m footbl archive 112109aaa html
Air Force Vs. BYU
Nov 21, 2009
Team Notes
· Air Force uses game captains. The captains for the BYU game were Nick Charles, Ben Garland, Brandon Geyer and Luke Hyder.
· Air Force blocked its fourth kick of the season when Ben Garland blocked a first-quarter field goal attempt. The block is the second of the season for Garland, who also blocked a field goal at New Mexico. Zach Kauth (FG vs. Wyoming) and Corbin Brown (PAT vs. SDSU) have recorded the other blocks.
· Air Force allowed a season high in points vs. BYU. The previous high was 23 points vs. Utah in a 23-16 overtime loss in Salt Lake City.
· Air Force extended its school-record consecutive games scoring streak to 206 games dating back to 1992. The streak is the fourth longest active streak in the country. The 206-game streak is the 15th longest in NCAA history.
· Air Force committed a season high in turnovers and the BYU games marks just the second time this season the team has had multiple turnovers. The previous high for turnovers was two against Navy.
· Despite the loss to BYU, Air Force is 16-8 in conference play over the last three seasons. The 16 wins is a school record for a three-year period for MWC games and tied as the third-most ever in conference play. The school record of 18 was set from 1985-87 and matched from 1996-98 as a member of the WAC.Individual Notes
· Senior NG Ben Garland recorded his second blocked kick of the season when he blocked a first-quarter field goal attempt. Garland also blocked a field goal at New Mexico earlier this season.
· Sophomore RB Asher Clark moved into 29th place on the Air Force career rushing list in the game. Clark moved past Nakia Addison (1994-96), who had 1,296 yards.
· Sophomore WR Jonathan Warzeka recorded career highs in kickoff returns and yards, including a career-long return of 44 yards. His previous season highs were two returns for 40 yards last week vs. UNLV. Warzeka later added his second rushing touchdown of the season.
· Junior QB Ben Cochran recorded career highs in rushing and passing in the game. He threw the first touchdown pass of his career, a 27-yard completion to Josh Cousins. The completion is also the first of his career. Cochran entered the game 0-1 in career passing. Cochran's previous highs in rushing came at UNLV with one carry for eight yards.
· Senior WR Josh Cousins scored his first touchdown of the season and third career on a 27-yard catch in the second quarter. The catch is his second this season.
· Sophomore WR Jon Escamilla recorded his first-career reception. The catch went for six yards and a first down.
· Sophomore DB Anthony Wright recorded his fourth interception of the season and fifth of his career. Wright's four interceptions this season led the Falcons.
· Junior FB Jared Tew moved into 33rd on the Air Force career rushing list. Ted moved past Bill Berry (1971-73), who had 1,074 yards and Curtis Martin (1968-70), who had 1,091.
· Junior LB Andre Morris, Jr. recorded his third fumble recovery of the season, which leads the team.
· Senior DB Chris Thomas recorded his third interception of the season and sixth of his career. Thomas is the active career leader for Air Force with six interceptions. His three INTs this season tie as the second most on the team.POST GAME QUOTESBYU HEAD COACH BRONCO MENDENHALL
Opening Remarks
"I really thought our team played well today. They played very physically. They were excited to play and they controlled the game from start to finish. I thought our program really did a nice job in preparation and moving forward today."
"I'm not sure if it was tangible to those watching the game (talking about our team) but they supported each other out there. Every score was celebrated. They were passionate to play the game today."
"Their defense is very, very good. They play hard, with tough kids and they're coordinated well. It really comes down from execution to execution and then if we could take advantage of their pressure then we could get through it."
"With Harvey [Unga] healthy through the first half, we knew we'd have to use him and that gave us the balance we were looking for. I really like, as you can see, when Harvey's healthy we're able to run and throw the football. We're very hard to stop on offense. I couldn't be more proud of his ability. It's fun to watch the tandem of Manase [Tonga] and Harvey."
"I think our team feeds off leadership-period. What we're working on, as a team, is making sure it's not just one player in that leadership position. I think we're more effective when we share the leadership position. It's more effective when it's spread throughout the team."
"I think turnovers, when you consider that Air Force has only turned over seven times this year, are turned over by heart. I think the physicality that we played with caused those turnovers."
"No plays were designed specifically for Dennis [Pitta]. It's just how it worked out. It was just how they played against us. Max did a really great job identifying Dennis when he was open and getting him the ball."
"I'm glad I'm our coach and I'm glad Max is our quarterback. What he's accomplished hasn't been easy. I think, and hope, he is appreciated more when he's gone but right now I think he's doing an amazing job."
"I thought we defended the option very well today and managed the points. We got a lot of young players a chance to get in the game but our safeties made some huge plays for us today: Scott Johnson and Andrew Rich. They play with their hearts and I don't think there's a spot on their jerseys that isn't green."AIR FORCE HEAD COACH Troy Calhoun
"BYU played exceptionally well today. They came out as a greased up, physical team and their execution was exceptional. For us to win a game like this we have got to be at top-notch level. I think we can be a program that is capable of winning games like this so we have got to take this game and learn from it." "I think when you are playing at this level especially as a quarterback you have got to be able to secure te ball and protect it. In practice we have got to be a thorough as can be and correct these weaknesses.""We've earned a chance to go to a bowl game and for our seniors who have played here the last three years it would be huge to go out with a win. We have got to work hard in practice and try to finish with a win."
