What Is 2013 Air Force Falcons football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Air Force Falcons football team represented the U.S. Air Force Academy in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with an 8–5 record under head coach Troy Calhoun and winning the 2013 Armed Forces Bowl 47–20 over the Rice Owls.

Key Facts

The 2013 Air Force Falcons finished the season with an 8–5 overall record
They competed in the Mountain West Conference's West Division
Head coach Troy Calhoun led the team in his seventh season
The Falcons won the 2013 Armed Forces Bowl with a 47–20 victory over Rice
Quarterback Kale Pick started 10 games and threw for 1,487 yards

Overview

The 2013 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Mountain West Conference in the West Division, the team was led by head coach Troy Calhoun in his seventh year at the helm. The Falcons played their home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a venue known for its high altitude and passionate cadet fan base.

Under Calhoun’s leadership, the 2013 season marked a return to postseason play after missing a bowl game in 2012. The team finished the regular season with a 7–5 record, securing a spot in the Armed Forces Bowl. Their performance highlighted the Academy’s long-standing tradition of competitive service academy football and strong rushing offense.

Record: The Falcons finished the 2013 season with an 8–5 overall record, including a 5–3 mark in conference play.
Bowl Game: Air Force defeated the Rice Owls 47–20 in the 2013 Armed Forces Bowl on December 28, 2013, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Head Coach: Troy Calhoun led the team in his seventh season, maintaining a disciplined, option-based offensive system.
Home Field: Falcon Stadium, located at 6,000 feet elevation, provided a challenging environment for visiting teams.
Division: The team competed in the Mountain West Conference's West Division alongside rivals such as Boise State and Fresno State.

How It Works

The Air Force Falcons football program operates under the unique constraints and advantages of a military service academy, blending athletic competition with cadet development. The team’s offensive strategy emphasizes the triple-option run game, a hallmark of service academy football.

Triple-Option Offense: This run-heavy system relies on misdirection and timing, with the quarterback deciding whether to hand off, keep, or pitch the ball based on defensive alignment.
Player Eligibility: All players are cadets at the Air Force Academy and must meet strict academic and physical standards to remain eligible.
Recruiting: Recruits must receive a congressional nomination and pass a rigorous physical fitness and character evaluation before enrollment.
Time Commitment: Cadet-athletes balance a demanding military schedule with football, including early morning training and military duties.
Service Obligation: Graduates are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Air Force and must serve at least five years on active duty.
Bowl Eligibility: To qualify for a bowl game, a team must win at least six regular-season games, a threshold Air Force met in 2013.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Air Force Falcons with other service academy teams and conference rivals:

Team	Record (2013)	Head Coach	Bowl Result	Key Statistic
Air Force Falcons	8–5	Troy Calhoun	W, 47–20 vs. Rice (Armed Forces Bowl)	303.1 rushing yards per game
Army Black Knights	3–9	Ellis Johnson (interim)	No bowl	184.7 rushing yards per game
Navy Midshipmen	8–5	Kenny Niumatalolo	L, 20–13 vs. Missouri (Liberty Bowl)	325.4 rushing yards per game
Boise State	24–10	Chris Petersen	W, 28–7 vs. Washington (Poinsettia Bowl)	43.1 points per game
Fresno State	11–2	Tim DeRuyter	W, 62–52 vs. Utah State (Mountain West Championship)	47.7 points per game

The 2013 season demonstrated Air Force’s competitive standing within the Mountain West and among service academies. While not matching the offensive firepower of Fresno State, the Falcons excelled in rushing efficiency and discipline, finishing the year ranked 12th nationally in rushing offense. Their bowl victory over Rice underscored the effectiveness of their triple-option attack and physical preparation.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Air Force Falcons season was significant for restoring postseason credibility and showcasing the resilience of the Academy’s football program. Success on the field also enhances recruitment for both the team and the Air Force as a whole.

National Recognition: A bowl win elevated Air Force’s national profile and demonstrated competitiveness against non-service academies.
Cadet Development: Participation teaches leadership, time management, and resilience under pressure—core values of military training.
Recruiting Tool: Football success helps attract high-caliber applicants interested in leadership and service.
Rivalry Impact: Strong seasons bolster the intensity of the annual Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy race with Army and Navy.
Tradition: The Falcons have a long history of bowl appearances, with 29 all-time as of 2023, reinforcing institutional pride.
Community Engagement: Games at Falcon Stadium unite cadets, alumni, and military families, strengthening institutional bonds.

The 2013 campaign exemplified how athletic success at service academies extends beyond wins and losses, contributing to character development and national service.