Behind Enemy Lines: Air Force Head Coach Troy Calhoun Discusses Playing Baylor
After two games under their belts for everyone to evaluate, it’s still difficult to judge what Baylor’s full potential can be this season. The two common observations that everyone seems to agree on are that the defense is significantly better than last season and that the offense has been pretty underwhelming.
Despite being named QB1, Dequan Finn’s (6Sr.) performances to start the season have been highly disappointing based on his expectations. The turnovers can’t continue to happen, and his accuracy needs to get a lot better. The first question asked to Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun in his weekly press conference was if he had faced a quarterback in the past that reminded him of Finn.
“The first that come to mind are the two we played last season from UNLV (Jayden Maiava) and Boise State (Taylen Green), but Finn has a little more quickness that probably earned him some more money on the open market,” Calhoun said. “His ability to throw and to hurt you as a runner makes him a challenge.”
The elements can always be a fun shake-up when playing opponents from different parts of the country. Baylor (1-1) had to adapt last week to the altitude in Salt Lake City, while Air Force (1-1) will have to be ready for the Texas humidity and heat they don’t have in Colorado.
“I think the one advantage we have conditioning-wise is that we play at such a high altitude,” Calhoun said. “We have to be conscious of our electorates and fluid intake, but to be candid, a lot of our guys have been in that high heat and humidity.”
Air Force's struggles on offense so far have Calhoun concerned about what Saturday might look like for the Falcons. Baylor’s physicality on defense could and should be the X-factor, which the Air Force head coach touched on.
“Who we’re facing this week (Baylor), it’s a different world,” Calhoun stated. “Their size, movement, this is physically a very impressive group. They also have the speed on offense to create some separation.”
Saturday night should be a lot of fun with all of the festivities going on at McLane Stadium. The Bears will honor the 1974 Southwest Conference Championship team, along with it being the annual Salute to Service contest which will feature a pre-game flyover by a pair of F-16’s each piloted by alumni from each school.
The Bears and Falcons will kickoff at 6:30 p.m. and the game will be nationally televised on FS1. Following the game, be sure to join myself and David Smoak for our postgame show on the SicEm365 YouTube channel.