In Fort Worth, Texas, the Oklahoma Sooners faced a challenging game, ultimately losing to Navy 21-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl on Friday. The Sooners started strong but struggled significantly, going scoreless on eight consecutive drives. A late touchdown from Michael Hawkins Jr. narrowed the gap, but the attempt for a two-point conversion failed, effectively sealing their fate.
The defeat leaves the Sooners with a disappointing 6-7 record, marking their second losing season in three years under Coach Brent Venables, who expressed deep regret about the outcome. “Everything falls at my feet. Really disappointed in myself,” he admitted.
Key highlights from the game include Hawkins’ impressive performance despite the loss, completing 28 of 43 passes for a season-high 247 yards, and rushing for 61 yards. Hawkins showed promise, especially in the final drive, which resulted in a touchdown pass, yet was marred by critical turnovers, including a fumbled ball that contributed to the loss.
Navy’s Blake Horvath was a standout player for the Midshipmen, breaking free for a remarkable 95-yard touchdown run that set records for Navy and the Armed Forces Bowl. He completed the game with 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Despite injuries and a lack of veteran receivers, Oklahoma’s young players showed resilience. Freshman receiver Zion Kearney scored his first career touchdown early in the game, providing a glimpse of hope for the team’s future. Running back Gavin Sawchuk also seized the opportunity, starting in the absence of Jovantae Barnes and scoring his first career touchdown.
Even in the face of adversity, there were bright spots for the Sooners, including punter Luke Elzinga, who demonstrated his versatility by completing a 28-yard pass on a fake punt.
This loss, while disappointing, highlights the potential burgeoning talent on the team, particularly among the freshmen. With the right adjustments, recruiting efforts, and a focus on growth, coach Brent Venables and the Sooners can look forward with optimism toward the next season. The commitment of the younger players to contribute and learn from tough games will be essential as they work to turn things around moving forward.