What Offense Does Air Force Run?
The United States Air Force (USAF) football team, also known as the Falcons, competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Mountain West Conference. The team’s offense is a crucial aspect of their game, and it has undergone significant changes over the years. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Air Force offense, its current scheme, and its key components.
A Brief History of the Air Force Offense
The Air Force football team was established in 1955, and its early years were marked by a traditional running-based offense. The team’s first head coach, Ben Martin, implemented a T-Formation offense, which emphasized a strong running game and play-action passes. This approach proved successful, and the Falcons won their first conference championship in 1958.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Air Force offense evolved to incorporate more passing plays. The team’s coaches, including legendary head coach Ken Wright, introduced pro-style and West Coast offenses, which emphasized precision passing and short, quick throws. This shift in strategy helped the Falcons win several conference championships and bowl games.
Current Offense: The "Fast Break" Offense
In recent years, the Air Force offense has undergone significant changes under the guidance of head coach Troy Calhoun. Calhoun, a former Air Force quarterback, introduced the "Fast Break" offense in 2007. This scheme is designed to take advantage of the team’s speed and agility, as well as its ability to execute complex plays.
The "Fast Break" offense is a hybrid system that combines elements of the spread offense, the pro-style offense, and the triple-option offense. It features a multiple-set formation, which allows the team to adjust its personnel and play-calling to suit different situations.
Key Components of the Air Force Offense
The Air Force offense is built around several key components, including:
- Triple-Option: The triple-option is a fundamental part of the Air Force offense. It involves three possible plays: a quarterback draw, a pitch to the running back, and a pass to the wide receiver. This play-action scheme creates confusion among defenders and allows the team to exploit their weaknesses.
- Zone-Blocking: The Air Force uses a zone-blocking scheme to create holes for its running backs. This approach involves assigning specific blocks to each lineman, allowing them to create seams and lanes for the ballcarrier.
- Play-Action Passing: The team’s play-action passing game is designed to take advantage of defenders who commit to stopping the run. The quarterback will fake a handoff to the running back, then pull the ball back and throw a pass to the wide receiver.
- Screen Passes: The Air Force offense features a variety of screen passes, which are designed to get the ball to the wide receiver quickly and allow them to make a play in space.
- Quick Slants: The team’s quick slants are designed to take advantage of defenders who are hesitant to commit to stopping the run. These short, quick passes allow the wide receiver to get the ball and make a play in space.
Statistical Analysis
Here are some key statistics that highlight the effectiveness of the Air Force offense:
| Statistic | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 31.4 | 30.5 | 28.1 |
| Yards Per Game | 394.4 | 376.9 | 344.1 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 244.9 | 231.1 | 214.4 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 149.5 | 145.8 | 129.7 |
| First Downs Per Game | 23.4 | 22.5 | 21.1 |
Conclusion
The Air Force offense is a complex and dynamic system that has evolved over the years to take advantage of the team’s strengths and exploit its opponents’ weaknesses. The "Fast Break" offense is a hybrid system that combines elements of the spread offense, the pro-style offense, and the triple-option offense. Its key components, including the triple-option, zone-blocking, play-action passing, screen passes, and quick slants, have helped the team achieve success on the field.
As the Air Force continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football, its offense will remain a crucial aspect of its game. With its emphasis on speed, agility, and precision passing, the Air Force offense is well-equipped to compete with the best teams in the country.
