Air Force waits for its postseason date

Air Force still is going to a bowl game.

Honest.

But the Falcons still don't know whether the destination will be Dec. 21 at Las Vegas or Dec. 31 at San Jose. Obviously, they also have no idea who will be their opponent.

The suspense continued through the weekend after Nevada-Las Vegas' comeback 31-24 victory at San Diego State. That improved UNLV's record to 6-5, with one game still to play Saturday at Hawaii.

With the second choice of Mountain West Conference teams, Las Vegas Bowl officials have made it clear UNLV is their first choice if available. If the Rebels lose to Hawaii and fail to achieve bowl status, though, Vegas is obligated to take Air Force.

The opponent in Las Vegas will be an at-large choice, with the possibilities including a Southeastern Conference team (Arkansas, Mississippi State, Louisiana State or Mississippi), Toledo and North Carolina. After the SEC fills out its bowl commitments, two eligible teams should be left over.

Las Vegas likely will postpone its decision until learning the SEC's bowl breakdown, which might not come until Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Silicon Valley Classic organizers also wait. They are committed to a matchup of the Mountain West vs. Western Athletic Conference, with Fresno State the likely WAC representative after its 37-6 victory Saturday over San Jose State.

If UNLV makes it to the Las Vegas Bowl, the San Jose folks definitely - and happily - will take Air Force. The academy would be a natural for the Bay Area, with AFA quarterback Mike Thiessen from nearby Modesto and halfback Scotty McKay from Santa Clara, just north of San Jose.

Air Force

LAS VEGAS BOWL

WHO: At-large vs. MWC No. 2

WHEN: 3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21

TV: ESPN2

SILICON VALLEY CLASSIC

WHO: WAC No. 1 or 2 vs. At-large

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

TV: FOXSN

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