Navy Prepares for Armed Forces Bowl Showdown Against Oklahoma
The Navy Midshipmen celebrated a resounding victory over Army West Point in their annual rivalry game, but their season isn’t over yet. With one more game on the horizon, Navy has the opportunity to add a historic chapter to its football legacy.
On Friday, the Midshipmen will take on the Oklahoma Sooners in the Armed Forces Bowl, marking their first bowl appearance under second-year head coach Brian Newberry. The game kicks off at noon Eastern and will be broadcast on ESPN.
For Navy (9-3), a win against Oklahoma (6-6) would secure their 10th victory of the season, a feat accomplished only five times in the program’s history. The Midshipmen would join the elite ranks of teams from 1905, 2004, 2009, 2015, and 2019, each of which reached or surpassed the 10-win milestone.
However, Navy must quickly refocus after their decisive win against Army. The Sooners, while not as dominant as in past years, remain a formidable opponent. Complicating matters for Oklahoma is a shift at quarterback following the transfer of Jackson Arnold. Navy, on the other hand, continues to rely on quarterback Blake Horvath, who is eager to finish the season strong with a standout postseason performance.
Game Preview: Navy vs. Oklahoma
Event: Armed Forces Bowl
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
Time: Noon ET, Friday
Broadcast: ESPN (TV); WBAL 1090 AM / 101.5 FM, Navy Football Radio Network (Radio)
Coaches:
- Navy: Brian Newberry (14-10 overall record at Navy)
- Oklahoma: Brent Venables (22-16 overall record at Oklahoma)
Interesting Note: Navy head coach Brian Newberry has ties to Oklahoma, having played high school football at WestMoore High School in Oklahoma City, just 90 minutes from the University of Oklahoma’s campus in Norman.
Series History: Navy leads the all-time series against Oklahoma, 1-0. Their sole meeting took place in 1965, with Navy securing a 10-0 victory in Norman, Oklahoma.
Series Highlights: While this is Navy’s first bowl game against Oklahoma, the Midshipmen are no strangers to SEC competition. They faced Ole Miss in the 1955 Sugar Bowl and have previously played Missouri and Texas, though neither team was in the SEC at the time.
Recap of Recent Performances
Last Week:
- Navy: Defeated Army 31-13 on Dec. 14, claiming the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
- Oklahoma: Fell to LSU 37-13 on Nov. 30.
Spotlight on Navy
Navy enters the bowl game riding high after dominating its service academy rivals. The Midshipmen outscored Army and Air Force by a combined 45 points, a testament to their strong play on both sides of the ball.
Defensive back Rayuan Lane III has been a key contributor this season and recently accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, becoming only the fifth Navy player to receive this honor. After this game, Lane will set his sights on pursuing an NFL career.
Quarterback Blake Horvath also has a chance to leave his mark on Navy’s record books. He’s currently tied with Ricky Dobbs for the school’s single-season touchdown pass record with 13. Horvath threw two touchdown passes in the Army game and will aim to break the record in the Armed Forces Bowl.
Spotlight on Oklahoma
Despite their .500 record, the Sooners represent a rare opportunity for Navy to compete against one of college football’s most storied programs. Oklahoma ranks sixth all-time in FBS wins with 950 and is appearing in a bowl game for the 26th consecutive season. The Sooners hold a 31-25-1 record in bowl games, with 58 appearances—the fourth-most in FBS history.
This year marked Oklahoma’s inaugural season in the SEC, presenting them with a grueling schedule. The Sooners faced eight ranked opponents, including a victory over No. 7 Alabama, which likely cost the Crimson Tide a spot in the College Football Playoff. Despite their challenges, Oklahoma remains a dangerous team with a rich history and a deep roster.
