Where good news shines

Air Force football’s 8-0 start is turning heads — and hauling in awards nominations.

Tuesday, Falcons safety Trey Taylor was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back, and quarterback Zac Larrier was named a candidate to win the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback.

Taylor is second on the team in tackles with 56, trailing Alec Mock, who has 59. Taylor tied a season-high with 10 tackles in wins over Wyoming and Colorado State. The senior was named Mountain West defensive player of the week for his efforts against the Cowboys.

Also a senior, Larrier is second on the team in rushing with 533 yards and five touchdowns on 111 carries. He’s completed 28-of-40 passes for 651 yards and six touchdowns. Larrier set a program record with a 94-yard touchdown pass to Dane Kinamon at Navy. He was named Mountain West offensive player of the week in Air Force’s 49-10 win over San Diego State.

No. 17 Air Force meets Army at Empower Field at Mile High at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets starting at $49 are available through Ticketmaster.

(“Colorado Sunshine” celebrates the good news in sports. Suggestions encouraged through Denver Gazette sports editor Paul Klee at [email protected].)