Air Force enters as the clear favorite — ranked #40 nationally in overall efficiency vs. #60 for Mercyhurst.
Offensively, Air Force has the upper hand (OE #29 vs. #61).
Defensively, Air Force has the advantage (DE #42 vs. #59).
Schedule context: Mercyhurst has faced tougher competition (SOS #13) than Air Force (SOS #41).
Air Force's record has been bolstered by good fortune — their underlying efficiency ranks #40 nationally.