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ltcpilot

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  1. Some of my thoughts on AF and where they are going and the CSPRINGS Gazette on the matchup. Will be tough on my Falcons especially in the paint. GO FALCONS Time for our Air Force men to find their identity on the hardwood Air Force men are 0-4 in the MWC and head out on the road first for a late night game at UNLV on Tuesday, then at Fresno State on Saturday. I can't break it down much better than the Gazette has done in this article: (https://gazette.com/sports/how-can-air-force-basketball-0-5-in-mountain-west-get-out-of-the-cellar/article_f639fc74-b964-11ee-8ca1-073f6debc37d.html ..... on the 'whys' and 'what-if's' of Air Force men's basketball and success. BUT if I tried I'd read between all the lines and it comes down to things that have been talked about here, talked about by the coach in pressers and coach's show, by the players in interviews, so here are the things I think that must change or stay in some cases the same but more consistent:... Read my thoughts at: https://ricksfalconreview.blogspot.com
  2. Meadows for 3....I thought he played hockey?
  3. Interesting games on Friday and Saturday to include NM at my Falcons. Safe travels everyone driving up from Albuquerque. Icey roads this morning and 8° here in the Springs. Will be interesting tomorrow which AF team shows up for the game, or the first half or the second half. Youngest team in the MWC with no seniors, no graduates no transfers, who are learning to win. Starting 3 Jr's and 2 So. The sophomore played 4 games last year as did 2 other sophomores off the bench and 2 freshmen. Biggest need for AF (and be worried if it happens) is ANY points off the bench. We've averaged just 4ppg off the whole bench the last 3 games (and most of the MWC season). Even with that we were within 4pts middle of the 2nd half at Nevada, lost at home vs SJSU on a shot at 0.3 secinds remaining in the game and led the whole game at CSU until 8min remaining then back and forth lead changes until our final shot to win rolled off the rim then we lost on OT. We are aching to break that glass ceiling. GO FALCONS- Rick'77
  4. Good game tough loss in OT on the road as AF loses in the road at CSU 78-69. AF had the lead for all the game until 7min remaining. Then back and forth. Tied then OT. Proud of the team but 0 points off the bench (pretty much standard for the season), I think we got tired. Learning and growing. GO FALCONS
  5. Good games today and congrats BSU. The Falcons are a one point favorite over SJSU. Surprisingly. That 1 point is higher than the 0.6° it is right now at AF Academy (-15° wind chill). Will be an interesting matchup. If ya want a good laugh here's some game thoughts from my 'couch potato' blog. GO FALCONS Finishing up the day (first AF women bball 1pm, AF Hockey 4pm) our Air Force men's basketball (7-7/0-2MW) team take on an intriguing San Jose State University (SJSU) team whose record does not tell the complete story. They come into this game at 7-9/0-3MW but led most of the game before losing to Wyoming then, in their last game, had 8 lead changes at home before losing to #19 SDSU 81-78 in the last few seconds of the game (with a chance to tie with less than 20 seconds on the clock). They expended a lot of energy so it will be interesting to see how they come into this game versus our Falcons. They are unique for a non-service academy school in this day and age of transfers. Four of their starters/first off the bench have been with the team for 3 years and they have no seniors as starters (sound familiar Falcon fans?). They are led by a dynamic duo guards Amay 15ppg and Cardenjas 14ppg both juniors. They do have big man sophomore Dionjue 7'0" that starts but is very prone to fouls. It's simple for our Falcons to get a win: Go inside out not relying on the 3-ball but when open shots are there take and make them. Duh...right? I told you I didin't know much. Seriously, Coach Scott is emphasizing that he is very happy with how the team is running the offense but not happy when they get to be too (my words) "One on One, Not team vs One". He is happy the team is playing together but empasizing they need to keep do that. I know the hardest part this season as a fan has been to see our Falcons start slow and play from behind. I hope tomorrow to see us play even or ahead, making shots early and TAKING CARE OF THE BALL. I believe we really need to go inside-out, force SJSU to defend, especially the big guy versus Beau and others and get him into foul trouble. And let the 6th man on the court be a factor: 7200' altitude (and who knows, maybe it will be a little cold for the Cali boys?). Make them work on both ends of the court. Lastly, don't give them free possessions by giving them unforce turnovers. Take care of the ball.
  6. True I nod and acknowledge all you said, but all cadets have a commitment to serve 5-10 years (10 years total if pilot training) after starting day 1 junior year. Kicker is NO transfers in, only out, NIL (pay as any other cadet I give you that) and ZER0 5th year seniors or grad students. 4 years max at AF unless a medical, religious or personal family semester waiver. It is what it is. And that is why when any of the 3 service academies do well its a kudo to them. Note, as shown with AF this year, depth is always a problem due to overall recruiting lack of high star recruits as a whole class. GO FALCONS
  7. USU 2 grad seniors and CSU has 4 grad seniors. And USU all but 3 players are new from last year. Ahhhh. The equity of the transfer portal, 5-7 year players, etc etc etc. Wish we would go back to 5 years 4 to play (I believe that's the generic way to describe what it used to be). Was a good game last night, BSU could be in trouble.
  8. Not true. 12 in the portal. 3 didn't play (1 was hurt and wasn't going to play). All 9 others to include starting QB played.
  9. JMU met the 8-0 AF team with all 5 injured starters back that were out the last 0-4 games end of season losses. Them being back to include FB #4 Michael and QB Larrier showed in our offense. GO FALCONS
  10. Congrats Falcons with the win. JMU came in averaging giving up only 68 rushing yds per game, AF FB Michel had 207 yards, AF 358 yrd total rushing yards in the 31-21 win. GO FALCONS
  11. Video preview of AF vs JMU GO FALCONS https://gazette.com/sports/springs-soundoff-ep-72-armed-forces-bowl-preview/video_695896ef-d630-5020-bbe6-c15f62e7f5a8.html
  12. @PSeanU1 Outstanding as always. Great breakdown @AF_Football vs JMU. GO FALCONS https://mwwire.com/2023/12/22/lockheed-martin-armed-forces-bowl-game-preview-how-to-watch-odds-prediction-2/
  13. Game day news. Looks like AF Zach Larrier QB and Michael FB are back from injury (both out last 3 games). GO FALCONS Three things to watch and by the numbers https://gazette.com/sports/how-to-watch-air-force-vs-no-24-james-madison-in-the-armed-forces-bowl/article_3ef9aee6-a132-11ee-8b87-832814a5a80a.html ( Sent from The Gazette ) Trey Taylor and more AF storylines https://gazette.com/sports/texas-native-trey-taylor-returns-home-to-conclude-his-decorated-air-force-football-career-in/article_9c8ee3aa-a128-11ee-859d-87e1fb3bc756.html ( Sent from The Gazette ) JMU preview https://www.whsv.com/video/2023/12/22/dave-riggert-talks-jmu-football-ahead-armed-forces-bowl/
  14. Just saying....Petraitis has been back for 5 games (limited playing post injury for first 3 games) and the team is learning to play with him. We've lost 5 games with an average of 4.8 pts per loss (worst loss was 8 pts without Petritis). We have 3 players averaging >15.8ppg. IF we can find points off the bench this team may surprise many. GO FALCONS
  15. Creighton paper tigers? Beat by CSU + UNLV MWC. Good win Rebs
  16. From the CSPRINGS Gazette "The MWC is cooking in basketball OOC" Mountain West basketball is cookin'. Thanks in part to a 5-0 record against the Pac-12, the Mountain West has enjoyed a banner nonconference schedule. The Mountain West is 75-28 in nonconference play, the second-best record among the 32 leagues. Some of it is scheduling, but the Mountain West also is one of three leagues (Big East, Big 12) with five or more teams with winning percentages above .800. Four Mountain West teams were in the top 31 of the NET rankings released last week: No. 16 Colorado State, No. 24 New Mexico, No. 29 San Diego State and No. 31 Utah State. The AP Top 25 includes No. 17 Colorado State, while Nevada, New Mexico and San Diego are receiving votes. Ken Pomeroy's analytics rate the Mountain West as the nation's seventh-best conference, immediately ahead of the Atlantic 10, American and Missouri Valley conferences
  17. Yep but doing the best we can with no seniors, no transfers in, 3 transfers out to include last years leading scorer and we are 7-3. Except for Texas Wyoming has played a similar schedule ranked 217 to AF 's 299. It is what it is. GO FALCONS
  18. AF losses 73-68. AF down 18 in the 1st half after ugly start. AF comes back and takes a 1 pt lead with less than 3 to play. EWU retakes 1 pt lead. A key series then was a questionable charge call on a made AF fg followed by double technical on AF HC JS. AF battles but loses. EWU's record doesnt speak to the goid team they are with all 6 losses to P5 teams (4PAC12, 1SEC 1BIG12) GO FALCONS GO FALCONS
  19. Just a nudge to remind everyone that there is a lot of MWC action today with all 11 teams playing GO FALCONS
  20. AF's Trey Taylor not only wins the 2023 Nations Defender of the Year award, he is the NATIONAL JIM THORPE AWARD WINNER for 2023. Trey Taylor of the United States Air Force Academy Falcons has been named the 2023 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Winner. December 08, 2023 Trey Taylor of the United States Air Force Academy Falcons has been named the 2023 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Winner. The award is given to the top defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The announcement was made live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN. Taylor received the 2023 honor on behalf of Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and presenting sponsor Paycom. Taylor is the first-ever Thorpe Award recipient from Air Force and only the second Falcon to win a major college football award, joining Chad Hennings, 1987 Outland Trophy recipient. Taylor led overall ballots as a 47% first place vote favorite with an average rank winning by only .12 to the runner-up in the nationwide voting. A First-Team All-MW selection at safety, Taylor contributed 71 tackles, three interceptions, 4 PBUs and a first-career touchdown and recorded TFLs in four games in his best season yet for the Falcons. Taylor posted an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 82.6 and was credited with allowing just 18 receptions on 31 targets for an average of 10.1 yards per reception. Taylor proved to be a leader for the Falcons by also being honored with this year’s Defender of the Nation Award, given to a college football player from one of the nation’s service academies based on exceptional leadership qualities, performance on and off the field, and a high standard of integrity. Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Paycom will honor Taylor at the 38th Anniversary of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet and recognize the 2nd Annual Aeneas Williams Award Winner in Oklahoma City on Feb. 6, 2024. For more information on the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and past award recipients, please visit oklahomas portshalloffame.org.
  21. Thought ya basketball junkies might enjoy a trip down memory lane with AF's nice 4 year run 2 decades ago that most either don't know about or remember or care about. Enjoy. Every Wonder how Air Force made it to the NIT semi-finals in 2007 (not the NCAAs?) Read more at https://ricksfalconreview.blogspot.com Air Force mens basketball was 23-4/10-3 in the MWC with 3 games to be played in the 2006-2007 and destined to go to the NCAA tournament for the 3rd time in 4 years. But that did not happen as they were not selected but did have a fantastic run to the semi-finals of the NIT. I blame circumstances and HC Bzzzzzdelic (Jeff Bezdelik -He who should not be named) for the meltdown at the end and credit to our players for a great recovery after a severe road block that almost derailed a fantastic season. We were ranked 13th in the nation and had beaten CSU at home then someone stole a lugnut off one of the wheels of the bus. A road game loss by 10 points occurred at UNLV (we were tied for 2nd in the MWC with them) after only making 11-39 3ot shootung (didn't go inside and therefore died by the 3 on a poor shooting night). It happens, but we could have/should have recovered in our next game. But circumstances were set to deny us. We had commercial travel woes on our next trip getting into DFW vs TCU, not arriving on the tarmac until 3:30 AM and a massive upset followed losing 71-66 to the 11-15 Hornfrogs. It got actually got worse for our Falcons with everyone getting sick coming home a combination of flu and food poisoning, devastating the health of the team and resulted in a 4pt loss to BYU in the final conference regular season game. Lastly first game of the MWC tournament a tired AF team lost to Wyoming by 5 points. The culprit here? (Our current 20023-2024 Falcons should take note of this): Air Force shot only 18-32/56% from the Free Throw line. And (again) we lost by only 5! A lesson to be learned. AND we only played 7 deep, more on that story to follow. What happened? I attribute these 4 losses to fatigue related directly to coaching by Coach Bzz who a) played a very very short bench the entire season even though Air Force won 14 games by 20+ points and (ready for this?) 10 of those were by 30+ points) as if Coach Bzz was not worried about the next year b) never recruited over his tenure (a different subject but as if he was not worried about the next years) and c) Note we beat CU by 38 points but he didn't play more than 7 players deep until 7 minutes left in the game and this was his MO for the whole seadon. It was as if he was advertising for a job. Wait....in the post-season behind closed doors he accepted the CColorado HC job and the Falcon players learned after the CU pplayers were told as I recall. All this and the travel/illness woes resulted in extreme fatigue by the time we got to the end of the season. Now there was a silver lining. While we did not get selected for the NCAA tournament, the good thing of the early exit from the MWC tournament was we rested and went on a tear playing and winning 3 games in a 6000+ sold out Clune Arena (Georgia by 30+, Austin Peay, De Paul) and then playing in Madison Square Garden losing in the semi-final NIT game by 1 to Clemson. Note this finished a 4 year run playing almost 100% with head coach Joe Scott's recruits. He took them to the NCAA spring of 2004. In that game sophomore Welch and freshmen Burtschi and Nwaele played. Coach Scott left for his alma mater Princeton and Mooney coached for 1 year and AF had an NIT invite in 2005 declined still post 9/11 security issues (bad decision), and HC Bezdelik in 2006 NCAA then the semi's NIT 2007. But wait...Welch, Burtschi and Nwaele plus their classmate Matt McCraw (know him? He's now an assistant at AF. All Coach Scott recruits) played 4 years later in that 2007 game. Moral to the story is that a team at USAFA that can stay together and play together can accomplish great things. No one left in those two recruiting classes. It was a magical year. GO FALCONS - Rick
  22. Air Force Men take on their most important 1-6 opponent in Eastern Washington Read more at https://ricksfalconreview.blogspot.com How can you not read this title and say "What?" Well, it is true. This game will tell us a lot about a young Air Force men's basketball team that at 7-2 is growing each game. After the Falcons lost their first game at home to Portland State and first on the road (3rd game) to Delaware, they have improved on both ends of the court to win six in a row. Next up is Eastern Washington a team with youth and transfers that comes into Clune Arena with a 1-6 record. So what is there to be hyped about? Eastern Washington was an exceptional story last year finishing 23-10/16-2, went to the NIT tournament and played into (and losing) the second round. This fall, similar to last year, they find them starting the year with a losing record 7 games into the season at 1-6. Last year they began the season at 2-5 versus a slightly above average OOC schedule then began to roll and to win. So again how does this pertain to Air Force. The reason this can be a bell-mark game for the Falcons is Eastern Washington's schedule which is heads-and-tails harder than last year's schedule. All of their 6 loses have come from P5 schools with a combined record of 36-10 to include Ole Miss 8-0 Cincinatti 7-0 Utah 6-2, Washington State 6-1, USC 5-3, Stanford 4-4 . Wow, that reminds me of our schedule during our 2006-2007 season where we played AND BEAT good teams across the country to include Stanford, Colorado, Texas Tech, Wake Forest, George Washington, Georgia, DePaul and losing in the NIT semi-finals by 1 to Clemson. While the Eastern Washington Eagles did lose all 6 of those good matchups they played close at 9pts at Old Miss, a 12pt loss at Cincinatti and a 10pt loss at WSU. Their players have matched up against size and physically quick players so the quickness of our Falcons will not be a surprise to them. In no game did they truly establish a rythm so it will be intertesting to see how they play against a MWC team. Their lone win was versus NAIA Walla-Walla. This will be a game for the Falcons to set the pace, playing good defense while taking care of the ball and actually play against two true good big men at the 5-spot (2 x 6'11") who have competed against some very good bigs as mentioned above. This is a game where the Falcons need to play their game and not play down or even eye-to-eye with a team we assume can be beaten. Play like it is a one-and-done tournament game, we must win to advance. This is the way to improve and to hopefully get minutes for the bench. Only two more games after this with large time gaps between them before we open MWC action versus Utah State on January 2nd. Lastly, use this game to figure out how to make FT's in a game time situation! GO FALCONS - Rick P '77
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