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2022 will be the 20th edition of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. With their Armed Forces Bowl invitation, Air Force will now have the most appearances with six. This will be Baylor’s first appearance in this bowl and the second time a Big 12 team is playing; Kansas played in the third Armed Forces Bowl in 2005.
When: Thursday, December 22nd @ 7:30 PM ET
Where: Fort Worth, Texas
Who: Baylor vs. Air Force
Spread & Total: Baylor -3.5; O/U 43.5
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Tale of the Tape: Baylor Bears
Baylor is coming off their best season in school history, a 12-2 record in 2021 closed with a Big 12 Championship and Cotton Bowl victory over Ole Miss. That team was a top-15 defensive team. This year’s team is middle of the road defensively, but gets the job done on offense. A running back by committee, led by freshman running back in Richard Reese, has Baylor tied with Air Force for 8th most rushing touchdowns.
Transfer Portal Departures:
QB Kyron Drones (backup to starter Blake Shapen)
IOL Micah Mazzccua
S Devin Neal (41 tackles, two interceptions)
Players to Know: RB Richard Reese
Named to All-MAC Second Team; 121 total tackles was tied 9th nationally. Helped lead the RedHawks to finish as the MAC conference leaders in total points allowed (22.5 PPG) and rush defense (135 YPG).
DL Siaki Ika
Named to the Associated Press All-Big 12 First Team and finalist for Polynesian Football Player of the Year. 24 tackles (two for loss), five quarterback hurries and two
Tale of the Tape: Air Force Falcons
To no one’s surprise, Air Force has the most lopsided offense in favor of the run. Air Force has just 92 pass attempts to 723 rush attempts. Defensively, while they have not played the schedule like Georgia, Air Force ranks atop the country. They allow the fewest yards per game (256.5 YPG) and tied for the fewest passing touchdowns allowed. They allowed over 20 points only once, a 34-27 loss to Utah State.
Transfer Portal Departures: N/A
Player to Know: RB Brad Roberts
Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year. 308 rushing attempts ranked second nationally. Ranked third with 1,612 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns ranked tied for 11th.
LB Vince Sanford
Second Team All-Mountain West. 50 tackles ranked fourth on the team. 5.5 sacks led the team. Also had two pass breakups.
Bowl Game Trends:
- This is the Air Force’s sixth appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl (1-4)
- Power Five conferences are 4-2 in the Armed Forces Bowl (Pittsburgh lost by one in 2014; Missouri lost by two last year)
Game Synopsis:
The triple option is always tough to prepare for, and Troy Calhoun has done well in his run in Air Force bowl games. Now a cold front is coming in, with temperatures in the teens at kickoff and howling winds. This will play into both team’s strength on offense: the ground game. I think the triple option wins out in this scenario, and Air Force pulls the upset.
Bowl Mania Pick To Win: Air Force
Bowl Mania Confidence: 5/43
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