Air Force out to snap losing streak at BYU

Originally Published: September 24, 2003

By Ed Graney | Special to ESPN.com

The numbers are telling: Air Force hasn't won at BYU since 1982, a streak of seven Cougar home victories. "Maybe it's something in the water down there," said Falcons coach Fisher DeBerry. "We haven't had much luck in Provo, but neither have a lot of teams. This is obviously an important game for both teams. After it, one will still be in first place and the other will be moving down."

Air Force also began last season 4-0, but DeBerry senses this year's team can better handle such early success. "This is a more mature team," he said. "Last year at this time, the players were having fun and giggling and just felt fortunate to have gotten off to such a start. But now, we've battled back in some games and have a better knowledge of what we're doing. But I still don't think you really find out about a team until after five or six games."

Don't tell DeBerry about BYU's offensive woes this season. He has never felt that part of the program set the Cougars apart, anyway. "I have always thought their defense and kicking game helped make them so successful over the years," said DeBerry. "BYU has had great quarterbacks and receivers, but the other two phases really made them such a strong program."

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