What Is 2013 Air Force Falcons football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Air Force Falcons football team represented the U.S. Air Force Academy during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 6–6 record under head coach Troy Calhoun and qualifying for a bowl game via a waiver after a 5–7 team was selected.

Key Facts

The 2013 Air Force Falcons finished the season with a 6–6 overall record
They played in the Mountain West Conference and had a 5–3 conference record
Head coach Troy Calhoun led the team in his seventh season at the helm
The Falcons were selected to the 2013 Armed Forces Bowl despite being 5–7 due to a NCAA waiver
They defeated the University of Houston 47–20 in the Armed Forces Bowl on December 28, 2013

Overview

The 2013 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference, the team was led by head coach Troy Calhoun in his seventh year as head coach. Despite a 6–6 regular season record, the Falcons were selected for postseason play due to a special NCAA waiver.

The team played its home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a venue known for its high altitude and passionate cadet fan base. The Falcons ran their signature triple-option offense, a hallmark of Air Force football for decades, which emphasized ball control and disciplined execution. Their season included notable wins and tough losses, ultimately culminating in a decisive bowl victory.

Record: The Falcons finished the regular season with a 6–6 overall record and a 5–3 mark in Mountain West Conference play, placing second in the division.
Bowl Eligibility: Despite not meeting the usual 6–6 threshold due to a 5–7 record before a forfeit win, the NCAA granted a waiver allowing Air Force to play in a bowl game.
Armed Forces Bowl: On December 28, 2013, the Falcons defeated the Houston Cougars 47–20 in the Armed Forces Bowl held in Fort Worth, Texas.
Key Player: Senior quarterback Kaleth Otto led the offense, throwing for 1,200 yards and rushing for over 500 yards during the season.
Defensive Performance: The defense recorded 24 takeaways on the year, including 14 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries, helping secure crucial stops.

Season Performance and Game Results

The 2013 campaign featured a mix of dominant performances and narrow defeats, showcasing the resilience of a service academy team balancing academics and athletics. Air Force’s triple-option attack consistently controlled the clock, often holding possession for over 35 minutes per game.

Opening Game: The Falcons opened the season with a 38–35 win over Colorado on August 29, 2013, marking a strong start to the year.
Conference Challenge: A 42–14 loss to San Diego State on October 12 exposed defensive vulnerabilities against stronger Mountain West opponents.
Key Victory: A 23–21 win over Utah State on November 9 kept Air Force bowl-eligible and highlighted their ability to win close games.
Offensive Stats: The team averaged 27.6 points per game and rushed for 248.7 yards per game, ranking among the national leaders in ground attack.
Special Teams: Placekicker Travis Paulmeier converted 12 of 15 field goal attempts, providing reliable scoring in tight contests.
Season Finale: The regular season concluded with a 31–28 loss to Colorado State on November 29, leaving the Falcons at 5–7 before a forfeit win adjusted their record.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Air Force Falcons compared to other service academy teams and select Mountain West opponents:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Points Per Game
Air Force Falcons	6–7 (6–6 + forfeit)	5–3	W, 47–20 vs. Houston	27.6
Army Black Knights	3–9	N/A (Independent)	No bowl	19.8
Navy Midshipmen	8–5	N/A (Independent)	W, 24–10 vs. Duke	30.5
San Diego State	8–5	5–3	L, 42–7 vs. Central Michigan	29.7
Boise State	24–10	7–1	W, 24–14 vs. Sun Devils	31.2

This comparison shows that while Air Force didn’t dominate the conference standings, their bowl performance was one of the most decisive of the year among service academies. Their rushing attack remained elite, and the Armed Forces Bowl win provided a strong finish to a season that initially seemed unlikely to end in postseason play.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was significant not only for its on-field results but also for the precedent it set in NCAA postseason eligibility. The Falcons' selection despite a 5–7 record highlighted the unique considerations given to service academies with strong academic and military commitments.

NCAA Waiver: The NCAA granted a waiver due to extraordinary circumstances, including a forfeit win over San Jose State, allowing Air Force to qualify.
Service Academy Representation: The selection reinforced the importance of including military academies in postseason opportunities despite scheduling challenges.
Bowl Prestige: Winning the Armed Forces Bowl by 27 points boosted Air Force’s national profile and morale within the academy.
Player Development: Several players earned All-Mountain West honors, including linebacker Jordan Wynn and offensive lineman Alex Kline.
Recruiting Impact: A successful bowl win helped attract future cadet-athletes interested in competitive football and military service.
Historical Context: This season marked the third consecutive bowl appearance for Air Force, continuing a period of sustained competitiveness under Calhoun.

The 2013 Air Force Falcons season exemplified resilience, discipline, and the unique challenges and triumphs of collegiate military service athletics. Their story remains a notable chapter in both NCAA and service academy football history.