ARMED FORCES BOWL – Air Force vs. Houston

3 THINGS TO WATCH

1. HOUSTON QB CASE KEENUM

How good was the Cougars’ signal-caller this year? Well, the Houston sports information department created a Web page devoted to promoting his Heisman Trophy candidacy ( www.acasefortheheisman.com ). In 13 games this season, Keenum has put up numbers that would seem implausible even in a video game. He completed a staggering 71 percent of his passes (468-of-659) and led the nation with 5,449 passing yards and 43 touchdowns (against just nine interceptions). Keenum was a finalist for three major awards – the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, The Manning Award and the Walter Camp Football Foundation National Player of the Year.

2. TIME OF POSSESSION

It might be impossible to stop Keenum, as his worst days statistically would be career days for some quarterbacks. (He threw for a season-low 233 yards against SMU, but he was efficient, completing 25-of-36 passes with one touchdown and no interceptions in a 38-15 victory). But Air Force can slow Keenum by controlling time of possession and limiting his chances. Air Force should be able to run the ball on Houston, as the Cougars rank 112th out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in rushing defense. So if Air Force can move the chains methodically and shorten the game, its defense will have to spend less time on the field.

Source: Colorado Springs Gazette