Merrimack vs Air Force Prediction College Football Picks 8/31/24

The Merrimack Warriors and Air Force Falcons meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at Falcon Stadium. Here’s a Merrimack vs Air Force Prediction. This article will include a Merrimack vs Air Force Pick.

Merrimack Warriors Betting Preview

The Merrimack Warriors won 5 games last season and now begin the Mike Gennetti era. Gennetti has been on the Merrimack staff since 2005 and finally gets a crack at head coach for the first time. Malakai Anthony returns at quarterback after throwing for 795 yards and 8 touchdowns, and he has his receiving duo in Donovan Wadley and Jelani Mason that combined for over 700 yards and 5 touchdowns. Brendon Wyatt also gets a chance to shine as the starting running back role after averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a backup last season.

Defensively, DJ Frazier returns after leading Merrimack with 52 tackles, Jay Thompson had 3 sacks and Tre Jordan III had 3 interceptions. Merrimack has solid returning production and could be poised for a bounce-back season. Of course, that’s if you believe in Gennetti becoming a head coach for the first time. Merrimack will meet UConn after this game.

Air Force Falcons Betting Preview

The Air Force Falcons have won 9 or more games in 4 of the last 5 years and enter year 18 under coach Troy Calhoun. Air Force losses 4 offensive line starters from a year ago, which isn’t ideal with the style of offense the Falcons run. Air Force also has to find a new starting quarterback with Zac Larrier no longer around. The good news for this Air Force offense is that a trio of Jared Roznos, Cade Harris and Brandon Engel are back, which combined for more than 600 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.

Defensively, Air Force lost its top-6 tacklers, but Trey Williams returned after 35 tackles, Payton Zdroik had 4.5 sacks and Jamari Bellamy had 1 interception. The Air Force Falcons have a lot of players to replace from last season, and it could lead to many expecting a step back. However, Calhoun has a 61.3 percent winning percentage for his career and has had success with rebuilt teams in the past. Don’t be so quick to write off Air Force despite so much roster turnover. Air Force will face San Jose State following this one.

Why the Air Force Falcons will win

• Air Force has won 20 of its last 21 games against non-conference opponents at Falcon Stadium.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Air Force’s last four games at Falcon Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Air Force ranked T12th among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (3.5).
• Air Force ranked T20th among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.615).

Merrimack vs Air Force Prediction

The Air Force Falcons are obviously the better team and should win, but they’re also rolling out a lot of new faces, and it could take some to get rolling. Air Force has a new offensive line, a new quarterback and lost its top-6 tacklers from a year ago. The Merrimack Warriors are in a good spot offensively and should be able to string together a drive or two. Also, this is just the fourth time since 2017 where Air Force is favored by 28 or more points. Big number for an Air Force team that’s breaking in so many new guys. It’s Merrimack or pass for me.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Merrimack Warriors +28.5