Sooners Overcoming Opt-Outs in a Struggling Season, Navy Full Strength
Oklahoma Sooners vs Navy Midshipmen: A Showdown with Plenty of Uncertainty and Momentum
The Oklahoma Sooners (6-6) take on the Navy Midshipmen (9-3) in the 2024 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on December 27, a matchup that promises plenty of intrigue despite both teams entering the contest with contrasting narratives. Initially favored by nine points, Oklahoma has seen the betting line shift dramatically due to a slew of player opt-outs and transfers, leaving the Sooners’ roster severely depleted. Meanwhile, Navy enters the bowl with momentum, having just triumphed 31-13 over rival Army, positioning them as a team that looks to build on its success.
Although these teams have not met since 1965, when Navy won 10-0, this clash of contrasting styles could lead to an exciting conclusion to the college football season for both programs.
Oklahoma Sooners: Decimated by Opt-Outs, Struggling for Stability
Oklahoma’s first season in the SEC has been a challenging one, marked by inconsistency and tough competition. The Sooners finished with a 6-6 record, including losses to perennial powerhouses such as Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU. Despite these struggles, Oklahoma managed to pull off a statement win, defeating Alabama 24-3 in one of the biggest upsets of the season.
Heading into the bowl game, however, Oklahoma is facing a severe roster depletion due to player opt-outs and transfers. Quarterback Jackson Arnold, who passed for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions this season, has transferred to Auburn, leaving freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. to start in his place. Hawkins has shown promise in his limited appearances, throwing for 536 yards and one touchdown this season. However, with only 142 rushing yards to his name, Hawkins will have big shoes to fill in a game that has become increasingly difficult for the Sooners to win.
Adding to Oklahoma’s struggles, several key offensive players, including top wide receivers Brenen Thompson, JJ Hester, and Jalil Farooq, have opted out to transfer. Tight end Bauer Sharp, who led the Sooners in receptions, is also leaving for LSU. The loss of starting center Josh Bates further complicates an already weakened offensive line, leaving Hawkins with fewer weapons to work with.
Defensively, the Sooners have also taken a hit. Linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman have both opted out, while cornerback Kani Walker and linebacker Dasan McCullough have entered the transfer portal. As a result, Oklahoma’s defense, which allowed an average of 29.6 points per game this season, will need to step up to compensate for the roster’s holes.
With the combination of opt-outs, transfers, and a less-than-ideal season, Oklahoma’s chances of ending the year on a high note are uncertain, making them a difficult team to predict heading into the bowl game.
Navy Midshipmen: Strong, Full-Strength Team Poised for Upset
In stark contrast to Oklahoma, Navy enters the 2024 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl with a full roster and plenty of confidence. With a 9-3 record, the Midshipmen have proven their mettle against solid competition, including key wins over Memphis, Air Force, South Florida, and East Carolina. Their losses came against Notre Dame, Rice, and Tulane, but their overall performance has exceeded expectations, particularly in their most recent 31-13 victory over Army.
Navy’s offense is centered around dual-threat quarterback Blake Horvath, who has been dynamic all season. In the win over Army, Horvath threw for 107 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 204 yards and two more scores. His ability to balance passing and running makes Navy’s offense especially dangerous, particularly against a depleted Oklahoma defense. Navy ranks fifth in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 249 yards per game, and their triple-option attack could prove problematic for a Sooners defense that has struggled against strong running teams.
On defense, Navy has performed solidly, allowing 160.2 rushing yards per game (80th nationally) and 207.8 passing yards per game (46th). While they’re not elite in either category, their defense remains disciplined and effective, often playing above their statistical averages. With Oklahoma’s offensive line weakened and several key players missing, Navy will look to exploit the Sooners’ vulnerabilities in both the run and pass game.
In terms of depth, Navy has a significant advantage over Oklahoma, with no major players opting out. This full-strength roster gives the Midshipmen an edge, particularly as they look to build momentum for future seasons and cap off a successful 2024 campaign with a bowl victory.
Conclusion
While Oklahoma enters the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl as the more talented team on paper, the Sooners’ opt-outs, transfers, and lack of consistency make them a highly unpredictable force. Navy, by contrast, is a well-coached, disciplined team that enters the game with its full roster and a significant edge in momentum. With their strong running game and solid defense, the Midshipmen could surprise a depleted Oklahoma team, potentially closing the season on a high note and sending a message for the future.
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