COLORADO SPRINGS — The tough tests continue for the Air Force football team, this Friday night the Falcons host San Jose State (6 p.m.) in a big Mountain West Conference showdown.
Both teams come into the contest at 2-1 on the season, with the Spartans having just knocked off Arkansas 21-14 in Fayetteville on Saturday.
"They put up a lot of offense in that game, we know they have a lot of talent going into it and their scheme and we're just prepared for a good team," Falcons junior defensive back Jeremy Fejedelem said.
After suffering their first defeat of the season, a 30-19 loss at No. 20 Boise State, the Falcons now turn their attention to an opponent they haven't seen since 2016.
In what is a huge boost for Troy Calhoun's triple-option offense, starting quarterback DJ Hammond III should be back on the field after missing part of last Friday's loss to the Broncos.
"I don't see why he wouldn't be out there," Calhoun said.
Having knocked off a power-5 team of their own in the Colorado Buffaloes, the Falcons expect a fired up SJSU squad after their win over the Razorbacks.
"Very significant victory, any time you have a Mountain West Conference team, just because that hasn't happened that often," Calhoun said. "Where a Mountain West Conference team has gone to play an opponent from that league (SEC) on the road and come out victorious. We had one happen last year but it was at home and this was on the road. A great, great win."
Air Force hasn't played at Falcon Stadium since beating Colgate 48-7 in their home opener on Aug. 31 and getting the chance to play on a familiar field is the perfect "pick me up" after a pair of tough road battles.
"Love it," Calhoun said. "The opportunity to be back in Colorado Springs, at Falcon Stadium, in front of the student body, that was a pretty good stretch there, roughly 27 days. We love playing at home, especially playing a really good opponent and having that challenge in front of us."
