What Is 1970 Air Force Falcons football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1970 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season, finishing with a 6–4–1 record under head coach Ben Martin.

Key Facts

The 1970 Air Force Falcons compiled a 6–4–1 overall record
Head coach Ben Martin led the team in his 13th season
They played in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and went 4–2 in conference play
The team outscored opponents 230–180 for the season
They did not participate in a bowl game in 1970

Overview

The 1970 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy in the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Competing as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the Falcons were led by head coach Ben Martin, who was in his 13th year at the helm. The team played its home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a venue known for its high-altitude advantage.

The 1970 season marked a moderate recovery for the program after a losing record the previous year. With a balanced mix of experienced upperclassmen and emerging talent, the Falcons showed improvement in both offensive production and defensive consistency. While they did not qualify for a postseason bowl game, their performance kept them competitive in the WAC standings.

Record: The team finished the season with a 6–4–1 overall record, showing marked improvement from their 5–6 mark in 1969.
Conference play: In WAC competition, the Falcons went 4–2, placing them in the upper half of the conference standings.
Scoring: Air Force scored a total of 230 points during the season, averaging about 20.9 points per game.
Defense: They allowed 180 points, averaging 16.4 points per game against, indicating a solid defensive effort.
Head coach: Ben Martin, in his 13th season, continued to shape the program with an emphasis on disciplined, run-oriented football.

Season Performance

The 1970 campaign featured a mix of close contests and decisive victories, highlighting the team’s resilience. Key wins against conference opponents helped bolster their standing, while ties and narrow losses kept them out of national rankings.

Season opener: The Falcons defeated Colorado State 28–14, setting a strong tone with a dominant rushing performance.
Key win: A 24–10 victory over Brigham Young University showcased improved offensive execution and defensive discipline.
Tie game: A 17–17 deadlock with Utah demonstrated both scoring ability and missed opportunities in crucial moments.
Defensive highlight: Against Wyoming, Air Force held the Cowboys to just 10 points in a 17–10 win, one of their best defensive outings.
Losses: A 24–14 defeat to Houston and a 31–10 loss to New Mexico revealed vulnerabilities against stronger offenses.
Final game: The season concluded with a 24–24 tie against Navy, a result that underscored their inconsistency in closing out tight games.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1970 Air Force Falcons with the previous and following seasons to illustrate performance trends:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points For	Points Against
1969	5–6	3–4	178	189
1970	6–4–1	4–2	230	180
1971	4–7	3–4	187	229
1968	6–4	4–3	210	188
1972	5–5–1	4–2–1	215	204

The table illustrates that 1970 was a high point between two weaker seasons. The Falcons improved in scoring and conference performance compared to 1969, but struggled again in 1971. Their 4–2 conference record in 1970 was one of the best under Martin during that era, reflecting a peak in mid-season form before late-season inconsistency.

Why It Matters

The 1970 season remains a notable chapter in Air Force football history due to its role in maintaining program stability during a transitional period. While not a national contender, the team’s performance reflected the academy’s commitment to competitive athletics.

Program continuity: The season helped sustain momentum under long-tenured coach Ben Martin during a period of modest success.
Player development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience that contributed to future team depth.
Recruiting impact: Competitive seasons like 1970 helped attract recruits interested in service academy football.
Service academy rivalry: Games against Army and Navy remained central to the team’s identity, even in non-bowl years.
Historical context: The 1970 team played during the Vietnam War era, adding significance to military service and athletic representation.
Legacy: Though not a championship season, it contributed to the Falcons’ reputation for discipline and resilience.

Overall, the 1970 Air Force Falcons football team exemplified the challenges and achievements typical of service academy programs—balancing academic demands with athletic competition while representing national service ideals on the field.