Air Force hands CSU their last Mountain West loss 42-21.

It’s no secret, 2025 has been a long season for D1 Colorado football programs. With just one win over an FBS team on the year, Colorado State took one last beating in Mountain West Conference play, before heading off to the Pac-12. In the final battle for the Ram-Falcon Trophy, Air Force took out some 2025 frustrations of their own, out on their lesser rivals from in state, putting up 42 points on a reeling Rams squad. Let’s be honest, the Rams bags had been packed for their Conference departure for a few weeks now, the Falcons just provided the transportation.

Troy Calhoun’s squad resembled the dynamic offense from earlier in the season, taking advantage of a struggling Colorado State team. They didn’t quite roll up 500 yards of offense like they had been, but with over 300 yards on the ground, and some big pass plays, the Falcon offense was clicking. A majority of this offensive production came under the command of Josh Johnson, but Kemper Hodges did plenty damage as well. Something neither quarterback was able to accomplish in relief of the injured Liam Szarka last week against New Mexico. Pair the quarterback output with relentless gashing of Owen Allen on the ground, and you can see why this team could be problematic next year with all of them returning. One of the brightest spots on the team this year has been tight end Bruin Fleischmann, who snagged touchdown catches five and six on the year. His first of the game for over 50 yards before reaching the end zone.

The defense relented over 300 yards through the air, but surrendered just 12 rush yards to the Rams. Significant improvement was made by this group as the year wore on. And while the departure of Payton Zdroik will leave a gaping hold on the defense, the compliment of pieces that are returning should help ease the pain.

Better days, they are ahead for both of these programs. The Rams just inked their head coach to lead them into a new era of Ram football, Jim Mora. Coming off of a two-win campaign, Mora has his work cut out for him, but his is a guy well qualified to do so. While Air Force closed out a season that left them just short of victory more times than they’ll want to recall, beating an in state rival is always a big deal. With a lot of underclassmen at critical positions, the Falcons are poised for a bounce back season, provided they are able to retain a roster that is full of what are now highly experienced sophomores and freshman.