Air Force pulls away from Utah State in 39-21 win

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force asserted its will over visiting Utah State on Friday, as a spirited first-half led the Falcons to a 39-21 win over the Aggies, Friday, Sept. 15, at Falcon Stadium.

Emmanuel Michel managed 106 yards on 28 carries to go with three rushing touchdowns, while Owen Burk was efficient with his touches, accruing a career-high 110 yards on 15 carries.

In spite of just seven carries, John Lee Eldridge found the end zone in the second quarter, as the senior tailback finished the night with 58 yards.

Quarterback Zac Larrier totaled 84 yards through air while also tallying 56 yards on 10 carries. Larrier scampered into the endzone on the Falcons' second drive, a three-yard rushing score.

All five of Air Force's touchdowns came via the ground attack.

Linebacker Alec Mock was the enforcer for the Falcons on the defensive end of the field, as the senior was responsible for 11 tackles (career-high eight solo), 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Mock injected early momentum into the home crowd, as his first quarter sack-fumble paved the way for a quick three-play, 11-yard touchdown drive.

Jonathan Youngblood's first-career interception in the second quarter kept the Aggies off the scoreboard, and eventually led to the Falcons fourth touchdown in four drives. Youngblood's evening also included three solo tackles.

Named to both the Bednarik and Thorpe Award Watch List's, Trey Taylor did a little bit of everything on Friday. The senior defensive back recorded six tackles (four solo) with two tackles for loss to go with half of a sack.

The night began with the Air Force defense forcing a Utah State three-and-out, as the offense wasted little time to capitalize. The Falcons reeled off a 12-play, 63-yard opening drive score, capped by a Michel one-yard rushing touchdown. Consecutive offside penalties by the Aggies allowed head coach Troy Calhoun to opt for the two-point conversion, with Michel punching in the try from one-yard out.

The Falcons led 8-0 just minutes into the opening quarter.

The Aggies were again halted on their side of the field, as Mock's sack and forced fumble was recovered by Bo Richter, giving Air Force possession of the football at the Aggies 11-yard line. Three plays later, Larrier hit paydirt with a three-yard touchdown run, as the Falcons suddenly created a 15-0 lead.

Utah State was again forced to punt after just four plays with Air Force again up to the task offensively. Larrier connected on a 49-yard pass to Jared Roznos to set up an Air Force first down at the Utah State 13 yard-line. Michel would eventually rumble into the end zone for the second time in the opening quarter, as his two-yard rushing touchdown built a 22-0 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Aggies appeared on the verge of a scoring drive, but Youngblood's interception granted the Falcons possession of the ball at their own 28 yard-line. Air Force didn't waste the turnover, churning out a five-play, 72-yard drive as Eldridge burst into the endzone following a 13-yard touchdown run.

The visiting Aggies scored their first touchdown of the night with just under two minutes remaining in the first half, but a Matthew Dapore 49-yard field goal as the half expired saw the Falcons head into the locker room with a 32-7 lead.

Utah State opened the second half with an onside kick, only to be recovered by Air Force. The Falcons final scoring drive covered 46 yards over 10 plays, as Michel's third rushing score of the night guided the home team to a 39-7 lead.

Facing a sizeable deficit, Utah State managed touchdowns on two of their three second-half drives, but the Falcons leaned on their expertise. With 8:43 remaining in the game, the Falcons used a 13-play, 59-yard drive to run out the remainder of the clock.

The win marks Air Force's first home victory over Utah State since 2019.

Next, the Falcons will remain in Mountain West action, traveling to San Jose State to take on the Spartans on Friday, September 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 pm MT.

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