) to close out 2022.
• Air Force has held the ball for 35:00 minutes or longer in four straight games.
• Air Force has led the nation in rushing for 25 straight weeks, including all 14 weeks last season.
• The Falcons have won 15 straight games when forcing two or more turnovers in a game.
• Air Force has won four straight bowl games.
AIR FORCE 31-8 LAST THREE SEASONS
• Air Force is 31-8 the last three full seasons, excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Air Force finished 10-3 in 2021 and 2022 and 11-2 in 2019.
• Air Force, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Utah and Oregon are the only teams to win 10-plus games the last three full seasons (2019, 2021, 2022).
• The Falcons are 18-6 in conference play during the same stretch. Air Force was 5-3 and finished second in the Mountain Division last season. Air Force shared the Mountain Division title with a 6-2 mark in 2021 and finished second with a 7-1 mark in 2019.
AIR FORCE TO PLAY ARMY AT EMPOWER FIELD AT MILE HIGH
Empower Field at Mile High will play host to Air Force's home football game against Army on Saturday, Nov. 4, the 75th anniversary of the Air Force.
Since the building opened in 2001, Empower Field at Mile High has hosted 18 Division I college football games. The game on Nov. 4 will mark the first time the stadium has hosted the Air Force-Army rivalry.
"We would like to thank [Director of Athletics] Nathan Pine and the staff at the Air Force Academy for the opportunity to host the Air Force Falcons and Army Black Knights at Empower Field at Mile High," Sr. Director of Events & Booking Jon Applegate said. "Our stadium, along with the Denver Sports Commission, look forward to hosting fans & service members from Colorado Springs and across the country for this celebrated matchup."
"We are looking forward to partnering with the Denver Broncos to host the Air Force vs. Army game this season," Air Force Director of Athletics Nathan Pine said. "Construction on our east side renovation project will not allow us to showcase the service academy rivalry game in Falcon Stadium the way we want to. While the end result at Falcon Stadium will be well worth it, hosting the game at Empower Field in 2023 and working closely with the Broncos staff will create a memorable experience for our players and our fans and will keep the important advantage of playing this game in Colorado."
AIR FORCE AT HOME
• Air Force is 72-24 in Falcon Stadium under head coach Troy Calhoun.
• Air Force was 6-1 last season to match the program record for wins in a season.
• Air Force had a school-record 15-game winning streak from 2014 to Oct. 22, 2016.
• Air Force went 20-4 at home from 2014-17, posting the most wins in a four-year span, breaking the record of 19 set from 1982-85 and 1998-2001 when the program went 19-4.
• Air Force set a record for the best three-year run from 2014-16 with a 17-1 record, breaking the mark of 15-2 from 1983-85.
• The Falcons have finished undefeated at home six times overall in school history, four coming under Calhoun.
Year Rec. Notes
2022 6-1 Matched program record for wins with six, fifth time with six under Calhoun
2021 4-2 Air Force .500 or better for 14th time in 15 seasons under Calhoun
2020 2-1 Loss came to No. 25 Boise State
2019 6-0 Sixth undefeated season in program history, fourth under Calhoun
2018 4-2 Air Force posts four or more wins for ninth time in 12 seasons
2017 3-3 20 wins over four years is best four-year run in school history
2016 5-1 Air Force went 17-1 in home games from 2014-16
2015 6-0 Fifth 6-0 mark in AF history, third under Calhoun
2014 6-0 Fourth 6-0 mark in AF history, second under Calhoun
2013 2-5 Lone losing record in Calhoun era
2012 5-1 Second-best mark in school history
2011 4-3 Air Force goes 14-5 from 2009-11
2010 5-1 Combined with 2009, 10 wins in two seasons is third-best in AF history
2009 5-1 Second-best mark in school history
2008 3-3 Two losses at the hands of nationally ranked teams
2007 6-0 Just the third undefeated home record in school history
Total 72-24
AIR FORCE HEAD COACH TROY CALHOUN
• Troy Calhoun leads all active Mountain West coaches in conference wins with 72. Calhoun is second all-time in conference history in wins, trailing only former New Mexico and San Diego State head coach Rocky Long, who had 91. Calhoun became just the second coach in MW history with 50 conference wins when Air Force defeated UNLV, 41-35, Oct. 19, 2018.
• Calhoun ranks fourth nationally in most wins at one school among active head coaches. The coach is 121-78 in 16 seasons.
• Calhoun is in his 17th season as head coach at Air Force. His tenure is the longest in the Mountain West and fifth longest among active coaches in the nation.
• Calhoun is ninth overall among active head coaches in career wins with 121. He leads all Mountain West and non-Power five head coaches.
ONLY IOWA HAS LONGER STREAK
Air Force has had just two head coaches the last 40 years, as Troy Calhoun enters his 17th season leading the program in 2023. He replaced the legendary Fisher DeBerry, who led the program for 23 years from 1984 to 2006. Iowa is the only other program in the nation with just two coaches during that span. The Hawkeyes have had just two head coaches in the last 46 years. Hayden Fry led the program from 1979 to 1998 before current head coach Kirk Ferentz took over in 1999.
THIESSEN LONGEST TENURED OC
Air Force offensive coordinator Mike Thiessen enters his 17th season at Air Force overall and 13th as offensive coordinator. Thiessen is the longest-tenured offensive coordinator in the nation. As offensive coordinator, Thiessen has led a unit over the last five years that has been in the top four of the nation in rushing each year, averaged 32 points per game, been in the top three nationally in passing yards per completion and among the top 10 in third-down percentage. Air Force won its third straight national rushing title last season with a 326.7 average, while leading the nation in time of possession for the second straight year with a 36:33 norm.
THE RAM-FALCON TROPHY
Air Force and Colorado State compete each year for the Ram-Falcon Trophy. The 2023 season marks the 43rd year of the trophy competition with Air Force holding a 27-15 lead following a 24-12 win in Falcon Stadium last season. The Falcons have won six straight trophy titles.
The trophy's origin is tracked back to Shelly Godkin, a former ROTC commander at Colorado State. He watched the teams play in 1978 and sought to translate his impressions into a trophy symbolic of an annual game. The first Ram-Falcon trophy game was in 1980.
THE KUTER TROPHY
The General Laurence S. Kuter Trophy, named after the first PACAF commander, is a tribute to the friendship between Hawai'i and Air Force and to the cooperation between the people of Hawai'i and their Air Force. The trophy was conceived by the University of Hawai'i, sponsored by the Pacific Air Command, and the Air Force Academy helped design it. The Kuter trophy is presented to the winner of the annual football game between the two schools. The Falcons hold the trophy following a 56-26 victory at Hawaii in 2019 in the last meeting between the schools.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S TROPHY
Air Force won its record 21st Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and first since 2016 in 2022. The Falcons defeated Navy, 13-10, Oct. 1, and Army, 13-7, Nov. 5 in the Commanders' Classic in Arlington, Texas. Air Force improved to a series-best 65-37 overall in CIC games.
The 2023 season marks the 52nd year of Commander-in-Chief's trophy competition. The trophy goes annually to the winning academy with the best record in the round-robin competition. The winning team goes to the White House to receive the trophy from the President of the United States.
Team Record Titles Last
Air Force 65-37-0 21 2022
Navy 52-49-1 16 2019
Army 35-66-1 9 2020
Air Force outright CIC title years:
'82, '83, '85, '87, '89, '90, '91, '92, '94, '95, '97, '98, '99, '00, '01, '02, '10, '11, '14, '16, '22
2022 RECAP
Air Force finished the season 10-3 overall and was second in the Mountain West Mountain Division with a 5-3 mark. The Falcons posted their third straight 10-win season, excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season, which only Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Utah and Oregon have matched. Air Force won a series-record 21st Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and defeated Baylor to win the Armed Forces Bowl. The Baylor victory marks the fourth consecutive bowl win and third straight over a Power 5 program. The Falcons also won a program-record six national statistical titles in 2022. Air Force won its third-straight national rushing title with a 326.7 per-game average, the only team in the nation over 300 yards per game. Air Force is just the second school to win three straight rushing titles and the first since 2008. The Falcons finished the season with the top-ranked total defense for the first time in program history, allowing just 254.4 yards per game. The Falcons are just the second non-Power 5 team in the last 31 years to win the national title in total defense. Air Force won the title for fewest penalty yards per game with just 29.69, time of possession for the second straight season with a 36:33 mark and in yards per completion with a 22.3 average. Senior fullback Brad Roberts won the national title in rushing yards with a school-record 1,728 yards to become the first Falcon to win the national rushing title. Roberts also set school records for carries (345) and 100-yard rushing games (11). Roberts become just the third Falcon to earn Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors and first since 2007 and was a third-team All-American by College Football Network. Senior offensive lineman Isaac Cochran was named to the Walter Camp All-America second team, becoming just the fifth player in program history to earn Walter Camp All-America honors and first since defensive back Carlton McDonald in 1992.
Air Force Ticket Information
FALCONS AMONG ELITE ACADEMICALLY
The Air Force football team has established itself among the nation's elite academically. The Falcons ranked eighth nationally in Academic Progress Rate (APR) in 2022 with a score with a 992, according to the NCAA's latest multiyear NCAA Division I scores. This season marks the 11th straight year in the top 10. Air Force led the nation in 2019 with a 997 and was second in 2018 with a 993.
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship (recruited and on varsity roster for non-scholarship schools). The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team's academic performance.
PLEASE EXCUSE OUR MESS
The Air Force Academy officially broke ground Jan. 24, 2023 on the Falcon Stadium East Club modernization with a ceremony at the construction site.
After nearly six decades of football and lacrosse games, graduations, concerts and various events, the renovations coming to Falcon Stadium will help transform the facility into a first-class venue.
The Falcon Stadium modernization is a fundraising priority within the $270 million Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign publicly launched in September 2021. The Air Force Academy Foundation and the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation have partnered to achieve the fundraising goals for the stadium as part of the athletics component of the campaign.
The investment required for the initial phase of the Falcon Stadium modernization project totals $90 million. Philanthropic support through the Air Force Academy Foundation will provide $35 million as part of the campaign and the remaining $55 million investment will be financed by Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation revenue. The Foundation is working toward raising $15 million to complete the donor-funded portion of the initial phase.
The new East Club will provide Falcon fans an unmatched setting to enjoy Air Force football, lacrosse and special events. The East Club will enhance the existing east concourse and will feature 1,200 premium seats and a state-of-the-art club level experience. The project includes a modern and efficient entrance, a heritage plaza, open-air hospitality decks, enhanced food and beverage options, updated restrooms, new merchandise area and a ticket office.
2023 SCHEDULE FEATURES GAMES IN ALL FIVE TIME ZONES
The Air Force schedule features five games in Falcon Stadium, including Robert Morris, Utah State, San Diego State, Wyoming and UNLV, along with a home game vs. Army at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. The Falcons' road schedule features games in all five time zones.
Zone.......... Opponent
Hawaii........ at Hawaii (11/11)
Pacific........ at San Jose State (9/22)
Mountain... at Colorado State (10/28); Boise State (11/24)
Central....... at San Houston (9/9)
Eastern...... at Navy (10/21)
FALCONS CARRY SEVERAL STREAKS INTO 2023
• Air Force has won 16 straight season openers dating back to 2007, which is the third-longest active streak in the nation. Only Ohio State (22) and Alabama (20) have longer win streaks on opening day. Cincinnati (11) and Marshall (9) follow Air Force.
• Air Force has held five straight opponents under 300 total yards of offense.
• The Falcons have forced 21 straight unsuccessful attempts on third down. Air Force held San Diego State (0-10) and Baylor (0-11) to close out 2022.
• Air Force has held the ball for 35:00 minutes or longer in four straight games.
• Air Force has led the nation in rushing for 25 straight weeks, including all 14 weeks last season.
• The Falcons have won 15 straight games when forcing two or more turnovers in a game.
• Air Force has won four straight bowl games.
AIR FORCE 31-8 LAST THREE SEASONS
• Air Force is 31-8 the last three full seasons, excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Air Force finished 10-3 in 2021 and 2022 and 11-2 in 2019.
• Air Force, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Utah and Oregon are the only teams to win 10-plus games the last three full seasons (2019, 2021, 2022).
• The Falcons are 18-6 in conference play during the same stretch. Air Force was 5-3 and finished second in the Mountain Division last season. Air Force shared the Mountain Division title with a 6-2 mark in 2021 and finished second with a 7-1 mark in 2019.
AIR FORCE TO PLAY ARMY AT EMPOWER FIELD AT MILE HIGH
Empower Field at Mile High will play host to Air Force's home football game against Army on Saturday, Nov. 4, the 75th anniversary of the Air Force.
Since the building opened in 2001, Empower Field at Mile High has hosted 18 Division I college football games. The game on Nov. 4 will mark the first time the stadium has hosted the Air Force-Army rivalry.
"We would like to thank [Director of Athletics] Nathan Pine and the staff at the Air Force Academy for the opportunity to host the Air Force Falcons and Army Black Knights at Empower Field at Mile High," Sr. Director of Events & Booking Jon Applegate said. "Our stadium, along with the Denver Sports Commission, look forward to hosting fans & service members from Colorado Springs and across the country for this celebrated matchup."
"We are looking forward to partnering with the Denver Broncos to host the Air Force vs. Army game this season," Air Force Director of Athletics Nathan Pine said. "Construction on our east side renovation project will not allow us to showcase the service academy rivalry game in Falcon Stadium the way we want to. While the end result at Falcon Stadium will be well worth it, hosting the game at Empower Field in 2023 and working closely with the Broncos staff will create a memorable experience for our players and our fans and will keep the important advantage of playing this game in Colorado."
AIR FORCE AT HOME
• Air Force is 72-24 in Falcon Stadium under head coach Troy Calhoun.
• Air Force was 6-1 last season to match the program record for wins in a season.
• Air Force had a school-record 15-game winning streak from 2014 to Oct. 22, 2016.
• Air Force went 20-4 at home from 2014-17, posting the most wins in a four-year span, breaking the record of 19 set from 1982-85 and 1998-2001 when the program went 19-4.
• Air Force set a record for the best three-year run from 2014-16 with a 17-1 record, breaking the mark of 15-2 from 1983-85.
• The Falcons have finished undefeated at home six times overall in school history, four coming under Calhoun.
Year Rec. Notes
2022 6-1 Matched program record for wins with six, fifth time with six under Calhoun
2021 4-2 Air Force .500 or better for 14th time in 15 seasons under Calhoun
2020 2-1 Loss came to No. 25 Boise State
2019 6-0 Sixth undefeated season in program history, fourth under Calhoun
2018 4-2 Air Force posts four or more wins for ninth time in 12 seasons
2017 3-3 20 wins over four years is best four-year run in school history
2016 5-1 Air Force went 17-1 in home games from 2014-16
2015 6-0 Fifth 6-0 mark in AF history, third under Calhoun
2014 6-0 Fourth 6-0 mark in AF history, second under Calhoun
2013 2-5 Lone losing record in Calhoun era
2012 5-1 Second-best mark in school history
2011 4-3 Air Force goes 14-5 from 2009-11
2010 5-1 Combined with 2009, 10 wins in two seasons is third-best in AF history
2009 5-1 Second-best mark in school history
2008 3-3 Two losses at the hands of nationally ranked teams
2007 6-0 Just the third undefeated home record in school history
Total 72-24
AIR FORCE HEAD COACH TROY CALHOUN
• Troy Calhoun leads all active Mountain West coaches in conference wins with 72. Calhoun is second all-time in conference history in wins, trailing only former New Mexico and San Diego State head coach Rocky Long, who had 91. Calhoun became just the second coach in MW history with 50 conference wins when Air Force defeated UNLV, 41-35, Oct. 19, 2018.
• Calhoun ranks fourth nationally in most wins at one school among active head coaches. The coach is 121-78 in 16 seasons.
• Calhoun is in his 17th season as head coach at Air Force. His tenure is the longest in the Mountain West and fifth longest among active coaches in the nation.
• Calhoun is ninth overall among active head coaches in career wins with 121. He leads all Mountain West and non-Power five head coaches.
ONLY IOWA HAS LONGER STREAK
Air Force has had just two head coaches the last 40 years, as Troy Calhoun enters his 17th season leading the program in 2023. He replaced the legendary Fisher DeBerry, who led the program for 23 years from 1984 to 2006. Iowa is the only other program in the nation with just two coaches during that span. The Hawkeyes have had just two head coaches in the last 46 years. Hayden Fry led the program from 1979 to 1998 before current head coach Kirk Ferentz took over in 1999.
THIESSEN LONGEST TENURED OC
Air Force offensive coordinator Mike Thiessen enters his 17th season at Air Force overall and 13th as offensive coordinator. Thiessen is the longest-tenured offensive coordinator in the nation. As offensive coordinator, Thiessen has led a unit over the last five years that has been in the top four of the nation in rushing each year, averaged 32 points per game, been in the top three nationally in passing yards per completion and among the top 10 in third-down percentage. Air Force won its third straight national rushing title last season with a 326.7 average, while leading the nation in time of possession for the second straight year with a 36:33 norm.
THE RAM-FALCON TROPHY
Air Force and Colorado State compete each year for the Ram-Falcon Trophy. The 2023 season marks the 43rd year of the trophy competition with Air Force holding a 27-15 lead following a 24-12 win in Falcon Stadium last season. The Falcons have won six straight trophy titles.
The trophy's origin is tracked back to Shelly Godkin, a former ROTC commander at Colorado State. He watched the teams play in 1978 and sought to translate his impressions into a trophy symbolic of an annual game. The first Ram-Falcon trophy game was in 1980.
THE KUTER TROPHY
The General Laurence S. Kuter Trophy, named after the first PACAF commander, is a tribute to the friendship between Hawai'i and Air Force and to the cooperation between the people of Hawai'i and their Air Force. The trophy was conceived by the University of Hawai'i, sponsored by the Pacific Air Command, and the Air Force Academy helped design it. The Kuter trophy is presented to the winner of the annual football game between the two schools. The Falcons hold the trophy following a 56-26 victory at Hawaii in 2019 in the last meeting between the schools.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S TROPHY
Air Force won its record 21st Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and first since 2016 in 2022. The Falcons defeated Navy, 13-10, Oct. 1, and Army, 13-7, Nov. 5 in the Commanders' Classic in Arlington, Texas. Air Force improved to a series-best 65-37 overall in CIC games.
The 2023 season marks the 52nd year of Commander-in-Chief's trophy competition. The trophy goes annually to the winning academy with the best record in the round-robin competition. The winning team goes to the White House to receive the trophy from the President of the United States.
Team Record Titles Last
Air Force 65-37-0 21 2022
Navy 52-49-1 16 2019
Army 35-66-1 9 2020
Air Force outright CIC title years:
'82, '83, '85, '87, '89, '90, '91, '92, '94, '95, '97, '98, '99, '00, '01, '02, '10, '11, '14, '16, '22
2022 RECAP
Air Force finished the season 10-3 overall and was second in the Mountain West Mountain Division with a 5-3 mark. The Falcons posted their third straight 10-win season, excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season, which only Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Utah and Oregon have matched. Air Force won a series-record 21st Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and defeated Baylor to win the Armed Forces Bowl. The Baylor victory marks the fourth consecutive bowl win and third straight over a Power 5 program. The Falcons also won a program-record six national statistical titles in 2022. Air Force won its third-straight national rushing title with a 326.7 per-game average, the only team in the nation over 300 yards per game. Air Force is just the second school to win three straight rushing titles and the first since 2008. The Falcons finished the season with the top-ranked total defense for the first time in program history, allowing just 254.4 yards per game. The Falcons are just the second non-Power 5 team in the last 31 years to win the national title in total defense. Air Force won the title for fewest penalty yards per game with just 29.69, time of possession for the second straight season with a 36:33 mark and in yards per completion with a 22.3 average. Senior fullback Brad Roberts won the national title in rushing yards with a school-record 1,728 yards to become the first Falcon to win the national rushing title. Roberts also set school records for carries (345) and 100-yard rushing games (11). Roberts become just the third Falcon to earn Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors and first since 2007 and was a third-team All-American by College Football Network. Senior offensive lineman Isaac Cochran was named to the Walter Camp All-America second team, becoming just the fifth player in program history to earn Walter Camp All-America honors and first since defensive back Carlton McDonald in 1992.
Air Force Ticket Information
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