Second games of a football season rarely have a lot riding on them. but for Air Force and North Dakota State, this is different. They meet at Falcon Stadium at 8pm Saturday on 740 KVOR. It’s a milestone game for the Bison; their first in the Mountain West Conference, and they go up against a program that has been solid for decades, has national credibility, and represents the country and our future leaders. Its a measuring stick for the North Dakota State as they start their journey through the Mountain West. It’s also a chance to show the country the kind of football that has resulted in 10 FCS National Titles in the last 15 years. Bison fans have been looking forward to this game since the schedule came out. For the Falcons they have skin in the game besides the obvious, which is opening up 1-0 in the conference. But they have dropped 8 of their last 9 Mountain West openers. Its not easy to play catch up if you lose the initial conference matchup. For Air Force, its a chance to see, early, how good they are. Compared to a year ago, only 3 sophomores are listed as starters. The rest are junior and seniors. You talk to the players and they believe the growing pains of last year are behind them. They see a wide open race for the conference championship game and an opportunity to put their stamp on this years team. They also understand the pedigree of North Dakota State and all those FCS titles they have won. And should the Falcons win Saturday night it sends a message to the conference.
I really believe this will be a close game, decided by a field goal. North Dakota State’s offensive line is still a work in progress. They have given up 6 sacks in 2 games. I expect DC Steve Russ will try and exploit that. The Bison have a balanced offense that understands it may get less possessions this game, so they need to have some urgency. I think Air Force may wind up throwing it a bit more than anyone expects. I am curious to see if the Bison crowd the line, forcing the Falcons to try and run outside the tackles, because of the power of Owen Allen and Kemper Hodges at Fullback.
All fans are urged to wear Air Force Blue to “Blue Out” Falcon Stadium. Going to be a lot of Green and Yellow in the stadium. Should be a great game. Our coverage begins at 6 and we kick it off at 8 Saturday night on 740 KVOR.
