If you’ve been itching to see some throwback football, this year’s Armed Forces Bowl may be just what the doctor ordered. The Oklahoma Sooners will take on the Navy Midshipmen in a game that could resemble the “three yards and a cloud of dust” era of the game.
The Navy Midshipmen launch ground offensives to find success. Navy boasts one of the nation’s best rushing attacks with their triple option look. They’re averaging 247 rushing yards per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. Their 46 rushing attempts per game is No. 5 in the nation.
Oklahoma would prefer to have a bit more of an aerial attack, but where they’ve had success over the last month of the season, dating back to the loss to Ole Miss in Oxford, is with the ground game. They used it to beat up Alabama to the tune of 257 yards rushing and a 24-3 win. The Sooners run game is averaging 154 rushing yards per game, which is No. 24 in the nation ahead of bowl season.
There may not be a whole lot of passing but it’ll still be a fun matchup. The Sooners and Midshipmen have only played once, with Navy earning a 10-0 win back in 1965. Can the Sooners even the all-time series in a game USA TODAY Sports believes is the 16th best bowl matchup of the 2024 bowl season?
Aside from ruining things for Alabama, the Sooners’ first ride through the SEC was quite bumpy. Preparing against an academy option attack is always a challenge, and the Midshipmen could make a game of it as long as they don’t put the ball on the turf. – Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma’s run defense, one of the best in the nation, will be tested. The Sooners have been stout up front, and their second—and third-level defenders have provided excellent run support all season. They should be able to stifle Navy’s rushing attack, but if the offense can’t get going, we may be in store for a low-scoring game.
The Sooners would like to get the passing attack going with Michael Hawkins Jr. to get him more experience, but with the wide receivers that have entered the portal, there will be a lot of inexperience on the outside for the Sooners. So you may see a battle of run games in Fort Worth on December 27.
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