The Army Black Knights upset the Air Force Falcons on Saturday, knocking off the favorites, 41-21. Air Force was favored by seven heading into the contest, but Army put up 28 unanswered points in the second and third quarters and Air Force was unable to climb back into the game.
Air Force vs. Army 2012 Results: Knights take advantage of 4 turnovers in 41-21 win
The Black Knights out-gained the Falcons, 414 yards to 338, but it was four turnovers that made the difference. Army picked off Connor Dietz on two consecutive drives at the end of the first half, turning both picks into points. That turned what was a 10-7 game with five minutes before the half into a 20-7 game to open the third quarter. It would be 35-7 at the start of the fourth, and a fourth-quarter rally that saw Air Force put 14 points on the board was cut short when an Air Force fumble was returned for a touchdown by Nate Combs.
Aside from the defense, it was the rushing attack that drove the Black Knights, with quarterback Trent Steelman throwing only six passes, connecting on four of them for 100 yards. Steelman added another 101 yards with his legs, including two touchdowns.
Box Score Hero: Steelman's rushing yards and scores were huge for the Knights, but Larry Dixon and Raymond Maples both pitched in, adding 89 and 73 yards with a touchdown each.
Rankings Ramifications: The results are sure to please Army fans, but won’t make a difference in the rankings.
But Did They Cover? Air Force was favored by seven points, so they clearly failed to cover.
For More On This Game:
For more on Air Force football, visit MWC blog Mountain West Connection and SB Nation Denver.
Next Week’s Schedule: Both teams are on the road next week, with the Falcons facing the San Diego State Aztecs and Army taking on Rutgers.
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