In a dramatic finish at the Armed Forces Bowl, Navy clinched a thrilling 21-20 victory over Oklahoma after the Sooners’ attempt to secure a win on a late 2-point conversion fell short. Blake Horvath shone for the Midshipmen, establishing a Navy record with a 95-yard touchdown run, and later scored a pivotal 6-yard touchdown to give Navy the lead with just over four minutes remaining in the game.
The Sooners initially surged ahead with a two-touchdown lead, thanks to a 21-yard touchdown run by Gavin Sawchuk and a remarkable 56-yard touchdown pass from Michael Hawkins Jr. to Zion Kearney. However, the Midshipmen, who faced a 14-0 deficit at one point, rallied back to not only tie the game but also take control with Horvath’s critical performances.
In the final moments, Oklahoma scored a touchdown with only six seconds on the clock, opting to risk it all with a 2-point conversion for the win. Unfortunately for the Sooners, Hawkins was unable to convert as he was sacked by Navy’s Justin Reed, sealing the Midshipmen’s victory.
Navy’s triumph represents a remarkable turnaround for the team, marking their sixth 10-win season and demonstrating resilience in overcoming adversity. Navy’s second-year coach, Brian Newberry, expressed pride in the team’s ability to fight back, particularly highlighting the efforts of the seniors.
For Oklahoma, the defeat wraps up a challenging season, finishing with a 6-7 record in what was their debut season in the Southeastern Conference under head coach Brent Venables. The Sooners faced significant roster changes, with numerous players entering the transfer portal and key injuries impacting their performance.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to return key players for the upcoming season, fostering optimism as they prepare for new challenges. Oklahoma is slated to host Illinois State, while Navy will embark on their next campaign against VMI.
Overall, this matchup showcased not only the excitement of college football but also the spirit of determination and growth that teams need to embody as they navigate through their seasons.