What Is 1968 Air Force Falcons football team

Overview

The 1968 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy during the 1968 NCAA University Division football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Ben Martin, who was in his 11th year at the helm. The Falcons played their home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a venue known for its high-altitude conditions.

The season reflected a balanced performance, with the team finishing with a 5–5 overall record. While not a dominant year, the Falcons showed resilience, scoring 207 points while allowing 197 points on defense. The team did not participate in a bowl game, marking a transitional phase in the program’s development.

• Head coach Ben Martin led the Falcons in his 11th season, maintaining a steady program amid competitive challenges.
• The team finished with a 5–5 overall record, a slight improvement from their 4–6 record in 1967.
• They played as an independent, meaning they were not affiliated with any athletic conference.
• Falcon Stadium, located at 6,000 feet above sea level, provided a strategic home-field advantage.
• The offense scored 207 total points, averaging about 20.7 points per game across 10 contests.

Season Performance and Key Players

The 1968 campaign featured several notable individual and team performances, despite the even win-loss record. The Falcons’ schedule included matchups against strong programs, offering both challenges and opportunities for growth. Quarterback play and defensive consistency were focal points throughout the season.

• Quarterback Don Zimmerman was a key offensive leader, contributing significantly to passing and rushing efforts.
• The defense allowed 197 total points, averaging 19.7 points per game, showing a tight margin of victory.
• A 31–14 win over Colorado State stood out as one of the season’s most decisive victories.
• The team recorded three home wins and two road victories, indicating balanced performance across venues.
• They lost a close 24–23 decision to Colorado, highlighting narrow margins in key matchups.
• The season concluded with a 21–14 loss to Utah, ending on a disappointing note despite earlier promise.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1968 Falcons to adjacent seasons reveals trends in performance and program development.

The table shows a gradual improvement from 1967 to 1970, with the 1968 season serving as a stabilizing year. Though not bowl-eligible, the Falcons demonstrated offensive improvement over 1967 and laid groundwork for future success, including their 1970 bowl appearance.

Why It Matters

The 1968 season is a snapshot of the Air Force football program during a formative era. While not marked by championships or national rankings, it contributed to the long-term development of the academy’s athletic identity and competitive culture.

• The season helped refine player development systems under Ben Martin’s leadership.
• Competing as an independent allowed flexible scheduling against diverse opponents.
• High-altitude home games at Falcon Stadium began to establish a unique advantage.
• The even record reflected program resilience during a transitional period.
• Player experiences in 1968 contributed to future successes, including the 1970 Bluebonnet Bowl team.
• The season is part of Air Force’s historical continuity, documented in academy archives and NCAA records.

Though overshadowed by more successful campaigns, the 1968 Air Force Falcons remain a testament to perseverance and institutional growth in college football.