Air Force Will Be Without Starting QB Zac Larrier vs. Navy
The signal-caller may be out for “a while”
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New QB means a potential loss?
The Air Force Falcons are undefeated, ranked in the top 25 polls, and on track to a special season that could include its first-ever Mountain West title and New Year’s Six bowl appearance.
The Falcons take on rival Navy this weekend but head coach Troy Calhoun confirmed that starting quarterback Zac Larrier is going to miss the game.
Calhoun said that his quarterback will “likely be out for a while” after injuring a knee in last week’s 34-27 victory against Wyoming, and doesn’t “know how long that’s going to be.”
So, it will be more than just the Midshipmen game but losing Larrier might be a big deal. He is a speedster who is not only a really quarterback but is a track star by being the Mountain West champion in the 200 meters.
Jensen Jones came in relief during the Wyoming game when Larrier got hurt. That performance by the senior didn’t go well as he fumbled on the first two attempts he had the ball. Those turnovers nearly cost the Falcons the game against Wyoming as the Cowboys stored a touchdown on the first one, but then missed a 52-yard attempt.
After the game, Calhoun downplayed the situation with Jensen coming in during a high-stress situation.
“I don’t think any of us are perfect in what we do,” Calhoun said of Jones’ fumbles. “I make all kinds of mistakes. He’ll get better. I think more than anything else, no matter what somebody does, [it’s about] hanging in there with them. They’ve shown the capability and aptitude and there’s plenty there, [so] let’s keep plugging away.”
Larrier has been a key cog for the Air Force offense by rushing for 473 yards and four touchdowns. Those rushing numbers are good to be fourth in the conference and just 24 yards behind teammate Emmanuel Michel.
Larrier also is doing well at throwing the ball by averaging 16.7 yards per attempt, and per catch it comes out to be 23.4 yards. That part of the offense is what makes the Falcons offense even more potent.
While quarterback play isn’t necessarily throwing the ball for this offense, but controlling the ball and knowing when to pitch it or keep it and especially not fumbling the ball.
Jensen will have a week of practice and start the game against Navy and not coming in cold off the bench. With that prep time and knowing he is the guy should allow for a smoother start this weekend.
