It was a week full of big rivalry games in college football, and Air Force pulled off a big 24-21 victory over Army. Air Force quarterback Evan Medders connected with Simon Kibbee early in the fourth quarter to score the game-winning touchdown.
As Brett McMurphy of On3 noted on X, formerly Twitter, the win means Air Force has claimed the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy for the first time since 2022. It was also their record 22nd CIC Trophy.
After a scoreless first quarter, Air Force struck with two quick scores to start the second quarter. Running back Kemper Hodgers scored a three-yard touchdown to put the Falcons up 10-0. Army hit back with a touchdown of their own, but Medders ran for another score with seconds left in the half to reestablish the Falcons' 10-point lead at the half.
The Black Knights stormed back in the second half with back-to-back touchdowns to take a 21-17 lead. However, the Falcons hit back in the fourth to reclaim the lead and held on for the victory.
Article Continues BelowHodges had 119 yards to lead the Falcons rushing attack that went for 260 yards. Medders threw for 84 yards and rushed for 59 yards as he had a passing and rushing score of his own. On the other side, Godspower Nwawuihe and Bryson Luter paced the Black Knights with 82 and 81 rushing yards, respectively.
At 7-2, the Falcons are still on course to get their first double-digit win season since 2022 under long-time Air Force football coach Troy Calhoun. They have home games left against San Jose State and UTEP before finishing the regular season at New Mexico.