The Navy Midshipmen are set to clash with the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Liberty Bowl, marking one of the final matchups in this college football season. Scheduled for Friday, January 2, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, this game promises to showcase two teams with contrasting seasons.
Navy, with an impressive record of 10-2, enters the game reflecting on a strong season despite missing out on the American Conference Championship due to the selection of North Texas and Tulane, the latter receiving a bid to the College Football Playoff. The Midshipmen’s offensive strength lies in their talented trio: quarterback Blake Horvath, running back Alex Tecza, and versatile receiver Eli Heidenreich. All three players are eager to conclude their college careers on a high note with a victory.
Conversely, Cincinnati finishes the season with a 7-5 record and faces a notable challenge, as starting quarterback Brendan Sorsby is absent from the lineup. Sorsby, a standout this season with 2,800 passing yards and 36 total touchdowns, is poised to become a top prospect in the transfer portal. His absence means backup quarterback Brady Lichtenberg, a seasoned redshirt senior, will take the helm for the Bearcats.
The Liberty Bowl will be broadcast live on ESPN, featuring commentary by Mike Monaco and Kirk Morrison, with Dawn Davenport reporting from the sidelines. Fans can also catch the game through the ESPN app or via Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new users.
As for game predictions, betting odds from BetMGM indicate Navy as a 7-point favorite, with the over/under set at 55.5 points. Analysts believe Navy will leverage their time-consuming possession game to limit Cincinnati’s offensive opportunities, predicting a final score of Navy 24, Cincinnati 14. With hopes high for a strong finish, the Midshipmen aim to add an 11th victory to their season and solidify their reputation as a dominant force in college football.