AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Air Force was driving for an apparent tying field goal or winning touchdown against Army in November when disaster struck.

The Falcons fumbled.

Army won the game.

It was another case in which turnovers by the offense and the lack of takeaways by the defense crippled Air Force's ability to pull out victories.

So it's not surprising that during many of the Falcons' practices this year, players are chanting "TNT" (turnovers and takeaways).

Air Force fumbled 28 times last season, lost 14 and finished minus-7 in turnover margin.

"If you look back to last year, we lost several games because we couldn't take care of the ball, we couldn't hold onto it," backup fullback Scott Peeples said. "So it is an emphasis."

Air Force's halfbacks, under the direction of coach Jamal Singleton, are using the "Tiki Tuck" that is named after New York Giants running back Tiki Barber.

All the halfbacks are carrying the ball high on their chest, with their elbows close to the body, in an effort to avoid costly fumbles.

"On offense, you have to hold onto the ball and be mentally focused on what you are doing," Peeples said.

"The fullbacks, a lot of the time, we're carrying with two hands anyway, so we didn't do anything drastic like the halfbacks. We're not doing that, but the emphasis is still there."

On defensive, the TNT emphasis could lead to more aggressive play.

"I think we are taking more chances when we are out there," Falcon defensive back John Rabold said.

"We're thinking three-and-out and give the ball back to the offense. Our plan on defense is to get the ball back for the offense.

"In our rooms, we have a TNT chart and after each practice, coach puts that up. It's like a competition thing to see who can get the most.

"Coach (Fisher) DeBerry said he would never be mad at us if we're taking a risk going for an interception or going in front of a receiver."

It is vital Air Force, a 20-point underdog, wins the turnover battle Saturday because the Falcons open the season against No. 11 Tennessee in Knoxville.

The Vols opened the season with a 35-18 win against then No. 9-ranked California.

"The big thing for us against Tennessee is we have to play error-free," Peeples said. "With a team as athletic as Tennessee, you saw what they did to California. We're going to have to play error-free, play disciplined and play good old-fashioned Air Force football."

Air Force will receive $850,000 to play the game. The Falcons have lost three consecutive games against nationally ranked opponents, with the most recent win coming in 2002, 23-21 against No. 23 California.

The last time Air Force beat a team ranked higher than Tennessee was in 1996, a 20-17 overtime triumph in South Bend, Ind., against Notre Dame.