Spotlight player

Connor Dietz

Quarterback

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 195

Class: Sr.

No: 11

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

High School: Hilliard Davidson

2011 stats: Completed 9-of-15 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, rushed for 252 yards.

 

Notable: Dietz, who was granted a ninth semester at the academy as part of the cadet turnback program, is finally getting his shot to be the Falcons’ No. 1 quarterback, after sitting behind Tim Jefferson for four years. He has three career starts, all of which were made in 2009.

 

Why to watch him: Dietz is a much different player than Jefferson. He is a more explosive runner, and everyone will be watching to see how well he throws the ball. He is known as a fiery leader, getting the team’s respect even when he was a backup.

 

Coach’s quote: “Just down after down, I’m seeing a little more consistency. A good chunk of that is having a little more age, and getting more first-team reps.” – Troy Calhoun

 

 

Three things to watch

 

 

1. Who’s the tailback?

 

Air Force’s tailback position has become a key part of the offense, and this season it’s unclear how the carries will be divided. Cody Getz, Wes Cobb and Jon Lee are listed as the co-starters at tailback.

 

2. Defensive aggression

The Falcons have been excited about the new defense under first-year coordinator Charlton Warren. The players have all been buzzing about how the attitude has changed to be more aggressive and make plays.

 

3. Don’t be fooled

 

Idaho State will pass on almost every play, and Air Force has to be assignment sound. The Bengals try to confuse the opposing defense with a number of screen passes, and then take advantage of the defense deep if it starts cheating up.

 

Key matchup

 

Idaho State WR Rodrick Rumble vs. Air Force CBs Chris Miller and Steffon Batts

 

Rumble will be the Falcons’ biggest challenge. The senior is 6-foot-2, 201 pounds and extremely productive, with 112 receptions, 1,348 yards and nine touchdowns last year. Miller and Batts were the standouts of Air Force training camp.

 

Quote to note: “I’ve always thought every year is a new year, and this year is a really, really, really brand new year. For a bunch of our guys, this is their first chance really to play a significant amount of college football.” – coach Troy Calhoun.

 

Note to quote: Idaho State has had eight individuals play or coach in the NFL, including Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen and Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis.

 

 

By the numbers

 

1: The teams have met once, and Idaho State won 13-7. That meeting came in 1956, Air Force’s first year as a varsity program, and was played in Pueblo.

 

30-8: Air Force’s record in season openers at home.

 

0: Air Force’s turnover margin last season. The Falcons were plus-50 the previous four years.

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