Ben Garland News

U.S. Air Force Academy quarterback Tim Jefferson evades pressure from the Houston defensive line during the 2008 Armed Forces Bowl Dec.

A year ago when Air Force accepted a bid to the 2008 Armed Forces Bowl, Falcons coach Troy Calhoun noted that "if we could go to this bowl 10 straight years, we would be very, very pleased." The Falcons are one step closer.

BYU tight end Dennis Pitta, right, dives into the end zone for touchdown while being tackled by Air Force defensive back Luke Hyder, left, during the first half of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov.

Cougars defenders tackle Falcons running back Jared Tew at the end of a 29-yard run during the Air Force-BYU game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, Nov.

There have been a lot of steps, but quarterback Max Hall climbed to the top of the ladder of BYU quarterbacks today with his record-setting 30th career victory.

Air Force senior nose guard Ben Garland will play his final game at Falcon Stadium this afternoon when the Falcons meet UNLV.

The classes and military training are different. And there's a widely held belief among people in these parts that Air Force cadets have more perks than those at West Point.

Ben Garland could have played college football at New Mexico, where he would have learned the unique 3-3-5 defense run by former coach Rocky Long.

Just like on offense, Air Force always has been efficient on the defensive side of the ball.

Falcon defensive back Jon Davis reaches for the ball after Utah punt returner Luke Matthews fumbled the wet ball.

The Air Force junior cornerback and return specialist has been a solid performer since he missed the first two games of the season because of an unspecified violation of academy standards.

With Air Force halfway through its 2009 regular season, it's time to hand out some mid-term grades and awards prior to Saturday's game against Wyoming.

Falcons freshman defensive back Brian Lindsay makes a diving interception during the Air Force-TCU game at Falcon Stadium Oct.

Air Force at Navy Time: 3:30 p.m. TV: CBS College Sports Radio: 1090 AM, 1430 AM Line: Series: Air Force leads 25-16 Last meeting: Navy won, 33-27, on Oct.

At practice on Monday, Navy junior Vince Murray felt a little more tired and sore than usual. But he expected that, after nearly exceeding his career rushing output during the Midshipmen's 16-13 overtime victory against Air Force on Saturday.

Murray filled in for starting fullback Alexander Teich for the entire second half and extra period against the Falcons, after Teich hopped off the field with a sprained left ankle. Teich was wearing a protective boot at practice on Monday, and Coach Ken Niumatalolo said it's doubtful that the sophomore will be able to play at Rice (0-5) on Saturday.

U.S. Air Force Academy running back Asher Clark runs the ball against the U.S.Naval Academy defense Oct.

The Air Force defense has bailed out its offense. Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs was fighting for more yardage when he got drilled by Air Force nose guard Ben Garland and fumbled.

In 2002, high school freshman Ben Garland watched Air Force stomp Navy 48-7. "I've always been a big Air Force fan," Garland said.

When Ben Garland injured his left hand three days before Air Force's Sept.19 game at New Mexico, he wasn't thinking about getting back on the field to face the Lobos.

Shortly after taking over as head coach, Ken Niumatalolo announced Navy was taking a different approach at the center position.