The 2024 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl is set to feature an intriguing matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen, marking the first meeting between these two teams since 1965. This rare rematch will take place at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday, December 27, 2024, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET.
Oklahoma, coming off a tumultuous 6-6 season, is hoping to close out their second season in the SEC with some positive momentum. After winning their bowl eligibility with a victory over Alabama, the Sooners will aim to demonstrate their resilience against the Midshipmen, who boast an impressive 9-3 record this year.
Navy had built momentum through the early part of the season, notching six consecutive victories, which included notable wins against Memphis and Air Force. Despite stumbling against ranked opponents like Notre Dame and Tulane and losing three out of four games during the midseason, Navy bounced back with style, capped by their impressive 31-13 victory over Army. This win also secured Navy the Commander-In-Chief Trophy for the first time since 2019, bolstering their confidence heading toward the bowl game.
The game is seeing Oklahoma favored by 2.5 points, with the Over/Under set at 43.5 points. This contest serves as not only an opportunity for both teams to solidify their seasons but as a platform for Navy to prove themselves against power conference competition.
The Sooners have faced considerable roster challenges leading up to the bowl. Several key players have entered the transfer portal or opted out of the bowl season. This includes starting quarterback Jackson Arnold, who has signed with Auburn, along with top receivers and leading rusher Jovantae Barnes not appearing on the depth chart due to injury. Freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will be leading the offense, which has seen inconsistencies throughout the season.
Despite the challenges, the Sooners showcased their talent against ranked opponents, reflecting their potential when fully performing. With star players like Hawkins needing to rise to the occasion, Oklahoma will be counting on contributions from their younger players stepping up to fill gaps left by departures.
Navy, on the other hand, enters the game at full strength. The Midshipmen's triple-option offense has emerged as one of the most efficient run games, ranking sixth in the nation with 249.3 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Blake Horvath, who recently rushed for over 200 yards against Army, poses a significant threat. His ability to exploit defensive weaknesses through both rushing and strategic passing will be pivotal against Oklahoma's defense, which has had its own struggles but remains effective against the run.
Analyzing both teams reveals contrasting fortunes leading to this matchup. While Oklahoma has been plagued with roster attrition and developmental struggles, Navy managed to maintain continuity through their campaign, providing them with the confidence needed to take on their opponents. Yet, the Sooners' defensive standing, particularly against powerful rushing attacks, indicates they can still hold their own even with their missing pieces.
Betting experts and analysts express skepticism about Oklahoma’s ability to cover the spread, predicting the game to be tightly contested. With Navy covering the spread successfully throughout the season, their disciplined play could lead them to capitalize on any missteps made by their opponents.
With all these factors combined, predictions are swirling around this matchup. Some experts favor Navy taking advantage of Oklahoma's depleted roster, potentially leading to what could be considered an upset against the Power Four squad. Final score predictions reflect the uncertainty, with some anticipating narrow victories for either side.
With these narratives intertwining, the 2024 Armed Forces Bowl will be more than just another bowl game. It’s about momentum, resilience, and making statements on the football field. The stage is set for the Oklahoma Sooners to reconcile their season, and for the Navy Midshipmen to affirm their prowess against top-tier competition. Who will emerge victorious and claim bragging rights this time? Only time will tell as both sides prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating contest.
