AF to host CSU Nov. 28 for final home game

  • Published
  • By Don Branum
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Air Force football fans can expect an explosive match between the two top-rated quarterbacks in the Mountain West when Colorado State meets Air Force at Falcon Stadium Nov. 28, but they'll also see fewer cadets in the stands because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Four formations of approximately 50 cadets will march onto the field before kickoff, followed by the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps, which will march onto the stadium to form the Falcons' trademark AF logo.

The Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation made more than 2,100 tickets available to service members and their families at no cost through the 10th Air Base Wing's Information, Tickets and Tours office, but those tickets have all been claimed, said Dr. Nancy Hixson, the AFAAC's chief operating officer and acting chief executive officer.

"It just isn't the same game day experience without the cadets, but we look to the Falcon faithful and those military families who are joining us to make up for that absence with their presence and enthusiasm," Hixson said.

Falconers will be present at the game and will conduct a falconry performance during the halftime show, Athletic Department officials said. The Wings of Blue Air Force Parachute Demonstration Team also plans to jump into the game, weather permitting.

Air Force Academy officials said they hope service members who attend the game will wear their military utility uniforms as a show of solidarity with the cadets.

At stake is the Falcons' home game winning streak, currently at 5-0 after a 45-38 overtime victory over the Nevada Wolfpack Nov. 14. Going into its Nov. 21 match against San Diego State, Air Force holds an 8-2 overall record and a 4-2 conference record. Colorado State leads the Mountain West Conference with a 9-1 (5-1) record, its only loss coming at the hands of Boise State in Week 2.

Both Air Force's and CSU's offenses are among the most prolific in the conference, with the Rams averaging 34.9 points per game to Air Force's 33. Their defenses are also among the stingiest in the Mountain West, with CSU and Air Force allowing 23.4 and 23.6 points per game, respectively. CSU's Garrett Grayson and Air Force's Kale Pearson top the conference with respective passer ratings of 171.6 and 169.7.

Tickets are still available through the Falcons ticket office by calling 719-472-1895 or going to www.goairforcefalcons.com and clicking on "tickets" at the top of the page.