Is Air Force Football Ranked?
The Air Force Falcons football team is a part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). As a member of the Mountain West Conference, the team competes against other top-notch programs in the country. But, is Air Force football ranked?
Direct Answer:
Yes, Air Force football is ranked. In fact, the team has a rich history of achieving rankings throughout its existence. According to the NCAA, Air Force has been ranked in the top 25 at some point during the season in 14 of the last 15 years. The team’s highest ranking in the AP Poll was #15 in 2019.
Why is Air Force Football Ranked?
So, what makes Air Force football stand out from the rest? Here are some reasons why the team is consistently ranked:
• Defensive prowess: The Air Force defense has been one of the most dominant units in the country, ranking top 10 in the nation in total defense in six of the last seven seasons. The team’s ability to stop opposing offenses has been a major factor in its success.
• Strong rushing attack: Air Force’s rushing attack is one of the most feared in the country. The team has ranked top 10 in the nation in rushing yards per game in three of the last five seasons. This ability to control the clock and dictate the pace of the game is a key factor in its success.
• Balanced offense: Air Force’s offense is balanced and diverse, with the ability to attack opponents through the air and on the ground. This makes it difficult for opposing defenses to prepare and adjust.
Recent Rankings and Accolades
Here are some recent rankings and accolades for Air Force football:
| Season | AP Poll Ranking | Coaches Poll Ranking | Bowl Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | #15 | #14 | 1 (Frisco Bowl) |
| 2018 | #24 | #23 | 1 (Cheez-It Bowl) |
| 2017 | #20 | #19 | 1 (New Mexico Bowl) |
| 2016 | #23 | #22 | 1 (Armed Forces Bowl) |
| 2015 | #18 | #17 | 1 (Las Vegas Bowl) |
Challenges and Obstacles
While Air Force football has enjoyed success in recent years, there are several challenges and obstacles that the team faces:
• Scheduling: The Mountain West Conference is a powerful and competitive conference, with several teams capable of competing at a high level. This makes it difficult for Air Force to schedule and prepare for games.
• Budget constraints: Air Force is a military academy with limited budget resources, which can make it difficult to compete with other top programs in terms of facilities, equipment, and coaching staff.
• Academic demands: Air Force football players are also students, and the academic demands of the military academy can be challenging and time-consuming. This can impact the team’s ability to prepare and compete at a high level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Air Force football is ranked and has a rich history of success. The team’s strong defensive performance, balanced offense, and ability to control the clock have been key factors in its success. While there are challenges and obstacles that the team faces, Air Force football is a program to be reckoned with in the NCAA.
