The Oklahoma Sooners are set to clash with the Navy Midshipmen in the Armed Forces Bowl, taking place on December 27 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The game is set to kick off at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Oklahoma enters the game after a challenging season in the SEC, finishing with a record of 6-6. The Sooners did manage to secure bowl eligibility, highlighted by a notable victory over Alabama, winning 24-3 in the final home game of the season. This win not only brought pride to the program but also contributed to keeping Alabama out of the College Football Playoff.
Conversely, Navy had a strong start to their season, winning their first six games, but faced a setback after a significant loss to Notre Dame. Despite the missed opportunities for a conference title or playoff berth, Navy secured a morale-boosting victory over their arch-rival, Army, earlier this season. A win against Oklahoma would cap off the year on a high note for the Midshipmen.
Game Details
Date: Friday, December 27 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
TV: ESPN | Live Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
What to Watch For
The landscape of bowl games has shifted dramatically as player transfers and opt-outs become more common. Oklahoma’s squad will look vastly different, as several players have entered the transfer portal, including key players like quarterback Jackson Arnold. This creates a level of uncertainty in terms of how competitive the Sooners will be in this game.
On the other hand, this will mark Navy’s third appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl. Navy has historically performed well in this event, with a record of 1-1, defeating Middle Tennessee in 2013 and losing to Louisiana Tech in 2016.
Interestingly, this matchup is the first time the two teams have met in nearly 60 years, since Navy defeated Oklahoma 10-0 back in 1965. Since that meeting, Oklahoma has been eager for redemption, and this game presents a unique opportunity for the Sooners as they seek their first win against Navy.
Prediction and Insights
Navy’s ability to effectively execute its option offense can often create significant challenges for opponents in preparation. Given Oklahoma’s missing key players and the stakes of the game, there may be questions surrounding the Sooners’ motivation and readiness to perform. By contrast, Navy is likely to be highly motivated, viewing this game as an opportunity to secure a prestigious victory against a major program.
Pick: Navy +3
For continuous updates and insights on this matchup, fans can visit 247Sports.’
