Before closing another page in its history, Air Force would be well-served to coax history into repeating itself.

With four wins against Boise State as Mountain West opponents, the Falcons have been among the most successful teams in the conference against the Broncos.

Counting conference championship games, only Fresno State (5-8) and San Diego State (4-6) own a higher winning percentage against Boise State than Air Force (4-8) since the Broncos joined the Mountain West in 2011. The other eight teams in the conference own a combined six wins against Boise State.

Saturday’s 5 p.m. game at Falcon Stadium marks the final chance, at least as conference opponents, for Air Force to add to the tally.

“They’re a staple in the Mountain West,” said Falcons senior tight end Bruin Fleischmann, a Pocatello, Idaho native who grew up immersed in the blue and orange that dominates the state. “Every year you know what you’re going to get. I think that’s just exactly why teams want to play them and people are excited. They’re a good team. You get your shot at them and I think we can go out and give them a run for their money.”

Air Force has more than held its own in the series, with multiple close losses also dotting the head-to-head history against this Boise State program that owns six conference titles since 2012 and has won 83.7% of its games in the Mountain West.

“Have yet to ever play Air Force and not absolutely get their best,” Broncos coach Spencer Danielson said.

“I can’t say enough good things about Air Force.”

This will mark the final meeting between the teams as Mountain West opponents, as Boise State will join the Pac-12 next season. The programs had never met prior to the Broncos joining the conference in 2011, and given the Falcons’ scheduling restrictions because of their annual games with Army and Navy, there’s no reason to think they would meet again any time soon.

That context adds to what would already be a key game on the schedule.

“I think having them at home too is going to be huge, too. Having our fan base there,” Air Force defensive end Daniel Grobe said. “Just knowing the legends that have come from that school, it’s just a unique opportunity to be able to play them. It’s something I don’t want anybody to take for granted. I think it’s going to a great opportunity, great matchup. Tune in.”

For those on the field, the history of this series won’t hold much meaning as the teams did not meet last year and roster turnovers on both sides mean this will be a new opponent to most involved.

For Air Force, fullback Dylan Carson ran for 132 yards and a touchdown against Boise State in 2023 and slot receiver Cade Harris accumulated 54 yards of total offense in that game, but that accounts for all the experience on offense. Defensively, nose guard Payton Zdroik had tackles for loss against the Broncos in 2022 and 2023, but that also is the whole of Air Force’s first-hand experience on that side of the ball.

Boise State, similarly, has only a smattering of players who have seen action in this series, complicating their preparation.

“I don’t care what scout team you have, it’s not going to be with the speed and physicality Air Force runs,” Danielson said.

The coach did note that he planned to talk to his team about the history of the series as a reminder to “get your mind right.”

Neither side needs a reminder of the stakes, as the loser will fall below .500. For Air Force, a second loss in the conference would leave it facing an uphill climb to have a shot at playing for a Mountain West championship before this configuration of teams disbands. For Boise State, where losing records just don’t happen, it would be an out-of-character opening to a season.

Much rides on the present, even as this series is about to be relegated to a page in history.

“I’m probably going to get some hate for this,” Grobe said when asked if he is aware of Air Force’s ups and downs against Boise State. “But not really.”

That’s probably for the best, given the constant changes in college football. No need to dwell on the past.

MEMORABLE MATCHUPS

Boise State and Air Force have engaged in several meaningful, close games through their years together in the Mountain West.

Oct. 22, 2011 – Boise State 37, Air Force 26

At Boise: The Falcons twice scored in the second half to cut the deficit to a touchdown and forced two turnovers in the red zone, but Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore went 23-of-29 passing en route to his 45^th victory – tying the NCAA record. A key play came when Air Force fumbled on an attempted fake punt and the Broncos returned it for a touchdown.

Sept. 27, 2014 – Air Force 28, Boise State 14

At Air Force: Sophomore safety Weston Steelhammer intercepted three passes and Air Force earned perhaps the most pivotal victory in the Troy Calhoun era. The team was coming off consecutive losing seasons, including a 2-10 mark in 2013, and used the victory as a springboard to 10-win season.

Nov. 20, 2015: Air Force 37, Boise State 30

At Boise: The Falcons clinched a spot in their only Mountain West championship game by prevailing in a shootout on the blue turf. Air Force piled up 607 yards of total offense (328 on the ground, 279 through the air from quarterback Karson Roberts), helping it overcome four turnovers.

Nov. 25, 2016: Air Force 27, No. 19 Boise State 20

At Air Force: A late goal-line stand and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown propelled Air Force to its third consecutive victory in the series and kept Boise State out of the Mountain West championship game.

Sept. 20, 2019 – No. 20 Boise State 30, Air Force 19

At Boise: In a year the teams went a combined 23-4, the game was tied at halftime and remained tight at the end of the third quarter when Air Force attempted a 4^th and 2 near midfield and was stuffed. Boise State capitalized and gained separation.

Oct. 16, 2021: Air Force 24, Boise State 17

At Boise: Tre Bugg III intercepted a pass from Hank Bachmeier in the final minute after Boise State had recovered an onside kick, preserving the victory for a Falcons team that would go on to win 10 games.

Nov. 24, 2023 – Boise State 27, Air Force 19

At Boise: The winner of this regular-season finale would earn a spot in the Mountain West championship game. Boise State, behind 225 total yards from Ashton Jeanty, built an early 14-point lead before holding off the Falcons when they closed to within 24-19 in the second half. It was the fourth consecutive loss for Air Force after an 8-0 start.

Before closing another page in its history, Air Force would be well-served to coax history into repeating itself.

With four wins against Boise State as Mountain West opponents, the Falcons have been among the most successful teams in the conference against the Broncos.

Counting conference championship games, only Fresno State (5-8) and San Diego State (4-6) own a higher winning percentage against Boise State than Air Force (4-8) since the Broncos joined the Mountain West in 2011. The other eight teams in the conference own a combined six wins against Boise State.

Saturday’s 5 p.m. game at Falcon Stadium marks the final chance, at least as conference opponents, for Air Force to add to the tally.

“They’re a staple in the Mountain West,” said Falcons senior tight end Bruin Fleischmann, a Pocatello, Idaho native who grew up immersed in the blue and orange that dominates the state. “Every year you know what you’re going to get. I think that’s just exactly why teams want to play them and people are excited. They’re a good team. You get your shot at them and I think we can go out and give them a run for their money.”

Air Force has more than held its own in the series, with multiple close losses also dotting the head-to-head history against this Boise State program that owns six conference titles since 2012 and has won 83.7% of its games in the Mountain West.

“Have yet to ever play Air Force and not absolutely get their best,” Broncos coach Spencer Danielson said.

“I can’t say enough good things about Air Force.”

This will mark the final meeting between the teams as Mountain West opponents, as Boise State will join the Pac-12 next season. The programs had never met prior to the Broncos joining the conference in 2011, and given the Falcons’ scheduling restrictions because of their annual games with Army and Navy, there’s no reason to think they would meet again any time soon.

That context adds to what would already be a key game on the schedule.

“I think having them at home too is going to be huge, too. Having our fan base there,” Air Force defensive end Daniel Grobe said. “Just knowing the legends that have come from that school, it’s just a unique opportunity to be able to play them. It’s something I don’t want anybody to take for granted. I think it’s going to a great opportunity, great matchup. Tune in.”

For those on the field, the history of this series won’t hold much meaning as the teams did not meet last year and roster turnovers on both sides mean this will be a new opponent to most involved.

For Air Force, fullback Dylan Carson ran for 132 yards and a touchdown against Boise State in 2023 and slot receiver Cade Harris accumulated 54 yards of total offense in that game, but that accounts for all the experience on offense. Defensively, nose guard Payton Zdroik had tackles for loss against the Broncos in 2022 and 2023, but that also is the whole of Air Force’s first-hand experience on that side of the ball.

Boise State, similarly, has only a smattering of players who have seen action in this series, complicating their preparation.

“I don’t care what scout team you have, it’s not going to be with the speed and physicality Air Force runs,” Danielson said.

The coach did note that he planned to talk to his team about the history of the series as a reminder to “get your mind right.”

Neither side needs a reminder of the stakes, as the loser will fall below .500. For Air Force, a second loss in the conference would leave it facing an uphill climb to have a shot at playing for a Mountain West championship before this configuration of teams disbands. For Boise State, where losing records just don’t happen, it would be an out-of-character opening to a season.

Much rides on the present, even as this series is about to be relegated to a page in history.

“I’m probably going to get some hate for this,” Grobe said when asked if he is aware of Air Force’s ups and downs against Boise State. “But not really.”

That’s probably for the best, given the constant changes in college football. No need to dwell on the past.

MEMORABLE MATCHUPS

Boise State and Air Force have engaged in several meaningful, close games through their years together in the Mountain West.

Oct. 22, 2011 – Boise State 37, Air Force 26

At Boise: The Falcons twice scored in the second half to cut the deficit to a touchdown and forced two turnovers in the red zone, but Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore went 23-of-29 passing en route to his 45^th victory – tying the NCAA record. A key play came when Air Force fumbled on an attempted fake punt and the Broncos returned it for a touchdown.

Sept. 27, 2014 – Air Force 28, Boise State 14

At Air Force: Sophomore safety Weston Steelhammer intercepted three passes and Air Force earned perhaps the most pivotal victory in the Troy Calhoun era. The team was coming off consecutive losing seasons, including a 2-10 mark in 2013, and used the victory as a springboard to 10-win season.

Nov. 20, 2015: Air Force 37, Boise State 30

At Boise: The Falcons clinched a spot in their only Mountain West championship game by prevailing in a shootout on the blue turf. Air Force piled up 607 yards of total offense (328 on the ground, 279 through the air from quarterback Karson Roberts), helping it overcome four turnovers.

Nov. 25, 2016: Air Force 27, No. 19 Boise State 20

At Air Force: A late goal-line stand and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown propelled Air Force to its third consecutive victory in the series and kept Boise State out of the Mountain West championship game.

Sept. 20, 2019 – No. 20 Boise State 30, Air Force 19

At Boise: In a year the teams went a combined 23-4, the game was tied at halftime and remained tight at the end of the third quarter when Air Force attempted a 4^th and 2 near midfield and was stuffed. Boise State capitalized and gained separation.

Oct. 16, 2021: Air Force 24, Boise State 17

At Boise: Tre Bugg III intercepted a pass from Hank Bachmeier in the final minute after Boise State had recovered an onside kick, preserving the victory for a Falcons team that would go on to win 10 games.

Nov. 24, 2023 – Boise State 27, Air Force 19

At Boise: The winner of this regular-season finale would earn a spot in the Mountain West championship game. Boise State, behind 225 total yards from Ashton Jeanty, built an early 14-point lead before holding off the Falcons when they closed to within 24-19 in the second half. It was the fourth consecutive loss for Air Force after an 8-0 start.