What Is 2018 Air Force Falcons football team

Overview

The 2018 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference, the team was led by head coach Troy Calhoun in his 12th year at the helm.

Despite a strong rushing attack, the Falcons struggled with consistency and finished the season with a losing record. Their 5-7 overall performance marked the first time since 2015 that the team failed to reach a bowl game.

• Final record: The team ended the season with a 5-7 overall record and a 3-5 mark in conference play.
• Head coach: Troy Calhoun remained head coach, continuing his tenure that began in 2007 with a 91-70 career record by 2018.
• Home stadium: The Falcons played their home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which seats 46,000 fans.
• Offensive strength: Air Force averaged 296.7 rushing yards per game, ranking them among the top teams nationally in ground attack.
• Defensive challenges: The team allowed 29.5 points per game, a significant increase from previous seasons, contributing to their losing record.

Season Performance

The 2018 season was marked by offensive flashes and defensive lapses, resulting in a below-average campaign by Air Force standards. Key games and midseason momentum shifts defined the team’s trajectory.

• September start: The Falcons opened with a 52-35 win over Northwestern, showcasing their potent rushing attack with over 400 yards on the ground.
• October struggles: A 31-21 loss to Boise State highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, as the Falcons allowed 17 unanswered points in the second half.
• November decline: Air Force lost four of their final five games, including a 45-10 defeat to Colorado State, their worst loss in years.
• Quarterback play: Senior quarterback Kale Popovich threw for 781 yards and 4 touchdowns but also committed 9 interceptions, hurting consistency.
• Running game:Brad Roberts led the team with 851 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, maintaining Air Force’s triple-option tradition.
• Special teams: Kicker Donald De La Haye made 10 of 14 field goals, including a long of 46 yards, providing reliable scoring.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2018 Air Force Falcons compared to recent seasons in key statistical categories:

The 2018 season represented a decline compared to the successful 2014–2016 campaigns. While the rushing attack remained strong, increased points allowed and inconsistent quarterback play hindered progress. The team’s failure to reach a bowl game broke a three-year streak and signaled a transitional year.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was a turning point for the Air Force football program, highlighting both enduring strengths and emerging weaknesses. Understanding this season helps contextualize future team performance and coaching decisions.

• Program consistency: Air Force has historically relied on disciplined play and a strong rushing game, both of which were evident despite the losing record.
• Coaching evaluation: The 2018 season prompted scrutiny of Calhoun’s offensive schemes, especially in pass defense and red-zone efficiency.
• Recruiting impact: A losing season and no bowl game may have affected recruiting momentum heading into 2019.
• Player development: The season gave younger players experience, setting the stage for future leadership roles in 2019 and beyond.
• Conference competitiveness: The Mountain West became more competitive, with teams like Boise State and Fresno State raising the bar.
• Tradition vs. modernization: The Falcons’ reliance on the triple-option offense faced increasing challenges against faster, more adaptive defenses.

Ultimately, the 2018 Air Force Falcons season serves as a case study in the challenges of maintaining success in college football’s evolving landscape. While tradition remains strong, adaptation is essential for future competitiveness.