The Huskies head west for a rare road test against a Falcons squad that ranks second nationally in rushing.
Key points
- UConn leads the all‑time series 1‑0, but the Falcons’ dominant rushing attack could test the Huskies’ strong run defense.
- Air Force’s starting quarterback Evan Medders is sidelined, potentially shifting the rushing burden to senior Josh Johnson or freshman Howard Fisher IV.
- UConn’s offense is balanced, ranking in the top 25 for both rushing and total yards, while its defense ranks 28th nationally in limiting the run.
- The game marks UConn’s longest road trip of the season, traveling over 1,700 miles to Colorado Springs.
UConn will travel to Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs on Saturday at 3 p.m. to take on the Air Force Falcons, with the game streamed on the Mountain West Plus Network and carried on the UConn Radio Network (Fox Sports 97‑9). The matchup pits a 4‑3 Huskies team against a 5‑2 Falcons squad, marking the longest road trip of the season for the Huskies, a straight‑line distance of about 1,718 miles, according to AllDistanceBetween.com.
The two programs have met only once before, a 26‑16 UConn victory at Rentschler Field last season, giving the Huskies a 1‑0 series lead. UConn entered the game on a two‑game winning streak, beating Temple (34‑20) and UMass (35‑16). Air Force, meanwhile, saw a four‑game winning streak snapped with a 28‑14 loss at Wyoming.
Game Essentials
Air Force’s ground game is the centerpiece of its offense, ranking second in the nation with an average of 337.4 rushing yards per game, just behind Army. The Falcons have rushed for 200+ yards in six of their seven contests this season, including three outings of 400+ yards. Starting quarterback Evan Medders, who has contributed 490 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, will miss Saturday’s game with a turf‑toe injury, leaving senior Josh Johnson or freshman Howard Fisher IV to lead the rushing attack.
UConn’s defense has been solid against the run, allowing just 107.6 rushing yards per game (28th nationally) and holding opponents under 100 yards on three occasions this season, most recently limiting UMass to 53 yards. Offensively, the Huskies rank 25th in rushing (203.0 yards per game) and 24th in total offense (447.6 yards per game). Quarterback Kalieb Osborne has thrown for 1,594 yards with a 61.5% completion rate and 12 passing touchdowns, while running back Cyncir Bowers has posted back‑to‑back 100‑yard games, including 131 yards against UMass.
Team Trends
Head coach Jason Candle is seeking his first three‑game winning streak, having never coached a service academy as a head coach. He previously served as an assistant at Toledo, where his teams beat both Navy and Air Force in close contests. The game will be called by Josh Howe and Ryan Kaufman on TV, with Mike Crispino, Wayne Norman and Adam Giardino handling radio duties.
Reader questions
When and where is the UConn vs Air Force game being played?
The game is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
What are the recent performances of both teams?
UConn entered the matchup with a 4‑3 record and wins over Temple and UMass. Air Force came in 5‑2 after a loss to Wyoming that ended a four‑game winning streak.
Which key players are missing or expected to start?
Air Force quarterback Evan Medders is out with a turf‑toe injury; senior Josh Johnson or freshman Howard Fisher IV is expected to start. UConn will rely on quarterback Kalieb Osborne and running back Cyncir Bowers.
Source: ctinsider.com