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Air Force coach sees virtue of perhaps going it alone

Calhoun mulls no conference tie-in; Mueh says no way

Jim Benton, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 31, 2007 at midnight

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AIR FORCE ACADEMY - Air Force football coach Troy Calhoun suggested Tuesday the Falcons should consider the options of being a member of the Mountain West Conference compared with being a football independent.

"It's something we have to take a look at," Calhoun said.

"I think service academies are a little bit unique when it comes to a vision for our football program, when it comes to scheduling, when it comes to securing bowl berths prior to a season, when it comes to being able to pinpoint byes at certain place throughout the year.

"Now do I love being in a league? Absolutely. We're fortunate because you look at the Mountain West Conference, you get a chance to play against some very talented football teams that are extremely well-coached."

Air Force, Army and Navy had a five-year agreement with the Liberty Bowl to send the Commander-in-Chief's winner to the game.

After Air Force participated in the bowl for the first four years, the Liberty Bowl opted out of the deal.

Athletic director Hans Mueh said the Falcons are not pursuing leaving the Mountain West.

"We have no intent of interest in leaving the Mountain West Conference," he said. "It's been a great association for us and given us opportunities we would never have had without being a member. The benefits from being in the conference go beyond just athletics.

"I think coach Troy Calhoun's comments come out of concern for his team being bowl eligible and the possibility of not having an opportunity to participate in a postseason bowl game.

"He is so passionate about this program and its players that he wants what is best for them. It's that passion and commitment that attracted us to him."

The Mountain West has agreements with four bowl games.

Navy has an agreement with the San Diego Poinsettia Bowl, and if the Midshipmen become bowl eligible, it would eliminate Air Force because the bowl doesn't want teams who played against each other during the regular season.

The Las Vegas Bowl has the first choice of a Mountain West team and Brigham Young probably will be headed to that bowl.

The New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque probably will opt for the hometown Lobos, leaving only the Armed Forces Bowl, which is in Fort Worth, Texas.

That makes Texas Christian a logical choice to play in that bowl if the Horned Frogs become eligible.

"I just think there are ways that you have to be able to operate that can help you in the long term," Calhoun said.

"It's something that we need to look at thoroughly. I think we have some appeal nationally. You don't want us to be the great insurance card.

"You've got aces showing across the table and you are asking about insurance."