Well, it wasn't a thing of beauty, but a win is a win. Lot of happy Aztec fans and more than a few disappointed, uniformed cadets on the green line trolley on the way home.
Chuck Long and the rest of the coaches get a Mulligan for the first five games. There was just so much sorting out to do -- far more than expected -- and so many key injuries (like losing your strong safety the same week a cornerback was suspended, on top of the QBs, TEs, etc.) that Saturday night was the first time we got to see what they all intended.
It was apparent coming in that the Aztecs offense was getting together. Kevin Craft looks like a 4-year starter at QB. He is miles ahead of Darren Mougey and, as much as I like Kevin O'Connell, the redshirt freshman clearly has a better arm, better during-play vision of what's taking place on the field and is more likely to stay within the offense.
The offensive line has been improving every week, and last night the blockers gave Craft plenty of time to look for receivers and knocked the Falcons off the ball. Atiyyah Henderson often was 5 or more yards past the line of scrimmage before he was even touched. And speaking of Henderson, he is better than Lynell Hamilton was in his healthy freshman year. Both Craft and Henderson will get hurt -- its football -- so there will be plenty of touches for the displaced, but I think we've seen the future of Aztecs football at those key positions.
The defense survived, which is often as good as you can get against Air Force. The line played quite well, hanging in there. The defensive backs gave up some long pass plays, but were superb in keeping the ball-carriers in front of them. That's even better because the linebackers, with the exception of Joe Martin, were awful. How can a running team like the Falcons get away with so many draw plays? The guy who carried the draws got at least 10 yards every time. Unbelievable.
Don't forget special teams. The punting was very solid and Garrett Palmer was 2-for-2 on FGs. Plus, the game-winner is an area where previous Aztecs kickers have choked. Didn't happen this time. Also, as Air Force is one of the country's top programs in blocking kicks, they didn't even come close to one last night. Now if they can just even things up in the return game.
Air Force was also a kind guest. Third-and-less than a yard nearing the red zone late in the third quarter, and converting such plays at-will all game, they tried to pass and got sacked to go out of FG range. One of the plays of the game. Same situation on their first drive of the game, they get called for holding and then get sacked to end the drive with no points again. The Falcons are usually much more disciplined.
Liking the chances to go on a streak. Cal Poly will not be a pushover, their defense is better than many in Division 1. But the Mustangs won't score more than 10 points on offense, and I now think the Aztecs line is building to where they should open holes in a 1-AA defense, even a good one. After that, a huge road contest at Wyoming.
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