In a game that started out with promise for the Falcons, UConn ultimately ran away with the victory. The Air Force defense did something no other team was able to do this season—they intercepted Joe Fagnano on UConn’s very first possession. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they were unable to capitalize on that turnover, and things quickly unraveled as the game went on.
One of the most notable moments came late in the second quarter when Liam Szarka left the game with a hand injury. Kemper Hodges stepped in and played the remainder of the game. While the offense never really regained its footing after Szarka’s exit, it’s important to note that it wasn’t due to anything Hodges couldn’t do. The offense struggled under Szarka’s leadership as well, plagued by missed pitches and critical penalties that severely hindered their ability to put points on the board.
Amidst the game’s shift, some questionable decision-making by the Air Force coaching staff stood out. In the second quarter, facing a 4th and goal from about the four-yard line, the Falcons opted not to kick an easy field goal and instead went for the conversion—ultimately coming up short, resulting in a turnover on downs. Later, with just under two minutes left in the half, Air Force attempted a 53-yard field goal, which Reagan Tubbs narrowly missed to the right. This miss gifted UConn three points and a 9-7 lead at halftime. Up to that point, Air Force had largely controlled the game, making these decisions all the more questionable.
This brings us to a key factor highlighted in the preseason preview: Air Force could not afford to let Cam Edwards have a big game—and he did just that. Despite all the attention on Joe Fagnano coming into the matchup, it was Edwards and UConn’s powerful running game that ultimately sealed the outcome. The Air Force defense played well against the Huskies’ effective passing attack, but it simply wasn’t enough when considering all aspects of the game.
Losing Szarka certainly impacted the offense, but even for all the spectacular flashes he has shown this year, the offense as a whole has started to come back down to earth as the defense has stepped up. This has created a more balanced team overall, but after scoring 30+ points in several games earlier this season, some expectations may have been unrealistic or unsustainable.
One bright spot—and something hoped to be seen last year—was a better look at Kemper Hodges at quarterback. If you only watched the CBS Sports Network coverage, you might think Hodges was merely a converted fullback filling in as a gadget quarterback. However, watching him throw the ball reminds you that he was a highly recruited quarterback out of high school. Coach Troy Calhoun had him add weight upon arriving in Colorado Springs to convert him to fullback, but Hodges’ arm talent is very much intact and quite capable.
It’s a shame the offense and defense never peaked or sustained their best play simultaneously this season. Had they, the Falcons might have been eyeing some intriguing bowl game prospects. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and with this loss to a very good UConn team, Air Force is now eliminated from bowl contention—barring the highly unlikely scenario in which there are fewer bowl-eligible teams (six wins or more) than available bowl game slots.
Hats off to Jim Mora and UConn for extending their impressive 2025 season. For Air Force, the focus will shift—much like last year—to getting better week by week and building a more formidable team for the 2026 season.
Looking ahead, Air Force faces key games against New Mexico and Colorado State. Next up, the Falcons will host New Mexico at Falcon Stadium next Saturday evening.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/air-force-grounded-uconn-losing-201056286.html