The Oklahoma Sooners face a unique challenge when they take on Navy (9-3). The Midshipmen’s latest win came against the 19th-ranked Army Black Knights, the AAC champion.
The Sooners (6-6) will be without key leaders from the 2024 season. Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman aren’t playing, opening the door for emerging stars to get more significant playing time.
Michael Hawkins Jr. will make his first start since Oct. 19 against South Carolina. He played against Maine and was 3 of 5 for 60 yards and ran three times for 30 yards in the win. He’ll throw to a young wide receiver group featuring Jacob Jordan, Zion Kearney, Zion Ragins and Ivan Carreon. How well they’re able to separate in this game could play a factor in Oklahoma’s success.
What does OU need to do to secure victory against Navy? Here are three keys to the game.
1. Control the Line of Scrimmage
The Navy Midshipmen have one of the best run games in the country. Heading into the Armed Forces Bowl, Navy ranks No. 6 in the nation in rushing yards per game. They will run the ball and run it a lot. They average 46 rushing attempts per game this season.
The Sooners’ defensive line has been a strength of the team. The unit was a force all season, slowing some of the best rushing attacks in the country. Though the linebacker crew will be without Danny Stutsman, the defensive front will be intact, making life far easier for the second- and third-level defenders.
The defensive tackle group of Damonic Williams, Da’Jon Terry, Jayden Jackson, Gracen Halton, David Stone and Markus Strong provide the stiffest test Navy has seen all season.
Oklahoma’s run game has been the best part of its offense over the last month. Jovante Barnes was running well before he was injured. Then Xavier Robinson hit his stride over the final few games, including a 100-yard, two-touchdown day against Alabama.
The Sooners will lean on the run game to take the pressure off a passing game that has been inconsistent in 2024.
Navy’s allowing 155 rushing yards per game and just over four yards per carry. The Sooners should be able to find success on the ground behind an improving offensive line.
2. Maintain Eye Discipline
The Navy triple option in and of itself will create a great deal of eye candy in the backfield to confuse the Sooners’ defense. Oklahoma has been really good against the run this season, ranking 11th nationally in rushing yards allowed. But they haven’t faced a run game like the Midshipmen bring to the table.
If the Sooners play assignment-sound football, they should be able to slow Navy’s run game. Kobie McKinzie will take over for Danny Stutsman at middle linebacker and he’ll be put to the test directing the Sooners defense.
3. Get in a Rhythm
Michael Hawkins Jr. is making his first appearance since the South Carolina game. The Sooners had a difficult time handling the Gamecocks pass rush, one of the best in the nation. Against Navy, OU’s offensive line should have more success protecting Hawkins. That should allow him an opportunity to get comfortable in the pocket and show off the arm talent that has new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle excited about the Sooners quarterback.
As much as OU will want to lean on the run game, the Sooners need to allow Hawkins the experience of throwing the football. The situation isn’t ideal with a young wide receiver group, but they were highly regarded four-star prospects coming out of high school and have an opportunity to head into the offseason on a high note with a good game.
Joe Jon Finley put together a strong game plan to help the Sooners beat Alabama. It would go a long way to his future offensive coordinator prospects if he can help his young quarterback find success and get his quarterback in a rhythm throwing the football.
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