Three questions for Troy Calhoun

1 What is the strength of your team?

"I think probably the lines. In the offensive line, we have three guys that played a lot for us. And then the defensive line. Those are definitely our strengths."

2 How would you rate your schedule?

"It's a tough schedule, very tough, but it's one that I like. I want to make sure we're playing at least six bowl teams every year. I want to play a stern, demanding schedule. I want to give our kids a chance to get on their feet (in the first game), but we play a remarkable challenging schedule. For a service academy, it's unbelievable."

3 What would you consider a successful season?

"You have to make that call. We have eight returning starters and we're playing six teams that played in bowl games last year. Ouch."

Preseason report card

* RUSHING OFFENSE: The top six rushers from 2007 have graduated, so the Falcons backfield will be inexperienced. Savier Stephens, who rushed for 148 yards in nine games, is the top returning back. There is good news, though. The offensive line, led by preseason all-Mountain West Conference guard Nick Charles, has a lot of game experience, and a good rushing attack starts up front with the Falcons' sharp zone-blocking abilities. Don't be surprised if the Falcons win yet another conference rushing title. Grade: B-minus

* PASSING OFFENSE: Shea Smith and Eric Herbort, the top two quarterbacks on the preseason depth chart, have completed a combined four varsity passes (all by Smith). Tight end Travis Dekker, the top returning receiver, fractured his ankle and will miss part of the season, leaving it to wide receivers Sean Quintana and Spencer Armstrong to fill the void. Grade: Incomplete

* RUSHING DEFENSE: Defensive linemen Jake Paulson, Ben Garland and Ryan Kemp, along with linebacker Hunter Altman, are well-schooled in how to stop the run. The Falcons need to continue their improvement in rush defense. Grade: C

* PASSING DEFENSE: Air Force had 28 takeaways last season, including 15 interceptions. But 14 of those interceptions were made by players who have graduated. Junior strong safety Chris Thomas, who led the team with 10 pass breakups last season to go along with one interception, anchors an inexperienced secondary. Senior free safety Aaron Kirchoff had three pass breakups. Grade: C

* SPECIAL TEAMS: Ryan Harrison returns as the placekicker and punter. He set a school record in 2007 with 19 field goals, averaged 42.9 yards on punts and led the MWC in touchbacks on kickoffs, with 32. The Falcons need to find return specialists. Grade: B

Depth chart

OFFENSE

Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment

QB Shea Smith (Eric Herbort) | Both will see playing time early.

TB Kyle Lumpkin (Savier Stephens) | Backs are young and inexperienced.

FB Todd Newell (Jared ) | Newell has potential to be very good.

WR-Z Kyle Halderman (Reggie Rembert) | Tough job in replacing Chad Hall.

WR-X Spencer Armstrong (Kevin Fogler) | Armstrong could be a deep threat.

TE Keith Madsen (Sean Quintana ) | Injuries have hobbled this position.

LT Keith Williams (Ryan Gonzales) | Expectations high for Williams.

LG Nick Charles (Tyler Shonsheck) | Charles is preseason All-MWC.

C Andrew Pipes (Michael Hampton) | Pipes ready to be full-time starter.

RG Peter Lusk (A.J. Wallerstein ) | Lusk got valuable experience in 2007.

RT Chris Campbell (Ben Marshall) | Campbell solid as sophomore.

PK Ryan Harrison (Zack Bell) | Harrison set AFA record with 19 FGs.

DEFENSE

Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment

LE Jake Paulson (Myles Morales) | Paulson started five games in 2007.

NG Ben Garland (Rick Ricketts) | Garland moved inside from DE.

RE Ryan Kemp (Chase Darden) | Kemp is a preseason all-MWC pick.

OLB Andre Morris (Caleb Konemann ) | Morris flashed potential last season.

ILB Brandon Reeves (Justin Moore) | Reeves gets his opportunity to start.

ILB Ken Lamendola (Clay Bryant) | Lamendola is a young standout.

OLB Hunter Altman (Will Keuchler) | Altman is leader among LBs.

CB Brenton Byrd-Fulbright (Anthony Wright) | Byrd-Fulbright is converted tailback.

CB Reggie Rembert (Kevin Rivers) | Rembert showed potential as freshman.

SS Chris Thomas (Stephan Atrice) | Thomas was second-leading tackler.

FS Aaron Kirchoff (Luke Yeager ) | Kirchoff gained game experience.

P Ryan Harrison (Brandon Geyer) | Harrison averaged 42.9 yards a punt.

Outlook

6-6 The Falcons almost always have fielded overachieving teams. If that's the case this season, a break-even season or better would deserve a salute.