The name of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl takes us back to a simpler time when Army and Navy were among the giants of college football. Of course, we don’t live in that time anymore. Instead, we’ve got a bowl system that’s so broken that even the president-elect is willing to say that it sucks. Still, until someone devises a workable playoff system and gets the powers that be to accept them (which probably won’t be next week), we have our college bowls. The one here this year will pit the University of Houston against the United States Air Force Academy in a matchup of contrasting offensive styles.
Local fans will remember that Air Force visited Amon Carter Stadium in November and endured a 44-10 spanking at the hands of the Horned Frogs. They’re hoping to leave Fort Worth with happier memories this time. Houston is nursing some grievances of its own: The team lost to Air Force at home in September, and they’ll be looking to avenge that defeat. (They’ll also be seeking the school’s first bowl victory in 29 years.) Strangely enough, Air Force should attack mostly on the ground – they gained more than 3,000 rushing yards this season, as opposed to less than 1,000 with their passing game. Meanwhile, the Cougars have been terrible defending against the run this year, but their passing offense put up almost 5,000 yards. It sounds like a recipe for a ton of points.
The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl kicks off at 11am Wed at Amon Carter Stadium, 2950 Stadium Dr, FW. Tickets are $20-50. Call 817-810-0012.
Air Force and Houston meet again in the Armed Forces Bowl.
