In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Armed Forces Bowl, the Navy Midshipmen edged out the Oklahoma Sooners with a 21-20 victory at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The game was marked by strategic plays, resilient defenses, and a dramatic finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
**First Half Dominance by Oklahoma**
The Sooners started the game with impressive momentum, quickly establishing a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Running back Gavin Sawchuk opened the scoring with a 21-yard touchdown run, marking his first of the season. Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. followed up with a 56-yard touchdown pass to Zion Kearney, who celebrated his first career touchdown reception.
Despite Oklahoma’s early dominance, Navy’s defense made crucial stops, including halting the Sooners on two fourth-and-1 attempts in the second quarter. These defensive stands shifted the momentum, allowing Navy to capitalize. Quarterback Blake Horvath connected with Cody Howard on a pivotal third-down pass, setting up an 11-yard touchdown run by Alex Tecza, narrowing the gap to 14-7 by halftime.
**Navy’s Resilient Comeback**
The Midshipmen showcased their resilience in the second half. Horvath’s leadership was evident as he orchestrated a balanced offensive attack. He completed 7 of 12 passes for 92 yards and contributed significantly on the ground with 18 carries, scoring two rushing touchdowns.
Navy’s offense accumulated 319 yards, with 226 yards on the ground, demonstrating their commitment to the run game. Their time of possession was nearly equal to Oklahoma’s, allowing them to control the game’s tempo effectively.
**Dramatic Fourth Quarter and Decisive Play**
The fourth quarter intensified as Navy took a 21-14 lead following Horvath’s second rushing touchdown. Oklahoma responded with a late drive, culminating in a touchdown with just six seconds remaining, bringing the score to 21-20. Opting for a two-point conversion to clinch the win, the Sooners were thwarted by Navy’s steadfast defense, securing the Midshipmen’s victory.
**Significance of the Victory**
This win marked Navy’s first 10-win season since 2019, highlighting a successful campaign under head coach Brian Newberry. The Midshipmen’s ability to overcome a two-touchdown deficit against a formidable opponent like Oklahoma underscores their determination and strategic prowess.
For Oklahoma, the narrow loss brought their season to a close with a 6-7 record. Despite the early lead, the Sooners were unable to maintain momentum against Navy’s adaptive gameplay and resilient defense.
**Key Players and Statistics**
– **Blake Horvath (Navy):** Completed 7 of 12 passes for 92 yards; 18 carries with 2 rushing touchdowns.
– **Michael Hawkins Jr. (Oklahoma):** Completed 28 of 43 passes for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns.
– **Gavin Sawchuk (Oklahoma):** 13 carries for 67 yards and 1 touchdown.
– **Zion Kearney (Oklahoma):** 56-yard touchdown reception.
**Conclusion**
The 2024 Armed Forces Bowl will be remembered for its dramatic shifts and the strategic decisions that led to Navy’s narrow victory. Both teams exhibited commendable performances, but it was the Midshipmen’s resilience and tactical execution that ultimately secured their triumph over the Sooners.
For those interested in a visual recap, here are the full game highlights:
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