Air Force capitalizes on Ga. Tech miscues

SHREVEPORT, La. – Air Force was struggling to run the ball and failed to convert a few great passing opportunities. Instead of growing frustrated and losing focus, the Falcons kept plugging along.

Air Force cashed in when Georgia Tech muffed a punt in the second half of the Independence Bowl, getting a go-ahead touchdown run from Jared Tew in a 14-7 victory Monday.

“Our discipline really shined in this game,” Falcons defensive tackle Rick Ricketts said.

It was a matchup between the two best rushing teams in the country, but the game was largely decided by special teams.

Backup kicker Zack Bell converted the first two field-goal attempts of his career before Tew’s 3-yard run gave the Falcons (9-4) the lead for good. Air Force’s only touchdown came four plays after Daniel McKayhan’s second muffed punt – the third of four Georgia Tech turnovers – on its 14-yard line.

The Falcons then converted a 2-point conversion on a Jonathan Warzeka run for the final margin

“There’s some poise that these guys have,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said.

Air Force’s Tim Jefferson completed 11 of 23 passes for 117 yards. Bell’s field goals came from 41 and 42 yards.

Tevin Washington rushed for 131 yards and Anthony Allen 91 as Georgia Tech outgained Air Force 320-287, but the Yellow Jackets had three costly fumbles.

Georgia Tech (6-7) came into the game hobbled by injuries, academic casualties and misbehavior.

Even with all those issues, it probably would have won if not for the turnovers. Instead, the Yellow Jackets dropped their sixth consecutive bowl and posted their first losing season in 14 years.

Bell’s 42-yard field goal gave Air Force the lead in the first quarter, but Georgia Tech responded with a 12-play, 69-yard drive capped by Anthony Allen’s 5-yard touchdown run.

Bell’s 41-yard kick as time expired in the second quarter cut Georgia Tech’s lead to 7-6 at halftime.