The Cowboys would find their first win of the season in their Mountain West conference opener, taking down the Air Force Falcons by a score of 31-19 on the Pokes’ 99th homecoming game.
The Falcons would open with the first offensive possession, but wouldn’t be able to make it past midfield as the Cowboy defense would stand tall. They’d even attempt to convert a 4th and 3 from their own 44, but would come up a yard short, allowing the Cowboys to set up shop in plus territory.
Running back Sam Scott would instantly go to work, breaking off a 17 yard run on the first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Evan Svoboda would keep things on the ground, converting on a huge fourth down that would eventually lead to Scott finding the endzone.
The Cowboy defense would come up big once again, forcing a three and out on the next possession. Unfortunately, the Cowboys would go three and out in return as well, and the Falcon offense would move with more efficiency on the following drive as they’d march down the field for a field goal to make it 7-3 in favor of the Cowboys.
The Cowboys would then proceed to punt for the second straight drive, finding little success offensively. The Falcons were finding a rhythm, though, as they’d march down the field for a touchdown this time around, as they’d take the lead 10-7.
The Cowboys looked to be moving the ball down the field, as they’d march towards midfield before an errant snap from Nofoafia Tulafono would send the Cowboys back 13 yards, resulting in their third straight punt. The Falcons would again have no trouble marching their way into field goal range, ending the first half with a field goal to lead 13-7 heading into halftime.
The Falcons were in complete control offensively for much of the first half, as they held possession of the ball for 20:11 while the Cowboys only had the ball for 9:49. The Falcons were much more efficient offensively as well, piling up 219 yards compared to the Pokes’ measly 83.
Puzzlingly, the Cowboys also entered the second quarter with 44 rushing yards, but ended the second quarter with only 37.
The Cowboys would enter the second half with new life, as they’d quickly march down the field after explosive plays by freshman wideout Chris Durr Jr. and experienced tight end John Michael Gyllenborg would set the Cowboys up for a touchdown to take the lead 14-13 after a huge fourth down conversion at the one yard line. That score would also be the first in any third quarter of any game this season for the Cowboys.
The Pokes’ defense would follow up with a big stop, forcing the Falcons to punt. The Cowboys would take over inside their own five yard line, but a huge run from Scott would move the Cowboys upfield and open up the playbook as they’d find the end zone for the second straight time in a row.
The Cowboy defense would then hold the Falcons to a three and out, allowing the offense to set up kicker John Hoyland for a chip shot field goal to score on their third consecutive drive, as all the momentum was now swinging the way of the Pokes.
The Falcons looked to sputter out once again, but defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole would be called for unsportsmanlike conduct after a big sack on third down, allowing the Falcons to find the end zone to make it 24-19.
The Cowboy offense would keep their momentum, though, as back-up quarterback Kaden Anderson would take the reins on a huge third down after Svoboda’s helmet came off the previous play. Anderson, under pressure, would find Durr Jr. on the huge third down conversion, allowing the Cowboys to eventually find the end zone and make it 31-19, the score in which they’d win the game as the Falcons couldn’t find the steam to come back.
Svoboda would have a huge performance, throwing 15/21 for 165 yards. He’d get things done on the ground as well, rushing for 70 yards and a touchdown. Scott was also instrumental offensively as he had 97 rushing yards with a touchdown.
Durr Jr. had a breakout game, catching three passes for 71 yards. Gyllenborg also performed well, with 4 catches for 70 yards.
The Cowboys enter their first bye week next week and won’t play again till October 12 when they host San Diego State.
