Arizona Bowl, South Alabama vs Air Force: Highlights, score and recap
Take a look at the highlights, final score and more from Friday evening’s Arizona Bowl between South Alabama and Air Force.
South Alabama opened the 2016 season with one of the best upsets of the year, beating Mississippi State on the road. The Jaguars weren’t quite the same after that, as the expectations from that point on were a little unrealistic and they finished eighth in the Sun Belt with a 6-6 overall record.
Facing the potent rushing attack of Air Force on Friday evening, the Jaguars looked to make a name for themselves. However, the Falcons posed a serious problem for the 98th-ranked rushing defense. They have averaged over 300 yards per game on the season.
The Jaguars got off to a quick start, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter and taking a 14-3 lead. It was looking like it’d be all South Alabama through the first 20 minutes as the Jaguars added another touchdown on a Dallas Davis run and the sophomore was having a big game.
Air Force stormed back, scoring 42 straight points and just wearing down the Jaguars’ defense. The Falcons’ rushing attack was doing damage and the second half was all theirs. Air Force was owning the trenches and it was clear who the stronger team was.
All the Falcons had to do in the fourth was run out the clock, winning big.
Highlights
Replay: Fumble recovery by Grant Ross forced by Weston Steelhammer #novaAZBOWL pic.twitter.com/jXMqKolrwB
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) December 30, 2016
Touchdown Replay: Ronald Cleveland receives the pitch for a 14-yard rushing TD! #LetsFly #novaAZBOWL pic.twitter.com/gsVHZ3Th8F
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) December 30, 2016
Touchdown Replay: Jacobi Owens Punches It In! Falcons tied 21-21 at halftime #novaAZBOWL pic.twitter.com/D2EbhCr4YK
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) December 31, 2016
Touchdown Replay: Worthman to Robinette for the lead! #novaAZBOWL pic.twitter.com/gsgFIlPyab
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) December 31, 2016
Touchdown Replay: Tyler Williams sweeps left for the six-yard TD rush! #novaAZBOWL #LetsFly pic.twitter.com/eXTaOh0Wen
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) December 31, 2016
Interception Replay: Weston Steelhammer's 18th career interception! #novaAZBOWL pic.twitter.com/V4MF6xCWcI
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) December 31, 2016
Touchdown Replay: Jacobi Owens posts a 22-yard rushing TD! Falcons lead 45-21 with 9:12 left to play #novaAZBOWL #LetsFly pic.twitter.com/oyqkBPsHk7
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) December 31, 2016
Three Stars
Arion Worthman had a big game despite not getting a chance to air it out much for the Falcons. He completed 7-of-10 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 71 yards on 21 carries.
South Alabama’s Josh Magee had his second straight 100-yard game, catching five passes for 154 yards and a touchdown.
My third star is going to be a bit of a surprise. Senior wide out Jalen Robinette doesn’t get much of a chance to prove himself in Air Force’s offense, but he made the most of his chances, catching two passes for 124 yards and a score.
Next: 20 Greatest College Running Backs In The Modern Era
Next Season
South Alabama will open the 2017 season with a tough road game against another SEC opponent, Ole Miss. Air Force will have to wait to find out its first couple of non-conference games, but Michigan is on tap for the third week of the season in Ann Arbor. That will be a good test for the Falcons.