Opening Drive Success Doesn’t Extend as Falcons Rush for 400-Plus
By John Painter
(Colorado Springs, Colo. – Aug. 31, 2013) Colgate’s foray into the world of FBS football got off to a flying start here Saturday.
The Raiders scored early but not often enough and dropped a 38-13 decision to Air Force of the Mountain West Conference before 32,095 in the season opener for both teams.
Colgate marched 86 yards in 13 plays on its very first drive, with Gavin McCarney lofting a pass to Kevin O’Connell for a 15-yard touchdown and 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. The Raiders held that margin into the second period before the host Falcons began to turn the tables.
Air Force scored three second-quarter touchdowns and added two more after the break – all on the ground while piling up 409 rushing yards. That number topped the 315 Albany compiled last season against Colgate, as well as the 377 by Furman in 2010 and the 386 by Villanova to end the 2008 season among the more recent statistical outcomes.
Air Force finished with 481 yards of total offense to Colgate’s 300. The Raiders were able to control the ball for nearly 33 minutes to 27 for the host Falcons.
McCarney finished with modest numbers, completing 14-of-27 passes for 143 yards passing and also rushing 10 times for 35 yards. Sophomore John Wilkins made his first start at tailback and gained 90 yards on 23 tries. He scored his first career touchdown with a 1-yard plunge in the final minute.
Senior Dan Cason caught six passes for 60 yards and O’Connell added five for 60 and his TD to lead the receivers.
Defensively, Colgate’s top tackler was Kris Kent with 10 and Jake Kern and Vinny Russo with eight apiece. Starting defensive tackle Victor Steffen posted the game’s only sack for a loss of 18 yards.
Colgate plays its home opener next Saturday in a 6 p.m. kickoff against Albany (0-1).