FORT WORTH, Tex. – The 2024 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl promises to be an exciting clash as the Oklahoma Sooners take on the Navy Midshipmen for the first time since 1965. The game is set to kick off on Friday, December 27, at Amon G. Carter Stadium, and it brings together two storied football programs facing contrasting circumstances.
For the Midshipmen (9-3), this bowl game follows their impressive victory over Army, which secured them the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. Navy’s head coach, Brian Newberry, who grew up just miles from the University of Oklahoma campus, emerges as the beacon leading the team, hoping to achieve only the sixth 10-win season in Navy history. “It’s kind of a full-circle deal. It’s pretty neat,” Newberry reflected, emphasizing the meaningfulness of facing the Sooners, especially with family on the Oklahoma side.
Meanwhile, the Sooners (6-6) have faced their share of challenges this season, including several key players opting out or transferring. Notably, quarterback Jackson Arnold is headed to Auburn, leaving the Sooners with freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. at the helm. Venables expressed optimism about Hawkins, stating, “Mike’s looked good, and we love where he’s at and the progress he has made.” Unfortunately, the Oklahoma offense will be without numerous key contributors from the season, significantly impacting their potential effectiveness against Navy’s strong defense.
Players from Oklahoma who will not participate due to the transfer portal include QB Jackson Arnold, WR Nic Anderson, and TE Bauer Sharp among others, leaving the Sooners short on offensive firepower. Comparatively, Navy is expected to field nearly its complete roster, with only one player, cornerback Lorenzo Vitti, missing due to similar reasons.
Navy's triple-option offense has been their lifeblood, averaging 249.3 yards rushing per game, providing them with the ability to control game pace and clock management. Quarterback Blake Horvath, who has amassed respectable stats, including 1,261 passing yards and 15 total touchdowns, highlights Navy's offensive capabilities. Horvath noted the advantage of the unique offense, stating, “It levels the playing field, especially against teams like Oklahoma, who they’re never going to see the triple option in the SEC.” This will undoubtedly pose significant challenges for Oklahoma's defense, particularly as they lack depth due to their own player departures.
Despite their challenges, the Sooners aim to secure their first bowl victory under coach Brent Venables to avoid ending the season with another losing record. Oklahoma boasts one of the longest active streaks of bowl appearances at 26 consecutive seasons, and they’re hoping to build upon their legacy.
Fans are gearing up for the spirited matchup with anticipation. Businesses surrounding the Amon G. Carter Stadium are seeing increased foot traffic as both Oklahoma and Navy fans gather for pre-game festivities. The holiday season adds to the excitement, with guests flocking to local attractions like the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Kevin Daniel, an OU student and Texas resident, expressed enthusiasm for attending the game so close to home. “To know something really local is happening is great. It’s definitely something I’d come back to,” he said, highlighting the personal connections fans have to this event.
The Armed Forces Bowl is expected to draw considerable viewership, with ESPN broadcasting the matchup live at 12 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can also stream the game for free using services like FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer promotional free trial periods. With multiple viewing options available, many are eager to watch the game from the comfort of their homes as well.
Betting odds for the game also suggest the Sooners are slight favorites, with Navy ready to upset expectations. The spread is set at OU: (-2.5), NAVY: (+2.5), with both teams poised to fight for victory and cement their legacies.
Despite their recent struggles, the Sooners have the talent to turn the tides if they can effectively adapt to the changes brought by player departures. The matchup also offers Navy the opportunity not just to win but to showcase their program's depth and resilience, providing yet another chapter for service academies on the national stage.
Whether the game fills stands with OU blue or Navy gold, excitement is palpable as these two teams prepare to face off. The spirited rivalry and respective ambitions present fans with the perfect backdrop for this historic battle known as the Armed Forces Bowl.
