Instant analysis: Air Force 47, Houston 20
December 31, 2009
If there was any question as to whether Houston quarterback Case Keenum was ready to forgo his senior season and make the jump to the NFL, he answered that in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl with the worst passing performance of his career. Air Force defeated Houston 47-20, the Falcons’ first bowl win since 2000.
How the game was won: Air Force’s defense clamped down on Keenum and the nation’s No. 1 passing offense. It limited the Cougars to 222 passing yards and forced Keenum to throw a career-high six interceptions. The Falcons turned two of those interceptions into touchdowns on subsequent possessions.
Turning point: Air Force opened the game with back-to-back interceptions off Keenum, which showed that the Falcons’ passing defense was going to be as good as advertised. Keenum had trouble keeping control of his passes, which were either falling short or sailing over the intended receiver. Air Force was able to jump out to a 14-0 lead after the first six minutes of the game.
Stat of the game: Air Force had 162 passing yards against the Cougars, which was just 60 yards fewer than Houston had through the air. It was the highest passing total of the season for the Falcons, and the most passing yards since the 171-yard output against Colorado State on Nov. 8.
Second guessing: Houston’s defense had at least three weeks to prepare for Air Force’s rushing attack and it was still manhandled by the Falcons. Air Force had 72 rushing attempts for 400 yards and five rushing touchdowns. Tulane’s 299 rushing yards were the previous high against the Cougars.
Record performance: Air Force’s 47 points set an all-time bowl record for the Falcons. Also, Keenum’s six interceptions were a Armed Forces Bowl record.