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Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
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John52168 Offline
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Post: #1
Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
Was just wondering if someone forgot we had a game in 5 days?

I hope I'm wrong but I see Air Force winning this game by more than two scores. Especially if they can stop Franklin and prevent our short screens and slant passes. The triple option is hard to stop but Navy showed Saturday it could be done.

WMU does not do well in nationally televised games and have never won a bowl game.

Air Force 31
Western Michigan 17
12-16-2014 08:00 AM
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ColinApocalypse Offline
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Post: #2
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
I'm going a little more optimistic with my prediction. WMU wins the battle in the trenches and allows Jarvion Franklin to control the clock. WMU maintains a healthy run/pass balance and keeps the Air Force D on their toes. We have too many weapons on offense for them to keep us off the scoreboard. Only problem is if we can stop the triple option or not. If it comes down to a shootout, I like our chances.


WMU 35
Air Force 27
(This post was last modified: 12-16-2014 12:27 PM by ColinApocalypse.)
12-16-2014 12:26 PM
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Hoekjeness Offline
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RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
NIU game was the first time this team has let me down all season. I've already outlined all of the reasons why I feel that happened, so moving on...

I don't see that happening again after a MUCH NEEDED couple weeks of rest. Hopefully Jarvion can get back to 100% but I still don't know the extent of his injury (wish I did).

This game is EVERYTHING to Fleck. He will watch film and prepare his rear end off so our players are ready on Dec. 20.

I think we'll give up some scores, eventually settle in and adjust to their ground attack, and we come from behind and take it in a shootout.

Final score:
WMU 41
Air Force 38
12-16-2014 01:06 PM
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flushtheherd Offline
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Post: #4
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
Watching that NIU meltdown really has me a bit spooked with regard to this game... Sure we got some bad bounces in that game, and un-characteristically lost the turnover margin by a mile... but we just didn't look in sync.. and I worry that there will be some hold over from that game that may impact the outcome of our bowl game...

I hope Fleck has these guys on point... and Jarvion is finally 100%... There is no season after this game... so I hope we come out and play like it.. If the defense can play disciplined against the run and have success in a man coverage against their occasional pass ... I think we have a shot. I want to see our defense on the field first... Games like this after such a long lay-off usually plays to the defense at first... offenses tend to take some time to get rolling...

The AF defense is no slouch either... I think we might be a touch surprised at their ability to stop our running game... I hope I am wrong... but if we go one-dimensional two things will happen... either Cory Davis and Braverman have uber-career days... or we get smashed in the face and Terrell takes un-necessary risks resulting in bad interceptions...

My optimistically pessimistic view:

WMU-17
AF - 35

Game is close for most of the first half... AF pulls away in the second as our defense is worn down by the AF running game...
12-16-2014 01:21 PM
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John52168 Offline
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RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
Quote:Watching that NIU meltdown really has me a bit spooked with regard to this game... Sure we got some bad bounces in that game, and un-characteristically lost the turnover margin by a mile... but we just didn't look in sync.. and I worry that there will be some hold over from that game that may impact the outcome of our bowl game... 

That's exactly how I feel.
12-16-2014 01:36 PM
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toddjnsn Offline
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Post: #6
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
Quote:Watching that NIU meltdown really has me a bit spooked with regard to this game... Sure we got some bad bounces in that game, and un-characteristically lost the turnover margin by a mile... but we just didn't look in sync.. and I worry that there will be some hold over from that game that may impact the outcome of our bowl game...

It was bad. I know NIU's D is pretty good lately -- and they can step up when needed due to their history carrying over and all. But it was in our house and we dictated what'd happen 1st half -- but we did NOT at all take full advantage of it. And after the 1st drive of the 2nd half (gawd we blew that TD) -- those turnovers were too much and kept them in it when they shouldn't have been...

... but what really got me was us shifting gears into "BGSU mode". Still ticks me how we handled the BGSU game -- playing way too conservatively. Now, it worked against BGSU because their offense couldn't gyrate -- that's great. But NIU woke up the 2nd half. Franklin's not going to wear down the D of NIU when they're not going 3-and-out and we are, more or less. Too conservative ball. You do that to hold onto a 14-pt lead in the 4th, not for most of the 2nd half with NIU waking up.

Anyway, I'm sure they realize not to apply that concept if/when we're in that situation against a good team .... PLUS, not to turn the ball over so much! If we don't turn the ball over, and they do (say, twice) -- we'll be OK. Not necessarily win, but we'll be OK.

Air Force can lose to any "blah" mid-major, but also beat the best. They're like the hot girl in the neighborhood who's weird & aloof -- she very well may brush off the hottest guy, but also the next day hook up with Average Joe. Hard to read. Tricky.
(This post was last modified: 12-16-2014 02:19 PM by toddjnsn.)
12-16-2014 02:18 PM
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The Colonel Offline
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Post: #7
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
This would be a heck of a win for our first bowl victory - and a terrific springboard into next season if we can somehow pull it out. Our two best wins are probably at BG and at CMU. Air Force's two best victories are over Boise State and Colorado State. Advantage, Air Force. They're a really good team - you could make a pretty strong argument they're better than anyone we've faced this season. I think we'll have to play our best game of the season to get the victory. I'll be surprised if the game isn't close, though, and I do think we'll have a shot.

Air Force 30
WMU 24

I hope I'm wrong - looking forward to finding out on Saturday...
12-16-2014 04:36 PM
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ColinApocalypse Offline
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Post: #8
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
FWIW: Air Force fans on their forums are predicting a total blowout. They are under the assumption that our Broncos don't even belong on the same field as their Falcons, as if they're the '85 Bears or something. They think it's an insult to AFA to be playing in such a mediocre game against a mediocre opponent. Perhaps they are overlooking their loss against 4-8 Wyoming, 18-point loss to 9-4 Utah State and 16-point loss to 7-5 San Diego State? Oh, and betting services are showing the game as a pick 'em.

I hope Fleck is using this as motivation for the team!
12-16-2014 05:20 PM
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John52168 Offline
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RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
(12-16-2014 05:20 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  FWIW: Air Force fans on their forums are predicting a total blowout. They are under the assumption that our Broncos don't even belong on the same field as their Falcons, as if they're the '85 Bears or something. They think it's an insult to AFA to be playing in such a mediocre game against a mediocre opponent. Perhaps they are overlooking their loss against 4-8 Wyoming, 18-point loss to 9-4 Utah State and 16-point loss to 7-5 San Diego State? Oh, and betting services are showing the game as a pick 'em.

I hope Fleck is using this as motivation for the team!

Okay, my ears perked up. Twice we went into Iowa City and the team, fans and media overlooked us. Both times we won. Well, I think I like our chances better now than I did this morning.
(This post was last modified: 12-16-2014 06:00 PM by John52168.)
12-16-2014 05:59 PM
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ColinApocalypse Offline
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Post: #10
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
Interesting statistic I found on ESPN's website:

"Air Force's running game will likely be the key to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Air Force runs the ball on 77.7 percent of its plays, the fifth-highest percentage in the FBS. It is 9-0 when rushing for at least 198 yards and 0-3 when rushing for 145 or less. Meanwhile, Western Michigan is 8-0 when allowing 145 rushing yards or fewer and 0-4 when allowing 196 yards or more."


It really IS all about the running game in this one...


Also found in the ESPN preview article for this matchup:

"Air Force was second-worst in the MWC at 256.0 passing yards allowed per game and will surely have to step things up in the secondary against Terrell, who has a lethal pair of receivers in sophomores Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman. Davis led the MAC with 12 TDs and was second with 1,232 yards while Braverman was second in the conference with 79 receptions and sixth in yardage (912)."


Our receivers could have a field day on Saturday.
(This post was last modified: 12-16-2014 08:04 PM by ColinApocalypse.)
12-16-2014 08:03 PM
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Kimbosucks Offline
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Post: #11
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
AFA 148
WMU 6

I really didn't like reading that we are putting in a whole new defense for air force (according to PJ in the paper). Dont like it at all.

Their two outside wr play big and will give us problems on deep balls. Robinette plays bigger than. 6'3

We move the ball between the 20's but turnovers and penalties cost us big.

Didn't like this match up from day one. They beat two better teams than we have played all year.imo

I hope the extra practice was put to good use for the younger kids for next year.
12-16-2014 08:38 PM
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ltcpilot Offline
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Post: #12
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
From an Air Force Fan...perspective is everything as I said in an earlier post reference the "we don't think be belong in this bowl' comments from above.

Most AF fans thought we were going to the Cactus Bowl (they wanted us and said so in public) in Tempe and would have except for the inept and 'totally inane' decision by OU's coach to re-punt after a 5 yard OSU penalty after punting to a fair catch on the 15 yrd line and then (after the five yards and the next punt) the OSU player returning the ball for tying TD and subsequent OT FG to win, become bowl eligible and go to the Cactus Bowl. The feelings on our board do not stem from playing you, but from what we 'thought we had in our hand to go to Tempe in the Cactus'.

Reference play on the field....Becareful what you think stats tell you. First we will run and run some more but we can and will pass the ball and we will move the ball. You have face many running teams but no option teams thus I think that is a plus for us. You can run the ball very well but we have played very well against the run overall. I will be surprised if you totally stop the run (and if you do 'congrats') and if we do not at least slow you down.

On the defensive side, YES we gave up a lot of yards in the air. But those numbers also reflected playing against 4-5 opponents whose sole purpose in the game was to pass the ball with the run only as a second thoughts. Yes...our opponents got their yards in the air to include #21 CSU (366 yds in the air and we won by 3), #20 Boise St (377yds and we won by 14), Nevada (277yds we won by 7 in OT). The Wyoming game we were ahead with 2 mins to go and lost....poor play and poor scheme in the last part of the game gave Wyoming the opportunity to win and they did (congrats to them). That may have been the best thing that happened to us all season as well as the '1' of the '3' losses we shouldn't have lost.

Running wise you have a great TB and he will be tough to stop in this game. But we do have experience and have done well vs the run and runners that excelled in the season.
Navy is now ranked the #2 rushing team at 345ypg..we held them to 250yds.
Boise St 217ypg rush we held them to 97yds (#2 MWC rusher Ajayi 130ypg held to 63 yds)
CSU 171ypg rush held to 106 yds.
We can stop the run and often times do it to make a team one dimensional having to pass....then 'hope' we bend but don't break vs the air.

I give you guys all the credit and think it will be a great game. We must defend the pass (and your short passes and use of the screens will be an exceptional challenge for us) you must stop the run (the triple option will be tough for you but if you sell out for the run we can will burn with the pass)...and everything in-between for both teams to include our running QB who doesn't pass much but ...
............has thrown for 14 TDs on 162 attempts with only 3 Ints
(as compared to your passing QB who....
............has thrown for 23 TDs on 300 attempts with only?? 10 Ints

Good matchup indeed.....can't wait.

GO FALCONS
12-16-2014 08:41 PM
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Hoekjeness Offline
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Post: #13
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
(12-16-2014 04:36 PM)The Colonel Wrote:  They're a really good team - you could make a pretty strong argument they're better than anyone we've faced this season.

Good point. Could be true. Probably better than NIU, Toledo, and Virginia Tech.
12-16-2014 09:54 PM
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Hoekjeness Offline
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RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
(12-16-2014 08:03 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Interesting statistic I found on ESPN's website:

"Air Force's running game will likely be the key to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Air Force runs the ball on 77.7 percent of its plays, the fifth-highest percentage in the FBS. It is 9-0 when rushing for at least 198 yards and 0-3 when rushing for 145 or less. Meanwhile, Western Michigan is 8-0 when allowing 145 rushing yards or fewer and 0-4 when allowing 196 yards or more."


It really IS all about the running game in this one...


Also found in the ESPN preview article for this matchup:

"Air Force was second-worst in the MWC at 256.0 passing yards allowed per game and will surely have to step things up in the secondary against Terrell, who has a lethal pair of receivers in sophomores Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman. Davis led the MAC with 12 TDs and was second with 1,232 yards while Braverman was second in the conference with 79 receptions and sixth in yardage (912)."


Our receivers could have a field day on Saturday.

Great stats.
12-16-2014 09:58 PM
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gobaseline Offline
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Post: #15
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
(12-16-2014 08:03 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Interesting statistic I found on ESPN's website:

"Air Force's running game will likely be the key to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Air Force runs the ball on 77.7 percent of its plays, the fifth-highest percentage in the FBS. It is 9-0 when rushing for at least 198 yards and 0-3 when rushing for 145 or less. Meanwhile, Western Michigan is 8-0 when allowing 145 rushing yards or fewer and 0-4 when allowing 196 yards or more."


It really IS all about the running game in this one...


Also found in the ESPN preview article for this matchup:

"Air Force was second-worst in the MWC at 256.0 passing yards allowed per game and will surely have to step things up in the secondary against Terrell, who has a lethal pair of receivers in sophomores Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman. Davis led the MAC with 12 TDs and was second with 1,232 yards while Braverman was second in the conference with 79 receptions and sixth in yardage (912)."


Our receivers could have a field day on Saturday.

Cant teach an old dog new tricks but it may be time to really use the TE's.
12-16-2014 10:43 PM
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ColinApocalypse Offline
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RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
(12-16-2014 10:43 PM)gobaseline Wrote:  
(12-16-2014 08:03 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Interesting statistic I found on ESPN's website:

"Air Force's running game will likely be the key to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Air Force runs the ball on 77.7 percent of its plays, the fifth-highest percentage in the FBS. It is 9-0 when rushing for at least 198 yards and 0-3 when rushing for 145 or less. Meanwhile, Western Michigan is 8-0 when allowing 145 rushing yards or fewer and 0-4 when allowing 196 yards or more."


It really IS all about the running game in this one...


Also found in the ESPN preview article for this matchup:

"Air Force was second-worst in the MWC at 256.0 passing yards allowed per game and will surely have to step things up in the secondary against Terrell, who has a lethal pair of receivers in sophomores Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman. Davis led the MAC with 12 TDs and was second with 1,232 yards while Braverman was second in the conference with 79 receptions and sixth in yardage (912)."


Our receivers could have a field day on Saturday.

Cant teach an old dog new tricks but it may be time to really use the TE's.

I would personally love to see that. Every time we threw to a TE this year I said aloud "Holy **** we utilized a tight end!"...true story
12-16-2014 10:45 PM
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The Colonel Offline
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Post: #17
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
(12-16-2014 10:45 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Every time we threw to a TE this year I said aloud "Holy **** we utilized a tight end!"...true story

"Tight end sighting!" was my call-out of choice. 04-cheers
12-17-2014 12:19 AM
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toddjnsn Offline
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Post: #18
RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
Quote:"Tight end sighting!" was my call-out of choice.

Yes. Kind of like bigfoot... or an ugly girl I once hooked up with. Duck and cover! Duck and cover!
12-17-2014 01:50 AM
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ColinApocalypse Offline
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RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
(12-16-2014 12:26 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  WMU 35
Air Force 27

ESPN's Mark Schlabach just predicted a WMU victory by a score of 34 to 27 04-cheers
12-17-2014 12:40 PM
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toddjnsn Offline
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RE: Western Michigan vs Air Force (Did Someone Forget the) Unofficial Game Thread?
Quote:ESPN's Mark Schlabach just predicted a WMU victory by a score of 34 to 27

(wince) I don't know if I could say that. I have to go with the safe side:

WMU: 21
Air Force: 31
(This post was last modified: 12-17-2014 01:48 PM by toddjnsn.)
12-17-2014 01:48 PM
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