Air Force vs. Merrimack: How the Falcons can beat the Warriors
Will Troy Calhoun and the Falcons Stay Perfect Against FCS Competition
Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire
Can Air Force keep on rolling despite replacing most of last years starters?
WEEK 1: Air Force Falcons 0-0 vs. Merrimack College Warriors 0-0
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31, 1:30 p.m. MT
WHERE: Falcon Stadium (Colorado Springs, CO)
TV: CBS Sports Network; Chris Lewis- play by play, Robert Turbin- Analyst and Amanda Guerra- reporter
GAME NOTES (PDF): Air Force
Game 1: Air Force (0-0, 0-0 MW) vs. Merrimack (0-0, 0-0 MAAC)https://t.co/yXv6B1WeAK
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) August 26, 2024
The wait is finally over, Air Force football has arrived! The last time we saw the Falcons in action, they were pummeling James Madison in the Armed Forces Bowl. This of course was the win to stop a four-game losing skid to end the regular season, which ironically was preceded by a blazing 8-0 start to the year. A lot of ups and downs along the ride to a 9-win campaign.
The reset button has been pressed, and we will be seeing a very different team in 2024. The hope is to have similar results to what Troy Calhoun has been able to manifest consistently in Colorado Springs over the years, but with a lot of new starters.
Historically, the season opener for Air Force has often been an FCS opponent, and with very consistent results. A win. The Falcons are 27-0 all-time against the FCS, while Troy Calhoun has led the team to victory in 17 of those wins. Standing in the way of a 1-0 start to the 2024 season are the Merrimack College Warriors from the FCS level MAAC.
The Warriors were 5-6 last season, finishing sixth in their conference with a 4-3 record. Last years team was led by running back Tyvon Edmonds Jr. who rushed for more than 1,200 yards and collected 10 touchdowns. Well Edmonds Jr. has since transferred to Robert Morris University, who Air Force opened the season against last year.
Trying to fill the void for all those rushing yards this year will predominantly be Donovan Wadley, who is on the Walter Payton Award Watch List. Wadley ran for just over 200 yards last year, averaging over 6 yards per carry on the way to three touchdowns. The belief is that he will be able to deliver at a very high level with the increased opportunities. He is the first player from Merrimack to ever be named to the Award’s pre-season list.
They also return their starting quarterback from last year, Malakai Anthony, who presents as a dual threat. Expect Merrimack to lean on their ground.
Donovan Wadley first Merrimack player named to Walter Payton watchlist https://t.co/2LgTMafsMG
— The Mack Report (@TheMackReports) July 30, 2024
PREDICTION
At risk of marginalizing their opponent Saturday, the focus for Air Force will be a lot more about chemistry, execution and exiting the game healthy. There are a lot of new players in critical positions that will be getting acclimated as starters against the Warriors. This is the time work the kinks out, before speeding right into Conference play against San Jose State in week two.
Expect John Busha, Dylan Carson and the newly crested offensive line to get to work early and often before relenting to some depth players as the game wears on. The same should be said for the defense with a lot of new guys in the starting line-up, supported by some absolute studs like Payton Zdroik, Camby Goff and Jamari Bellamy.
Colorado Springs is a long way from North Andover, Massachusetts. Thankfully the weather is outstanding this time of year in Colorado, because that should be more enjoyable for Merrimack than the game, unfortunately. It will be good to find their rhythm against an FCS opponent before the competition really stiffens for the balance of the Air Force 2024 calender.
Air Force 38 – Merrimack 9
