ESPN Bowl Projections

<p>true, we are almost done, but look at the teams BYU has left. and for us to win the conference, they would ahve to lose two of them. while possible, yes, highly unlikely. we could possibly still get second, but even so, poinsetta would probably not take us b/c Navy would have no reason to approve us (which they would have to do for us to play). that would still put us most likely in the armed forces bowl</p>

<p>ESPN - Week 9 Projections</p>

<p>Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
(Mountain West vs. Pac-10 No. 6)<br>
Air Force vs. Louisville* or Air Force vs. Iowa*</p>

<p>New Mexico
(WAC vs. Mountain West)<br>
Nevada vs. Utah</p>

<p>Pioneer Las Vegas
(Pac-10 No. 4/5 vs. Mountain West No. 1)<br>
Oregon State vs. BYU </p>

<p>San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
(Mountain West vs. Navy/At-large)<br>
New Mexico vs. Navy </p>

<ul>
<li>Pac-10 not projected to qualify enough teams for postseason</li>
</ul>

<p>ESPN - Week 10 Projections</p>

<p>Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
(Mountain West vs. Pac-10 No. 6)<br>
Air Force vs. Iowa*</p>

<p>New Mexico
(WAC vs. Mountain West)<br>
Nevada vs. Utah </p>

<p>Pioneer Las Vegas
(Pac-10 No. 4/5 vs. Mountain West No. 1)<br>
Louisville* vs. BYU </p>

<p>San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
(Mountain West vs. Navy/At-large)<br>
New Mexico vs. Navy </p>

<ul>
<li>Pac-10 not projected to qualify enough teams for postseason</li>
</ul>

<p>Falcons may be going to Armed Forces Bowl</p>

<p>By JAKE SCHALLER THE GAZETTE</p>

<p>Tom Starr, executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, said Monday that Air Force is “extremely high” on the list of possible Mountain West Conference participants for the Dec. 31 game in Fort Worth, Texas.</p>

<p>With Saturday’s nationally televised win over Notre Dame, Air Force moved to 8-3 and significantly improved its bowl resume and appeal. TCU, which Starr said two weeks ago was a possibility for the bowl, fell to 5-5. Wyoming also is at 5-5.</p>

<p>“We haven’t pulled the chain and made a final decision because we have to work with the conference and their other bowl partners, but I think it’s safe to say that the Falcons are very, very high in our picture,” Starr said.</p>

<p>Conference officials believe Air Force will play somewhere in the postseason, and so does Falcons coach Troy Calhoun.</p>

<p>“It should be over, dead, done,” Calhoun said. “Should be. Doesn’t mean it is, but it should be.”</p>

<p>The Mountain West has tieins with four bowls. The Las Vegas Bowl, which has first choice of conference teams, likely will take BYU, which is on pace to win the league. And the Poinsettia Bowl, which has second choice, likely will take either Utah or New Mexico. It can’t take Air Force because it already has extended an invitation to Navy, and it has a policy against rematches. Air Force faced Navy in September.</p>

<p>That leaves the Armed Forces Bowl — which, as Starr has pointed out, has a natural connection to Air Force because of its name — and the New Mexico Bowl.</p>

<p>TCU, Wyoming and San Diego State (4-5) still can become bowl-eligible. But all will need to win out and get to 7-5 to be considered for the conference’s bowls. A 6-6 team, while bowl-eligible, can’t be chosen over a team with seven or more victories.</p>

<p>TCU, which faces UNLV and San Diego State in its last two games, is thought to be attractive to the Armed Forces Bowl because it calls Fort Worth home. But if Air Force defeats San Diego State on Saturday, the Falcons would finish 9-3 and be guaranteed no worse than a tie for second place in the league. Air Force also beat TCU head-to-head.</p>

<p>“Obviously, a hometown team brings a lot to the table, but we’ve always said we want to base it on play on the field,” Starr said.</p>

<p>If more than four Mountain West teams are bowl-eligible, the conference will look to place teams in bowls that other conferences cannot fill.</p>

<p>ESPN - Week 11 Projections</p>

<p>Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
(Mountain West vs. Pac-10 No. 6)<br>
TCU vs. Ball State* or Air Force vs. Iowa*</p>

<p>New Mexico
(WAC vs. Mountain West)<br>
Nevada vs. Air Force or Nevada vs. Utah</p>

<p>Pioneer Las Vegas
(Pac-10 No. 4/5 vs. Mountain West No. 1)<br>
Purdue* vs. BYU or Oregon State vs. BYU</p>

<p>San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
(Mountain West vs. Navy/At-large)<br>
Utah vs. Navy or New Mexico vs. Navy</p>

<ul>
<li>Pac-10 not projected to qualify enough teams for postseason
** Big 12 not projected to qualify enough teams for postseason</li>
</ul>

<p>AFA adjusts schedule to make room for Gophers</p>

<p>By JAKE SCHALLER THE GAZETTE</p>

<p>Air Force has altered two future football schedules to set up a home-and-home series against Minnesota.</p>

<p>The Falcons will play at Minnesota on Sept. 12, 2009, and then play host to the Gophers on Sept. 1, 2012.</p>

<p>The 2012 game will bump the Falcons’ home game against Northern Colorado, which was tentative and not under contract, athletic director Hans Mueh said. Minnesota will cover the $250,000 buyout of the game Air Force had scheduled at North Texas in 2009.</p>

<p>Air Force was especially attractive to Minnesota because the 2009 game will be the first at the Gophers’ TCF Bank Stadium, which will include a tribute to the state’s veterans.</p>

<p>Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said he was fine with the changes as long as the 2012 game can be moved to the third week of the season — it currently is the opener. He also hinted there could be changes to the 2011 schedule. Air Force is scheduled to play at Florida State in the third week of 2012, the return game for a 2011 game in Tallahassee.</p>

<p>Mueh, however, said no other changes were imminent and that he and Calhoun would discuss future schedules after this season.</p>

<p>So I heard if BYU wins out that Air Force may get the Las Vegas Bowl. GO BYU!!!</p>

<p>Maybe I don't understand! The Las Vegas bowl is usually the 1st place team in the Mountain West against the 4th/5th place team in the PAC-10. BYU is 1st place. Even if they lose the last 2 games. The only way that Air Force could get to the Las Vegas bowl would be if BYU somehow got invited to a "Bigger" bowl game. </p>

<p>(Taken from scout.com)
So let’s figure BYU will win at least one of their final two, they’ll be favored in both, but the Utah game could go either way. BYU finishes has the league champ and goes to the Las Vegas Bowl.</p>

<p>Utah’s win over the Lobos has got to put the Utes in the driver’s seat for the Poinsettia Bowl. They don’t want Air Force due to Navy’s commitment. Utah drew 43,778 in the win over New Mexico. How many do you think the Lobos will draw against UNLV next Saturday?</p>

<p>Air Force then gets the Armed Forces Bowl bid. Or would they rather have the hometown TCU in the bowl to ensure great attendance numbers.</p>

<p>That is the only way that Air Force wouldn't make it to the Armed Forces bowl. But, because of their record, they should be insured a bowl game some place. Unfortunately, it is still all about money and politics.</p>

<p>The current rumor is if BYU wins out they will go BCS leaving LV Bowl open for AFA</p>

<p>That is a big stretch. There are a lot of teams with 2 losses. Ohio state, LSU, west virginia, arizona state and a host of others would all have to lose. If that's the case, then the BCS is going to be a total mess. Hell, even hawaii; which is 10-0 could be heading to the BCS championship. LOL!!!!! Too much politics involved with this. Remember Boise State and their undefeated record; NOT going to the BCS championship game. </p>

<p>But you are correct. If BYU was to win out, and a lot of others were to lose, then in theory BYU could go to a better bowl game. Being BYU would have to beat Utah, there is no way Utah could stay tied with Air Force. That would indeed open them up for the Vegas Bowl. ASSUMING the vegas bowl wants them. Just like Air Force should technically be going to the Poinsettia Bowl. But because it's against Navy, they won't allow it. That's normally for #2.</p>

<p>I think what's really exciting is that Air Force is going to a Bowl game almost guaranteed. Which bowl might still be up in the air, but a bowl game is pretty much a no brainer now. The worst they can end up in the conference, is tied for 2nd. TIED overall and in conference with Utah, but they WIN 2nd because they beat Utah. So, being 2nd, they are going someplace for a bowl game.</p>

<p>ESPN Week 12 Projections</p>

<p>Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
(Mountain West vs. Pac-10 No. 6)<br>
TCU vs. Ball State* or Air Force vs. Ball State*</p>

<p>New Mexico
(WAC vs. Mountain West)<br>
Nevada vs. Air Force or Purdue*** vs. Utah</p>

<p>Pioneer Las Vegas
(Pac-10 No. 4/5 vs.Mountain West No. 1)<br>
Michigan State* vs. BYU or Boise State* vs. BYU</p>

<p>San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
(Mountain West vs. Navy/At-large)<br>
Utah vs. Navy or New Mexico vs. Navy</p>

<ul>
<li>Pac-10 not projected to qualify enough teams for postseason
** Big 12 not projected to qualify enough teams for postseason
*** WAC not projected to qualify enough teams for postseason</li>
</ul>

<p>No bowl bid but falcons are flocking to Fort Worth</p>

<p>By JAKE SCHALLER THE GAZETTE</p>

<p>While there still was no official bowl invitation for Air Force on Saturday, signs continue to point to Fort Worth, Texas.</p>

<p>Tom Starr, executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, which is played in Fort Worth on Dec. 31, has said he wants to extend an invitation to Air Force. But he said Friday he’s been instructed by the Mountain West Conference to wait until the Las Vegas and Poinsettia Bowls — which have the first two choices, respectively, of Mountain West teams — have made their selections official.</p>

<p>Those bowls are expected to select BYU and Utah. But Javan Hedlund — the conference’s associate commissioner, communications — said it would be premature to extend bids.</p>

<p>One scenario, Hedlund said, is BYU sneaking into the Bowl Championship Series. Even if it does, however, the Las Vegas Bowl likely would take Utah and the Poinsettia Bowl wouldn’t take Air Force because it has extended an invitation to Navy, and it has a policy against rematches. That would leave the Armed Forces Bowl.</p>

<p>“We want to name it as soon as possible,” Starr said.</p>

<p>The academy is acting as if it is headed to the Armed Forces Bowl.</p>

<p>According to Air Force sports information director Troy Garnhart, Air Force is sending a contingent to Fort Worth on Monday. Garnhart, Jeff Cosky (chief of football operations), Chris Peludat (assistant athletic director — tickets), Dan Siermine (head equipment manager) and Derm Coll (associate athletic director — external relations) are part of the group that will meet with bowl officials, Garnhart’s e-mail said.</p>

<p>“Our thought is that we will be ahead of things once (an announcement) comes, and if it’s not (the Armed Forces Bowl) we will take what we learned and apply it to wherever we do go,” Garnhart said in the e-mail.</p>

<p>CBSsportsline predictions are still counting on us going to the New Mexico Bowl. I don't see the logic, but its another "expert opinion"</p>

<p>Just got an Air Mail from the Athletic Department - they are now selling tickets on-line for the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec 31st (11:30 AM kick-off local time). You can buy tickets to donate to cadets and other military. There's also a letter from Coach Calhoun asking for support with regards to ticket sales.</p>

<p>Air Force to play in Armed Forces Bowl
By WENDELL BARNHOUSE
<a href="mailto:wbarnhouse@star-telegram.com">wbarnhouse@star-telegram.com</a></p>

<p>The Fort Worth-based Armed Forces Bowl announced Monday afternoon that it will invite Air Force as its Mountain West Conference representative.</p>

<p>The Armed Forces Bowl will be played at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 31 in Amon Carter Stadium.</p>

<p>Under first-year coach Troy Calhoun, the Falcons went 9-3 and their 5-2 record was good for second place in the MWC.</p>

<p>Air Force’s opponent will either be a team from the Pacific-10 Conference or Purdue.</p>

<p>The Pac-10 has six bowl-eligible teams and agreements with six bowls. However, if the Pac-10 places a second team in the Bowl Championship Series as an at-large invitee, the league won’t have enough bowl-eligible teams.</p>

<p>In that case, the Armed Forces Bowl is free to select a team from another conference. Teams with seven or more victories get first priority. Purdue, which finished 7-5, probably won’t go to one of the Big Ten Conference’s affiliated bowls and should be available to come to Fort Worth.</p>

<p>Falcons accept Armed Forces Bowl invitation
By Jim Benton, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 04:31 p.m., November 26, 2007
Updated 04:31 p.m., November 26, 2007</p>

<p>Air Force accepted a bid to play in the Dec. 31 Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas.</p>

<p>It will be the Falcons' 18th bowl appearance and the first in four seasons since Air Force lost 20-13 to Virginia Tech in the 2002 San Francisco Bowl.</p>

<p>Air Force has an 8-8-1 in bowl games.</p>

<p>“We are thrilled to have the Air Force Academy as the Mountain West Conference’s representative in the 2007 game,” said Tom Starr, executive director of the Armed Forces Bowl. “With our military theme, what better way is there to honor the armed forces by having an Academy play in our game. With nine wins and a strong finish to their season, the Falcons will bring an exciting brand of football to Amon G. Carter Stadium on New Year’s Eve.”</p>

<p>The game will start at 10:30 a.m. MST and be televised by ESPN.</p>

<p>Air Force's opponent, most likely at Pac-10 team, has not been determined.</p>

<p>Tell me more about purchasing tickets for the game. We live just 1 hour from Ft Worth and my cadet to be is excited about the prospect of attending the game. Also how do we purchase tickets and donate some to cadets?</p>

<p>Just go to the Athletic website at USAFA - the link is there to buy tickets.</p>

<p>ARMED FORCES BOWL<br>
Please support the Falcons in their first bowl game in 5 years.</p>

<p>Season ticket holders and all active duty/retired members of the military are eligible for half priced tickets of $20 each. Active duty military and retired military are eligible for one free ticket with the purchase of at least one ticket. The cost for a general public ticket is $40.</p>

<p>Tickets can also be purchased and donated back to the academy for cadet or airmen use for a cost of $40. This type of purchase is tax deductable.</p>

<p>All fans that purchase a ticket through the Air Force Academy ticket office are eligible to purchase a ticket to the exclusive Air Force Academy tailgate to be held on gameday, as well as receive a commemorative bowl gift after the new year.</p>

<p>All fans regardless of age require a ticket for admission.</p>

<p>Event Date:
Monday, December 31, 2007
11:30 am</p>

<p>Football</a> Falcons to play in bowl game Dec. 31 - Air Force News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Air Force Times</p>

<p>
[quote]
Air Force will make its first postseason appearance in five years after accepting a bid Monday to play in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 31.</p>

<p>The academy finished the season 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the Mountain West after winning three straight and six of its last seven games. The Falcons also were undefeated at home for the first time since 2000....

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Navy's coach is leaving for Georgia Tech. Next season, I think it'll be time to bring the CIC trophy back to Colorado!</p>

<p>ESPN</a> - Johnson accepts offer to become Yellow Jackets coach - College Football</p>