The 2024 Armed Forces Bowl pits the Oklahoma Sooners against the Navy Midshipmen on December 27 at noon ET at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. This matchup promises to be significant as both teams come off contrasting seasons, with the Midshipmen entering the game with confidence from their recent successes.
Navy, boasting a record of 9-3, recently clinched the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. Their season culminated with an impressive 31-13 upset victory over their long-time rivals, the Army Black Knights, which featured them sporting their new special "Fear the Bones" uniforms. This design pays tribute to the legendary Jolly Rogers squadron, celebrated as the most lethal squadron in naval aviation history. First debuted during the 125th Army-Navy Game, these uniforms are more than just gear; they symbolize the heritage of naval service with every detail, from crisp white jerseys adorned with navy blue and gold accents to gloves featuring the Skull and Crossbones emblem.
The iconic history of the Jolly Rogers ties back to World War II, beginning with VF-17, the Navy’s deadliest fighter squadron, which introduced the infamous insignia. The uniform’s details are rich with meaning; for example, the chevrons on the uniforms pay homage to the nine different aircraft flown by the squadron. The emphasis on every aspect of the uniform reflects Navy's pride and aims to energize players and fans alike.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Sooners enter the bowl season with starkly different momentum. After starting the season strong with hopes of success, the Sooners falter with a record of 6-6. Although Oklahoma shocked the college football world with a stunning upset against Alabama, their season is marred by instability. They will be missing at least five starters, including quarterback Jackson Arnold and star linebacker Danny Stutsman. The losses have undoubtedly weakened their lineup—issues compounded by their struggles late-season, where they lost five of their final seven games.
Kicking off the games, at the opening of the lines, Oklahoma was favored by 4.5 points, but this has shifted to Oklahoma -1.5 as the game approaches, indicating closer competitiveness than initially anticipated. The over/under sits at 44 points, underscoring expectations for what could be both teams' efforts to secure victory, with betting lines reflecting split opinions among sportsbooks and analysts. While many models favor Oklahoma, predicting them to win 29-21 based on their statistical models and capabilities, Navy's consistent performance and lack of key player losses make them resilient adversaries.
A key storyline leading up to the game is how each team's playing style will affect the outcome. With Navy’s powerful running game averaging 249.3 yards per game, they have controlled recent matchups effectively. Quarterback Blake Horvath has showcased versatility, accounting for high yardage via both passing and rushing, scoring multiple touchdowns against rivals this season. His performance against formidable opponents may prove pivotal for Navy against Oklahoma’s defense.
On the contrary, Oklahoma will aim to rebound from their dismal finish through backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. stepping up, having started some games earlier this season. The Sooners have traditionally thrived on powerful offensive play, primarily relying on their run game, but how they adapt without key starters will be definitive. Their offensive cohesion will be tested as they seek to navigate the Navy's staunch defense.
Expectations for the Armed Forces Bowl go beyond just athleticism; it’s steeped with tradition, pride, and collegiate rivalry. The division between Power Five conferences and Group of Five contenders often leads to compelling matchups, and predictions by various analytics models have focused on the strengths both teams bring to the field. Some models, such as SP+, suggest Oklahoma has about 68 percent odds of clinching the victory, yet the game remains uncertain, with Navy pursuing momentum from their recent triumphs.
Observing the betting habits, we find conflicting perspectives, with half the wagers on Navy to either pull off the upset or keep it close. Whether fans resonate with the competitive nature as much as the significance of tradition is constantly under the spotlight when two storied programs meet. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET, broadcast on ESPN, setting the stage for another exciting chapter of college football's bowl season.
