COLORADO SPRINGS — "We haven't been able to win it since we've been here, have the opportunity to do it this Saturday," Falcons senior offensive lineman Nicholas Noyen said.
It has evaded their grasp for the past three seasons, however Air Force feels they've got a good grip on the Commander-in-Chief's trophy in 2020.
"I'm just really excited to get out there and get after them," Falcons junior defensive back Corvan Taylor said. "Obviously the chance to win the CIC is one of our biggest goals every year and we didn't know if we'd get the opportunity this year, really excited to get out there and compete."
In what seems like a lifetime ago, the 3-2 Falcons rolled past Navy 40-7 in their season opener. Now it's on to West Point and a showdown with the 8-2 Black Knights.
"Now that it's back on the schedule and Saturday is getting closer, you start to get the butterflies and you try and enjoy it while you still can," Noyen said.
Last year, the Academy snapped a two-game skid with a 17-13 last stand win at Falcon Stadium. Following a rescheduling due to COVID-19, which drew the ire of Army head coach Jeff Monken, these teams will both look to finish the most unusual of seasons on a high note.
"The soul and the fight and the unselfishness, and their ability to make a commitment through the ups and the downs," Falcons head coach Troy Calhoun said.
"I do see it and we're locked in on Air Force this year, we don't talk we let our play do the talking and just need to stay locked in on what we're doing here," Taylor said.
It's hasn't been an easy stretch for the 2020 Falcons team which has dealt with everything from losing their star quarterback to a defense ravaged by "turnbacks". However, with a win Saturday, they could certainly make it a campaign to remember.
"When it comes to the CIC when you step on campus day 1 for basic training and all the football players are working towards that goal," Noyen said. "Looking forward to getting the job done and bringing it back home with us."
Kickoff for the 49th edition between the service academy rivals is set for 1 p.m. at Michie Stadium.
