Colorado Springs, CO – The Air Force Falcons kicked off their 2026 football season with a commanding performance at Falcon Stadium, shutting out Duquesne 34-0. The Falcons relied almost entirely on the ground game, attempting only seven passes while racking up an impressive 431 rushing yards.

Rushing dominates the scoreboard

Junior quarterback Liam Szarka led the aerial attack with his legs, scoring two rushing touchdowns and helping the team control the tempo. The Falcons’ offensive line opened up multiple lanes, allowing the ground attack to flourish and keep Duquesne’s defense on the sidelines.

Defensive shutout

Air Force’s defense held Duquesne scoreless for the entire game, forcing turnovers and limiting the Dukes to minimal yardage. The defensive unit’s disciplined play set the tone for a clean sheet and gave the offense ample opportunities to sustain long drives.

Looking ahead

Following the victory, the Falcons turn their focus to Mountain West conference play, with their next home game scheduled against North Dakota State on September 12 at 8 p.m. The upcoming matchup promises another test of the Falcons’ run‑heavy approach as they aim to continue their winning ways.

Fans in Colorado Springs praised the team’s disciplined execution and expressed optimism for the rest of the season. With a strong start on both sides of the ball, the Air Force program looks poised to contend for conference honors.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.