This week’s matchup between the Air Force Falcons (6-3) and the Utah State Aggies (5-4) will give the Falcons a chance to lengthen their three-game winning streak. Winners of four of its last five, Air Force will look to continue its recent success this week. The game kicks off Saturday, Nov 14 at 2:00 p.m. ET and will be shown on ESP3.
In last week’s game, Air Force defeated Army West Point 20-3. Garrett Griffin had a solid outing in the win, registering three receptions for 32 yards and two TDs. Garrett Brown added 90 receiving yards on three catches. Utah State didn’t have the same success as Air Force, suffering a narrow defeat against New Mexico 14-13. Kent Myers had a solid game through the air for the Aggies, connecting on 13 of 24 pass attempts for 213 yards and one TD.
Utah State is a slender one-point favorite as they take on the Falcons. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently 53 points.
The Falcons enter the game with a record of 6-3 Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS) this season. In their five most recent matchups, the Falcons went 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS. Over its last five games, the Air Force rushing attack has averaged 343.6 yards per game. Transitioning to the Air Force defense, there are some things to keep in mind when it is on the field. The Falcons have the eighth-best pass defense in the nation and give up 170.7 yards per game through the air. Don’t anticipate many blunders or oversights from Air Force. The Falcons are one of the least penalized teams in Division I (seventh), averaging only 4.2 penalties per game.
As for their opponent, the Aggies have a record of 5-4 for both ATS and SU. In the previous five games, Utah State has a record of 3-2 both SU and ATS. Utah State has made opposing defenses pay lately, averaging 38 points per game over the last five games. This improved stretch brought its season average to 29.9 PPG. Switching gears to the Utah State defense, it has some favorable matchups that it may be able to take advantage of as well. Utah State’s pass defense ranks ninth in the nation. This terrifying bunch gives up just 172.7 yards per game through the air. The Falcons will need to secure the ball against the turnover-minded Aggies. The defense ranks 17th in the country in turnovers with two per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Air Force, ATS Winner – Air Force, O/U – Over
Notes
Air Force is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games.
Air Force is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
Utah State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road.
Utah State is 4-0 SU when leading at the half this season. Air Force is 6-0 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
Utah State is only 2-3) SU in games where it wins the turnover battle, yet 3-1 SU when losing the turnover battle.
The Utah State defense has forced an average of 2.1 turnovers per game this season. Air Force is 0-4 SU when turning the ball over at least 2.0 times in a game.
According to overall FBS team rankings, Air Force is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its second-ranked rushing attack will face the 38th-ranked run defense of Utah State, while its 21st-ranked run defense will look to contain the 68th-ranked rushing game of the Aggies.
