Air Force Football meets with media ahead of NDSU game
9/8/2026 3:37:00 PM | Football
Air Force football head coach Troy Calhoun, along with senior center Rudy Varela, sophomore defensive back Cade Paterson and sophomore punter Will Duncan talked with the media Tuesday to discuss the North Dakota State game.
Air Force and North Dakota State are playing for the first time. This week is the conference opener for both schools. Air Force is 14-13 in Mountain West openers dating back to 1999. The Falcons are 8-6 at home and 6-7 on the road. Air Force and North Dakota State are the top two scoring defenses in the Mountain West. The Falcons are first (0.0) and NDSU second (3.5). Both teams are coming off shutouts last week.
Air Force defeated Duquesne, 34-0, last week to open the 2026 season. The Falcons had 450 total yards, including 431 rushing. Air Force ran 35 more plays than Duquesne and held a 40:50 to 19:10 advantage in time of possession. The Falcons held Duquesne to eight first downs and 107 yards of total offense. The Dukes punted seven times and had two interceptions in their nine possessions. Air Force was led by Rocco Conti, who had 74 yards rushing. Kempher Hodges added 72 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons had 18 players carry the ball. The defense was led by Blake Fletcher, who had seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Cade Paterson added five tackles while Korey Johnson chipped in with three tackles, a tackle for loss two pass breakups and an interception.
North Dakota State is coached by Tim Polasek, who is in his third season. He has led the program to a 28-3 record, including a 2-0 mark as an FBS program. NDSU is averaging 35.5 points per game while allowing just 3.5, which ranks second in the Mountain West and 20th nationally.
Watch Air Force Athletics on the new MW+, including the football game vs. UConn, Oct. 31. Become a subscriber of MW+ by clicking HERE.
To purchase or renew Air Force football season tickets, please visit www.aftickets.com or call 719-472-1895.
For information on premium seating, including the East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center and the Blue & Silver Club, please click HERE or call the Falcon Athletic Fund at 719-333-4545 to purchase.
Air Force and North Dakota State are playing for the first time. This week is the conference opener for both schools. Air Force is 14-13 in Mountain West openers dating back to 1999. The Falcons are 8-6 at home and 6-7 on the road. Air Force and North Dakota State are the top two scoring defenses in the Mountain West. The Falcons are first (0.0) and NDSU second (3.5). Both teams are coming off shutouts last week.
Air Force defeated Duquesne, 34-0, last week to open the 2026 season. The Falcons had 450 total yards, including 431 rushing. Air Force ran 35 more plays than Duquesne and held a 40:50 to 19:10 advantage in time of possession. The Falcons held Duquesne to eight first downs and 107 yards of total offense. The Dukes punted seven times and had two interceptions in their nine possessions. Air Force was led by Rocco Conti, who had 74 yards rushing. Kempher Hodges added 72 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons had 18 players carry the ball. The defense was led by Blake Fletcher, who had seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Cade Paterson added five tackles while Korey Johnson chipped in with three tackles, a tackle for loss two pass breakups and an interception.
North Dakota State is coached by Tim Polasek, who is in his third season. He has led the program to a 28-3 record, including a 2-0 mark as an FBS program. NDSU is averaging 35.5 points per game while allowing just 3.5, which ranks second in the Mountain West and 20th nationally.
Watch Air Force Athletics on the new MW+, including the football game vs. UConn, Oct. 31. Become a subscriber of MW+ by clicking HERE.
To purchase or renew Air Force football season tickets, please visit www.aftickets.com or call 719-472-1895.
For information on premium seating, including the East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center and the Blue & Silver Club, please click HERE or call the Falcon Athletic Fund at 719-333-4545 to purchase.
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