Status of QB Romine unknown

When Arion Worthman appeared at quarterback for Air Force in the fourth quarter after the Falcons had gone ahead 31-14, the assumption was the Falcons were simply getting their backup some needed experience in his varsity debut.

But then Air Force said starting quarterback Nate Romine would not be available for postgame comment because he didn’t finish the game due to injury.

“Nate had got nicked up the series before,” Worthman said. “He kind of gave me a look. Then he gave me another look like, ‘Hey, go warm up.’ So I started warming up and tried checking in on Nate, I really didn’t know what his status was. Then (offensive coordinator Mike) Thiessen was like, ‘You’re in.'”

Air Force lost its starting quarterback to a knee injury three years ago in the opener when Kale Pearson went down. Last year Romine was lost in the second game. So, when the starting quarterback went out Saturday one play after a 6-yard carry there were plenty of questions, but the Falcons provided no answers.

“We chose to put Arion in there,” coach Troy Calhoun said. “We thought we need to get him out there. It was good for him to play. First time he’s ever had any snaps here at Falcon Stadium.”

Sponsorship deal announced

Prior to Saturday’s game, Air Force announced a 10-year deal that will make United Services Automobile Association company the first “premier sponsor” in program history.

It was this sponsorship deal that provided the $1.5 million video board on the northeast side of stadium on the same day that the $2.9 million, 2,500-square-foot screen and sound system made its debut on the south side of Falcon Stadium.

USAA’s name is atop the video board on the north side.

“This was a great way with the scoreboard and sound system to say, ‘Times are changing,'” athletic director Jim Knowlton said.

Next up for the Falcons will be adding in-stadium wi-fi. The hoped-for bigger project of revamping the stadium’s east side – a project estimated to cost $30 million-$40 million – will be scheduled after more fundraising takes place.

Also…

Former Air Force tight end Garrett Griffin, who graduated in May, was cut by the New Orleans Saints on Saturday. Griffin told The Gazette late Saturday he will be assigned to the Saints’ practice squad if he goes unclaimed after 24 hours on the waiver wire. Each NFL team is allowed 10 practice squad positions, with the per-week pay of $6,600 (based on last season) adding up to more than $100K for a full season. . The Associated Press, citing an anonymous source, reported that 11 schools – Air Force, BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Colorado State, Houston, Rice, SMU, South Florida and Tulane – will meet with the Big 12 this week to pitch their cases as the conference considers expansion.