In a dramatic Armed Forces Bowl, the Navy Midshipmen defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 21-20. Navy's Blake Horvath set a record with a 95-yard touchdown run, and scored the decisive touchdown late in the game. Oklahoma's late comeback attempt fell short as they failed a two-point conversion. This victory marks Navy's 10th win of the season, while Oklahoma ends with a 6-7 record.
The Armed Forces Bowl saw an electrifying matchup between the Navy Midshipmen and the Oklahoma Sooners, with Navy emerging victorious in a narrow 21-20 win. Despite an early lead by Oklahoma, Navy's resilience and strategic plays led to their triumph, marking their 10th win of the season. This game highlighted the contrast between Oklahoma's tumultuous season and Navy's strong finish.
The Navy Midshipmen showcased their resilience in the Armed Forces Bowl, overcoming an early 14-point deficit to clinch a 21-20 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. Blake Horvath was the star of the game, setting a Navy record with a 95-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 14 in the third quarter. Later, Horvath scored the go-ahead touchdown with a 6-yard run, capping off a 12-play, 66-yard drive. Navy's defense held strong, stopping Oklahoma's late two-point conversion attempt, securing the win [2].
Oklahoma's season ended on a disappointing note, with a 6-7 record under coach Brent Venables. Despite a promising start with a 14-0 lead, the Sooners' offense faltered, failing to score for much of the game until a late touchdown pass by Michael Hawkins Jr. brought them within one point of Navy. However, their decision to attempt a two-point conversion for the win resulted in Hawkins being sacked, sealing their fate. The Sooners' performance was plagued by roster changes, including key players entering the transfer portal and opting out of the bowl game [3].
This victory marked Navy's first win over an SEC team in a bowl game since their 1955 Sugar Bowl triumph over Mississippi. Under head coach Brian Newberry, the Midshipmen achieved a 10-win season for the first time since 2019. The win against Oklahoma not only avenged their 1965 loss but also demonstrated the team's growth and resilience. "It’s the perfect ending," said Newberry, reflecting on the team's journey and perseverance throughout the season [2].
The Armed Forces Bowl highlighted the stark differences in the trajectories of the Navy Midshipmen and the Oklahoma Sooners. Navy's victory underscored their strong season and ability to capitalize on opportunities, as demonstrated by Blake Horvath's record-setting performance. Meanwhile, Oklahoma's struggles with roster stability and execution were evident, leading to their second losing season in three years. As both teams look to the future, Navy aims to build on this success, while Oklahoma must address its challenges to return to winning ways.
"Well, it’s the perfect ending." - Brian Newberry
"We just made sure that we stayed composed after them just getting that touchdown." - Justin Reed