The 1973 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy as an independent during the 1973 NCAA Division I football season. Led by 16th-year head coach Ben Martin, the Falcons compiled a record of 6âÂÂ4 for the third consecutive season and were outscored by their opponents 239âÂÂ223. Air Force played their home games at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Penn State defeated Air Force 19âÂÂ9 on October 6, 1973, in a regionally televised game at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs. The Nittany Lions were held scoreless for more than a quarter by a quick and physical Air Force defense, which took an early 3âÂÂ0 lead on Gary LawsonâÂÂs 44-yard field goal. Penn State broke through midway through the second quarter when quarterback Tom Shuman connected with Gary Hayman on a 38-yard touchdown pass.
Only 34 seconds later, following an Air Force fumble, John Cappelletti scored on a four-yard run to extend the lead. Cappelletti added his second touchdown early in the third quarter on an eight-yard run after Penn State marched 80 yards in seven plays following an end-zone interception by defensive back Jim Bradley. Air Force did not score again until the final period, when Rich Haynie threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Billy Berry.
Cappelletti rushed for a then career-high 184 yards and two touchdowns, leading Penn State to its fourth straight victory and improving the Nittany Lions to 4âÂÂ0 on the season.