CNN/SI - 1999 College Football Conference Previews - CNN/SI's Air Force team preview

Life After Morgan

Air Force ('98: 12-1)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 04:33 PM

The Plot

With all due respect to West Virginia, Morgantown has been Air Force territory for the last five seasons. But no more. Neither Blane Morgan nor Beau Morgan will run the offense in '99, and it will be up to an unproven new No. 1 to lead Air Force in its first Mountain West campaign.

The Director

Fisher DeBerry -- 16th year, 120-64-1

Starring

LB Craig Thorstenson -- All WAC first-teamer last season made 96 tackles and six INTs in '98.
QB Cale Bonds -- Broke his hand in the spring and hasn't nailed down the No. 1 job yet, but a tantalizing start in Blane Morgan's absence against Navy last season -- 194 yards passing, 167 yards rushing, four touchdowns (two each on the ground and in the air) is keeping his name at the top of the list.

Co-starring

WR Matt Farmer -- Despite the obvious passing limitations of the wishbone, Farmer made 35 receptions last season for 650 yards. He may be more involved in '99.
OT Mike Roberts -- One of the best offensive linemen in the conference will line up beside four returning starters.

And introducing

RB Qualario Brown -- Ran for 521 yards last season as a backup, but will be counted on as the No. 1 running back in '99.

Why it will work

The Falcons defense -- which returns three of four starting linebackers, but only two more starters overall on defense -- is used to keeping scores low (13.3 points allowed per game was tied for sixth-best in the nation last season). And, depending on who emerges at QB, it's not unreasonable to think that the offense can generate enough points to run with Brigham Young and San Diego State.

Why it won't

The conference is most likely a three-team race and Air Force will have to travel to both SDSU and BYU for what may spell the end of the Falcons' bowl hopes.

Our critics' review

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