The Air Force Falcons made remarkable history against the Navy Midshipmen Saturday. Both of these teams are known for their triple option offenses and their avoidance of passing, ranking 133rd and 132nd (last and second-last) in passing yards per game heading into this week, with 78.0 and 99.3 per game respectively. But on Saturday, Air Force quarterback Zac Larrier dropped back into his own end zone and hit wide receiver Dane Kinamon for a historic 94-yard passing touchdown:
AIR FORCE GOES THE DISTANCE!
94 yards to give @af_football the lead. 😤 pic.twitter.com/mmb1gVuuKo
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 21, 2023
That was the longest passing play in Air Force football history, and the longest play from scrimmage ever at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. And Larrier, a senior QB for the Falcons (and one who was a game-time decision here after a knee injury), only had 20 career completions on 28 attempts (all this season) for 468 yards and four heading into this game. So this was pretty unexpected and unprecedented.
This was part of what wound up being a strong game overall for the No. 22 Falcons. This touchdown gave them a 7-0 lead in the second quarter, and they increased that lead to 10-0 in the third quarter en route to an eventual 17-6 victory. That improved their record on the season to 7-0. And they did so with 137 rushing yards and 151 passing yards, an unusual ratio for them. Air Force really did take to the air here, and that worked out for the Falcons.
[CBS Sports CFB on Twitter]
About Andrew Bucholtz
Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.