The CiC, a rematch with the Buff’s and the usual FCS Appetizer
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June has arrived, which means we are a new month closer to the start of the college football season! The Air Force spring camp concluded long before the ground thawed, back in March. Since then, the official release of the 2022 season schedule has dropped, giving plenty of opportunities for Falcon fans to start penciling in projected wins.
For those boldly tallying their record in ink, it’s worth taking a closer look at the out of conference schedule that awaits. This year’s non-conference matchups are pretty familiar foes, with the exception of their FCS matched season opener, by way of the Northern Iowa Panthers.
After their bout with UNI, the real competition comes into frame. Air Force plays Colorado and Navy at home in weeks two and five, before heading to Arlington again to face Army in their ninth game. If you follow SP+, you’ll be pleased to know that these are all expected victories for the Falcons. Oh, if it were only that easy though. Let’s get to know this year’s out of conference foes a little better.
In 2021 (fall season) the Panthers finished 6-6 overall (4-4 Missouri Valley Conference). If you aren’t familiar with FCS landscape, the Missouri Valley Conference is brutally competitive with each of the Dakota’s and Missouri State to name a few. One of their losses was a very respectable 16-10 defeat at Ames, to the Iowa State Cyclones.
In 2022 the Panthers should be plenty competitive again. Of their 17 incoming signees, three of which come from respected FBS ranks (Iowa State, West Virginia and Iowa). That will be building on last years MVC Newcomer of the Year, quarterback Theo Day who returns. Day is a Michigan State transfer, and has made an immediate impact for Northern Iowa.
The Falcons and Panthers have never met previous to 2022. However, the Troy Calhoun led Falcon’s have never lost an an FCS opponent.
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The 2020…