Falcons earn first conference win with 36-28 win over Fresno State

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Air Force picked up its first win in Mountain West play, downing Fresno State, 36-28, on Saturday evening, Nov. 9, at Falcon Stadium.

Quarterback Quentin Hayes earned his third career start, with 25 rushing attempts (career high) for 95 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore completed two passes on six attempts and one passing score to total a career-best three touchdowns. Junior fullback Dylan Carson led Air Force rushing with a season-high 120 yards on a career-high 33 carries and a touchdown; Junior receiver Cade Harris caught the Falcons' one passing touchdown of the evening for three yards.

Senior kicker Matthew Dapore went three-for-three on field goal attempts, scoring on kicks of 35, 37 and 36 yards, respectively. Dapore's 12 points on Saturday night elevated his career total to 257, surpassing former Falcon kicker Luke Strebel (2014-17) to become Air Force's all-time leading scorer.

The Bulldogs (5-5, 3-3 MW) struck first on Saturday night, with senior running back Elijah Gilliam hitting the Falcon end zone on a first-and-goal rush to leave Air Force down 7-0 four minutes into the contest.

The Falcons (2-7, 1-4 MW) responded with a 19-play, 75-yard scoring drive that took 10:50 off the clock. Carson had the scoring carry, earning his first touchdown this season and third for his career. The drive is the longest this season for plays and TOP.

After forcing a Fresno State three-and-out on the ensuing drive, the Falcons claimed a lead after driving back into the Bulldog red zone. On third-and-goal, Hayes found Harris on an out-route for his third career receiving touchdown (first this year) and fifth score of the season.

The Bulldogs evened the score at the 3:47 mark in the second, as Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene found senior receiver Mac Delena for a 75-yard touchdown, resulting in a 14-14 tally late in the second quarter.

After the Falcons failed to convert on a fourth-and-two on their own 34, the Bulldogs took advantage. Keene hit Jalen Moss for 19-yard score with 1:37 left in the half for a 21-14 lead. Air Force drove quickly down the field and Dapore it a 35-yard field goal as time expired to cut the FSU lead to 21-17 at the half.

On Fresno State's first possession of the second half, Keene's pass up the middle on a second-and eight, intended for receiver Jordan Brown, was deflected by sophomore Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner in coverage. The deflection was picked off by sophomore linebacker Blake Fletcher (his first of the season), returning possession to the Falcons on the Bulldog 42.

Air Force took advantage of the turnover to score on an 11-play, 42-yard drive to reclaim a 26-21 lead with 2:34 remaining in the third quarter. Hayes rushed right, diving for the end zone to earn his second score of the night. The Falcons' two-point attempt to go up by seven – a pass to Hayes - was no good.

The Falcons earned a first two-possession lead since their home opener, as Hayes punched in his third touchdown with 8:51 remaining. Dapore's record-tying extra point gave Air Force a 33-21 lead.

On Fresno's second drive of the fourth quarter, Air Force seniors David Santiago and James Tomasi both landed sacks on Keene, combining for 17 yards for loss and a turnover on downs. The resulting possession ended in Dapore's record-breaking field goal from 36 yards out with four minutes to go.

The Bulldogs, looking to keep their winning chances alive, went nine plays for 75 yards in just over a minute of play to find the end zone for a fourth time in the game. Fresno State went for the onside kick attempt with 36 seconds remaining in regulation, but Air Force recovered to secure the win.

Air Force outpaced Fresno State in total plays (86-38), net yards (358-284) first downs (24-14). Air Force set season highs for rushes (80), rushing yards (344), plays (86), first downs (24, third-down conversions (10), fourth-down conversions (5) and time of possession (45:08).

The Falcons improve to 8-3 in the series against Fresno State, 7-3 in the series as Mountain West opponents and 4-1 in contests at Falcon Stadium. The win marks Air Force's fourth-straight victory over the Bulldogs and third consecutive at home.

Up Next:
Air Force returns to Falcon Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16, hosting Oregon State at 1:30 p.m.

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