FORT WORTH — The Oklahoma Sooners will face off against the Navy Midshipmen in the Armed Forces Bowl on Friday, December 27, at Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas, and excitement is palpable among fans of both teams.
The Sooners (6-6) are coming off a tough first year in the SEC, struggling to earn bowl eligibility after experiencing significant season ups and downs. Despite the disappointments, they managed to secure one notable achievement—defeated powerhouse Alabama 24-3 during the final home game. This victory not only provided closure to the season but also kept Alabama out of the College Football Playoff, adding to Oklahoma’s sense of pride even with the overall lackluster season.
Navy, meanwhile, enters this matchup after finishing with a commendable 9-3 record. The Midshipmen enjoyed a strong start, winning their first six games, but faced challenges later on, most glaringly highlighted by their 51-14 loss to Notre Dame. Nevertheless, they rallied to beat rival Army, and now aim to make their mark by defeating Oklahoma, which would serve as their crowning achievement for the 2023 season.
It's noteworthy to mention this game marks the first Armed Forces Bowl appearance for Oklahoma. With massive support from their loyal fanbase, this matchup has sold out the stadium for the first time ever, proving the Sooners' strong presence within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
The stakes are high for both squads—Oklahoma looks to avoid returning home with a losing record for the season, as well as earn its first victory against Navy, which previously defeated them 10-0 back in 1965. The Sooners' head coach, Brent Venables, is preparing his team for what is sure to be a physically demanding contest against Navy's triple-option offense.
Navy’s quarterback Blake Horvath has been showcasing remarkable skills, running for over 1,099 yards with 15 touchdowns and completing nearly 57.5% of his passes this season. Brent Venables acknowledged the challenge, stating, "You must be disciplined every play. Literally. If you don't, it's a touchdown. It's a big play." His players are aware of the discipline required when defending against Navy's unique offensive strategy, which has the potential to create explosive plays against any defense.
Oklahoma's defensive line has been strong against the run this season, ranking 11th nationally by allowing only 105.8 yards per game. Yet the ability to defend against the Navy's option is fundamentally different, and linebacker Kobie McKinzie remarked, "It’s all about doing your job every play. That's how they win; they keep running the same plays, and should you slip up, it's often detrimental. We must maintain our discipline." The stage is set for what promises to be both thrilling and challenging.
On the contrary, Oklahoma's offense has had its ups and downs, with freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. preparing to take center stage as he leads the attack. After previously struggling against South Carolina due to inconsistent blocking from the offensive line, Hawkins will now have to face Navy's average of 2.1 sacks per game. With new coaching and support on the offensive line, the Sooners are hopeful for improvement.”
“I see Michael's confidence improving,” said Troy Everett, Oklahoma’s center. “He’s been displaying great form during practice, and his footwork has improved significantly.” Hawkins' development during this pivotal moment could set the tone for his future at Oklahoma amid the influx of new talent arriving next year.
With so many key players from Oklahoma either pushed toward transfer or opting out, numerous freshmen are stepping up to the forefront for this finale. Their contributions could prove pivotal as the game progresses, being accessible to their home state fans on such high-profile occasions.
Fans might expect to see Oklahoma exhibiting its talent and potential; the Sooners are certainly believed to be the more skilled team on paper. Yet, it remains to be seen how they will cope with pressure and strategy deployed by Navy.
For both teams, the Armed Forces Bowl serves as more than just another game—it's about pride, postseason outcomes, and showcasing their skills on national television. With kick-off at 12 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on Fort Worth to see if the Sooners can achieve bowl victory or if the Midshipmen continue their 2023 season on the high precipice of accomplishment.
