2019 Air Force Falcons football team

The 2019 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy in the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Falcons were led by thirteenth-year head coach Troy Calhoun and played their home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They competed as members of the Mountain West Conference in the Mountain Division. They finished the season 11–2, 7–1 in Mountain West play to finish in second place in the Mountain Division. Following the season they were invited to the Cheez-It Bowl where they defeated Washington State by a score of 31–21. The 2019 Falcons' 11 wins were the most in a single season under head coach Troy Calhoun, their third 10+ win season during his tenure, their eighth in program history, and the most wins achieved in a single season since the 1998 team who finished ranked #13 in the AP Poll and #10 in the Coaches' Poll with a record of 12–1.

2019 Air Force Falcons football
Cheez-It Bowl champion
ConferenceMountain West Conference
DivisionMountain Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 23
APNo. 22
Record11–2 (7–1 MW)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorMike Thiessen (9th season)
Offensive schemeTriple option
Defensive coordinatorJohn Rudzinski (2nd season)
Base defenseMultiple
CaptainJeremy Fejedelem
Mosese Fifita
Donald Hammond III
Scott Hattok
Jordan Jackson
Kyle Johnson
Home stadiumFalcon Stadium
Uniform
Seasons
← 2018
2020 →
2019 Mountain West Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
Mountain Division
No. 23 Boise State xy$ 80  122 
No. 22 Air Force 71  112 
Utah State 62  76 
Wyoming 44  85 
Colorado State 35  48 
New Mexico 08  210 
West Division
Hawaii xy 53  105 
San Diego State x 53  103 
Nevada 44  76 
San Jose State 26  57 
UNLV 26  48 
Fresno State 26  48 
Championship: Boise State 31, Hawaii 10
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

Preseason

Award watch lists

Listed in the order that they were released

AwardPlayerPositionYear
Wuerffel Trophy[1]Isaiah SandersQBSR
Polynesian College Football Player of the Year[2]Mosese FifitaDLSR

Mountain West media days

The Mountain West media days were held from July 23−24, 2019 at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, NV.

Media poll

The preseason poll was released at the Mountain West media days on July 23, 2019. The Falcons were predicted to finish in third place in the MW Mountain Division.[3]

Mountain
Predicted finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1Boise State120 (15)
2Utah State108 (6)
3Air Force73
4Wyoming66
5Colorado State52
6New Mexico22
West
Predicted finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1Fresno State122 (17)
2San Diego State106 (3)
3Nevada74
4Hawaii67 (1)
5UNLV51
6San Jose State21

Preseason All−Mountain West Team

The Falcons had two players selected to the preseason All−Mountain West Team, both from the defensive side of the ball.[4]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 311:30 p.m.Colgate*ESPN3W 48–733,101
September 1411:00 a.m.at Colorado*P12NW 30–23 OT49,282
September 207:00 p.m.at No. 20 Boise StateESPN2L 19–3036,498
September 276:00 p.m.San Jose State
  • Falcon Stadium
  • Colorado Springs, CO
CBSSNW 41–2424,786
October 51:30 p.m.at Navy*CBSSNL 25–3437,957
October 125:00 p.m.Fresno State
  • Falcon Stadium
  • Colorado Springs, CO
CBSSNW 43–2422,544
October 199:00 p.m.at HawaiiCBSSNW 56–2623,757
October 268:15 p.m.Utah State
  • Falcon Stadium
  • Colorado Springs, CO
ESPN2W 31–719,248
November 21:30 p.m.Army*
  • Falcon Stadium
  • Colorado Springs, CO (Commander-in-Chief's Trophy)
CBSSNW 17–1341,401
November 165:00 p.m.at Colorado StateESPN2W 38–21 24,914
November 23[a]12:00 p.m.at New MexicoESPN3W 44–22 13,844
November 3012:00 p.m.Wyoming
  • Falcon Stadium
  • Colorado Springs, CO
Stadium on FacebookW 20–6 21,425
December 278:15 p.m.vs. Washington State*ESPNW 31–21 34,105

Source:[5][6]

Personnel

Coaching staff

NamePositionFirst year positionFirst year Air ForceAlma Mater
Troy CalhounHead coach200720071Air Force (1989)
Offensive staff
Mike ThiessenOffensive coordinator / quarterbacks2014 / 20152004Air Force (2001)
Jake CampbellOffensive backs201220122Air Force (1996)
Ari ConfesorWide weceivers20192019Holy Cross (2004)
Jordan EasonAsst. offensive line20182016Air Force (2013)
Steed LobotzkeOffensive line201620153Air Force (1992)
Ben MillerRunning backs / special teams coordinator2012 / 201020074Air Force (2002)
Jonathan WallaceTight ends20192019Auburn (2015)
Defensive staff
John RudzinskiDefensive coordinator / secondary2018 / 201520105Air Force (2005)
Terrance JamisonDefensive line20192019Wisconsin (2009)
Brian KnorrOutside linebackers201920186Air Force (1986)
Alex MeansAsst. defensive line201820177Air Force (2013)
Capt. Andre MorrisDefensive asst.201920178Air Force (2011)
Ron VanderlindenInside linebackers20142014Albion (1978)
Chip VaughnSecondary20182018Wake Forest (2009)
Strength and conditioning staff
Matt McGettiganHead football strength & conditioning20072007Luther (Iowa) (1987)
Support staff
Steve SennDirector of recruiting201720079Air Force (1990)
Col. Meg MartinNCAA faculty representative
Maj. Leotis PalmerAdministrative assistant
Kyra SheaOffice manager
Chris MillerVideo operations
Mitch BrowningRecruiting support
Jess SouzaAssociate A.D., events
Dan SiermineAssociate A.D., equipment
Darren HainEquipment manager
Casey GreenStadium manager
Jeff CoskyFootball operations
Jerry McGintyHuman performance
Ernie SadelmyerAthletic training
Erik KozlowskiAthletic training
Mark PetersAthletic training
Derek FittsAthletic training
Jessica AchatzAthletic training
Jack BraleyAthletic training
  1. Troy Calhoun also served as a graduate assistant in 1989 and assistant coach for the varsity and junior varsity teams from 1993 to 1994 at Air Force.
  2. Jake Campbell also served as a graduate assistant at the Air Force Prep School in 1996.
  3. Steed Lobotzke also served as a graduate assistant at Air Force in 1993.
  4. Ben Miller also served as a graduate assistant at Air Force from 2002 to 2003.
  5. John Rudzinski also served as a graduate assistant at Air Force from 2005 to 2007.
  6. Brian Knorr also served as an assistant coach for the varsity and junior varsity teams from 1992 to 1994 and as a linebackers/safeties/assistant head coach from 2005 to 2007 at Air Force.
  7. Alex Means also served as a graduate assistant at Air Force in 2014.
  8. Capt. Andre Morris also served as a graduate assistant at Air Force in 2011.
  9. Steve Senn also served as a graduate assistant at Air Force in 1991.
Source:[7]

Roster

The Air Force football roster prior to 2019 fall camp (as of July 17, 2019):[8]

(please note that the Air Force football team rarely lists freshman players on their official roster)
2019 Air Force Falcons roster

Quarterback

  •   4 Isaiah Sanders, Senior (6'2, 210)
  •   5 Donald Hammond III, Junior (6'2, 220)
  • 12 Warren Bryan, Sophomore (6'1, 205)
  • 16 Mike Schmidt, Senior (6'3, 205)

Running back

  • 19 Nolan Eriksen, Senior (5'9, 195)
  • 22 Joshua Stoner, Junior (5'8, 195)
  • 23 Jakeem Patrick, Sophomore (6'0, 230)
  • 24 Kadin Remsberg, Junior (5'9, 185)
  • 25 Christian Mallard, Senior (5'9, 215)
  • 27 Ben Peterson, Junior (5'8, 175)

Fullback

  • 32 Matthew Murla, Junior (6'0, 225)
  • 33 Taven Birdow, Senior (6'1, 220)
  • 34 Timothy Jackson, Sophomore (6'3, 190)
  • 43 Colton Parton, Senior (5'11, 225)
  • 44 Omar Fattah, Sophomore (5'11, 225)

Wide receiver

  •   7 Geraud Sanders, Senior (6'2, 210)
  •   9 David Cormier, Sophomore (6'3, 225)
  • 10 Brandon Lewis, Sophomore (5'9, 165)
  • 13 Luke Bohenek, Junior (6'3, 205)
  • 14 Logan Mann, Sophomore (6'0, 175)
  • 29 Amari Terry, Sophomore (5'7, 180)
  • 80 Daniel Morris, Junior (6'2, 200)
  • 83 Jake Spiewak, Sophomore (6'4, 200)

Tight end

  • 81 Lesley Dalger, Senior (6'4, 235)
  • 82 Rhett Harms, Junior (6'3, 225)
  • 85 Luke Miller, Junior (6'4, 225)
  • 87 Kade Waguespack, Senior (6'2, 225)
 

Offensive Lineman

  • 53 Joe Moore, Sophomore (6'1, 240)
  • 56 Britton Beasley, Junior (6'1, 300)
  • 57 Elijah Woolum, Senior (6'4, 275)
  • 61 Scott Hattok, Senior (6'5, 280)
  • 62 Hawk Wimmer, Sophomore (6'4, 320)
  • 63 Clark Daniel, Junior (6'3, 290)
  • 64 Kyle Krepsz, Junior (6'1, 280)
  • 64 Jacob Miller, Sophomore (6'3, 265)
  • 66 Nolan Laufenberg, Junior (6'3, 295)
  • 67 Kris Campbell, Sophomore (6'1, 300)
  • 68 Christopher Mitchell, Senior (6'2, 265)
  • 69 Wolfgang Rehbock, Senior (6'3, 285)
  • 70 Nicholas Noyen, Junior (6'0, 265)
  • 71 Benjamin Mercer, Sophomore (6'0, 270)
  • 72 Connor Vikupitz, Senior (6'3, 275)
  • 73 Isaac Cochran, Sophomore (6'5, 300)
  • 74 Rhett Myers, Senior (6'4, 255)
  • 75 Colin Marquez, Senior (6'3, 280)
  • 76 Adam Jewell, Junior (6'2, 255)
  • 77 Parker Ferguson, Junior (6'5, 280)

Defensive Lineman

  • 49 Christopher Herrera, Sophomore (6'5, 255)
  • 86 Michael Purcell, Junior (6'4, 235)
  • 91 Jared Bair, Senior (6'3, 260)
  • 92 Nokoa Pauole, Sophomore (6'2, 275)
  • 94 Jordan Jackson, Junior (6'5, 270)
  • 95 Kolby Barker, Junior (6'4, 240)
  • 96 Joey Woodring, Junior (5'11, 275)
  • 97 Kaleb Nunez, Junior (6'1, 270)
  • 98 Kyler Ehm, Senior (6'3, 285)
  • 99 Mosese Fifita, Senior (6'1, 330)

Specialist

  • 15 Charlie Scott, Senior (6'1, 195)
  • 92 Jake Koehnke, Senior (6'0, 180)
  • 93 Tevye Schuettpelz−Rohl, Sophomore (5'10, 185)
 

Linebacker

  •   8 Lakota Wills, Junior (6'3, 235)
  • 26 Vince Sanford, Sophomore (6'1, 200)
  • 30 Grant Donaldson, Junior (6'3, 225)
  • 32 Grant Young, Sophomore (6'0, 225)
  • 35 Christopher Musselman, Senior (6'2, 220)
  • 37 Thadius Blackmon, Sophomore (6'1, 230)
  • 38 Demonte Meeks, Junior (6'1, 235)
  • 40 Kyle Johnson, Senior (6'0, 220)
  • 41 Price Morgan, Senior (6'3, 220)
  • 44 Parker Noren, Junior (6'2, 210)
  • 45 Brandon Gooding, Sophomore (6'5, 220)
  • 47 Nathan King, Senior (6'1, 220)
  • 48 Jake Ksiazek, Senior (6'2, 230)

Defensive back

  •   2 Jeremy Fejedelem, Senior (5'10, 185)
  •   3 Milton Bugg III, Junior (6'0, 175)
  •   4 James Jones IV, Senior (6'2, 195)
  •   6 Zane Lewis, Senior (6'1, 190)
  •   9 Valentino Espinoza, Junior (6'0, 195)
  • 11 Damani Hansford, Junior (5'9, 180)
  • 12 DeAndre Hughes, Sophomore (5'8, 162)
  • 14 Grant Theil, Senior (6'1, 195)
  • 17 Colby Raphiel, Junior (6'0, 200)
  • 20 Benjamin Waters, Senior (6'1, 205)
  • 22 Garrett Kauppila, Senior (6'3, 215)
  • 23 Rodney Hidgon, Sophomore (5'10, 170)
  • 28 David Eure, Sophomore (5'11, 191)
  • 29 Elijah Palm, Junior (5'9, 195)
  • 31 Elisha Palm, Junior (5'8, 185)
  • 39 Matthew Anderson, Junior (6'2, 195)

Long snapper

  • 46 Conner Kirkegaard, Junior (6'0, 205)

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
APRVRVRV252422
CoachesRVRVRVRVRVRV252423
CFPNot releasedNot released

Game summaries

Colgate

Colgate Raiders at Air Force Falcons
Period1234Total
Raiders00707
Falcons72813048

at Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO

Game information

At Colorado

Air Force Falcons at Colorado Buffaloes
Period1234OTTotal
Falcons61403730
Buffaloes100013023

at Folsom Field, Boulder, CO

Game information

At Boise State

Air Force Falcons at No. 20 Boise State Broncos
Period1234Total
Falcons0103619
No. 20 Broncos01071330

at Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID

Game information

San Jose State

San Jose State Spartans at Air Force Falcons
Period1234Total
Spartans7301424
Falcons71413741

at Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO

Game information

At Navy

48th Battle for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy: Air Force Falcons at Navy Midshipmen
Period1234Total
Falcons3331625
Midshipmen01471334

at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD

Game information

Fresno State

Fresno State Bulldogs at Air Force Falcons
Period1234Total
Bulldogs14100024
Falcons71571443

at Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO

Game information

At Hawaii

Air Force Falcons at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Period1234Total
Falcons72172156
Rainbow Warriors3170626

at Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI

Game information

Utah State

Utah State Aggies at Air Force Falcons
Period1234Total
Aggies00707
Falcons0177731

at Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO

Game information

Army

48th Battle for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy: Army Black Knights at Air Force Falcons
Period1234Total
Black Knights067013
Falcons037717

at Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO

Game information

At Colorado State

Battle for the Ram–Falcon Trophy: Air Force Falcons at Colorado State Rams
Period1234Total
Falcons01002838
Rams1400721

at Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, CO

Game information

At New Mexico

Air Force Falcons at New Mexico Lobos
Period1234Total
Falcons77161444
Lobos736622

at Dreamstyle Stadium, Albuquerque, NM

Game information

Wyoming

Wyoming Cowboys at Air Force Falcons
Period1234Total
Cowboys00066
Falcons0731020

at Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO

Game information

Vs. Washington State – Cheez-It Bowl

Cheez-It Bowl: Air Force Falcons vs. Washington State Cougars
Period1234Total
Falcons0177731
Cougars0140721

at Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ

Game information

Source for Match-up Records:[61]

Notes

References