Game Preview
Last Friday, Air Force hosted their first Mountain West game, and they looked like legitimate title contenders by routing Utah State, 39-21. On Friday night, the team travels to San Jose State for another Mountain West contest. After losing a close game on the road against Toledo in a non-conference matchup, the Spartans will look to get back on track. Is Air Force’s triple option offense a match for the team’s run defense?
Zac Larrier, the Air Force quarterback, has run the ball 39 times for 246 yards and three touchdowns, with two fumbles. As is typical of the Falcons’ triple option offense, he has only thrown the ball 10 times this season. I fully anticipate Air Force trying to keep the ball on the ground again against a weak SJSU rush defense.
Chevan Cordeiro, however, can be unpredictable but has shown flashes of brilliance as a runner and passer recently. Despite the team’s 1-3 record, he is averaging over six yards per carry and has a five touchdown to one interception ratio.
The box score reflects San Jose State’s schedule, which includes games against two PAC-12 opponents and the defending MAC champion. After losing its top two pass rushers in Viliami Fehoko Jr. and Cade Hall, the Spartans are being outgained by about a yard per play this season and are struggling.
The Spartans are currently ranked 103rd in overall success rate and 120th in success rate against the run this season. Air Force, which has played a relatively easy schedule so far this season, will now present a formidable challenge with their triple option.
Larrier, Emmanuel Michel, and Owen Burk have contributed to Air Force’s 21st place success rate by accumulating 39 carriers and eight rushing touchdowns between them.
Cordeiro is a brilliant quarterback for San Jose State, but the Air Force defense has been superb all year, ranking in the top 10 in EPA/Play. This is shaping up to be a terrible time to be rooting for the home team’s underdog opponent, the Spartans, due to their short week and cross-country journey.
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Air Force Falcons vs San Jose State Spartans Game Information
- Date: 09/22/2023
- Time: 10:30 PM ET
- Location: CEFCU Stadium, San José, CA.
- How to Watch Air Force vs San Jose St: ESPN
- Live Stream: fubo.tv
