Quarterback Blake Horvath led Navy to a thrilling 21-20 victory over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas. Horvath showcased his skills by rushing for 155 yards and scoring two crucial touchdowns. The game came down to the wire as Navy’s defense successfully stopped Oklahoma’s two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds to secure the win.
Despite Navy’s eventual triumph, it was the Sooners who struck first, with Gavin Sawchuk scoring a 21-yard touchdown run. This was followed by a 56-yard touchdown pass from Michael Hawkins Jr. to Zion Kearney, putting Oklahoma ahead 14-0 early in the game. However, Navy’s resilient defense held strong after the initial surge from the Sooners, forcing turnovers and keeping the game close.
Horvath’s standout performance included a remarkable 95-yard touchdown run, the longest in Navy’s program history. This play was a turning point in the game, shifting the momentum in favor of the Midshipmen. Horvath’s dual-threat ability, which also saw him contribute 92 passing yards, was instrumental in Navy’s comeback.
Oklahoma, despite accumulating more total yards than Navy, struggled to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, going scoreless on eight consecutive possessions. Hawkins put up a valiant effort, completing 28 of 43 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, but Navy’s defense ultimately proved to be the difference-maker.
The decision to go for a two-point conversion in the final seconds, rather than kicking an extra point to force overtime, showcased Oklahoma’s bold approach. However, the attempt was thwarted by Navy’s stout defense, with Justin Reed sacking Hawkins before he could find an open receiver. Although the Sooners nearly recovered the subsequent onside kick, it was not enough to salvage the game.
Navy’s victory marked a historic achievement, as they secured their tenth win of the season for only the sixth time in program history. On the other hand, Oklahoma ended the season with a losing record, facing disappointment after a hard-fought battle in the Armed Forces Bowl.
Both teams displayed resilience and determination throughout the game, with Navy overcoming a two-touchdown deficit to emerge victorious. Head coaches Brent Venables of Oklahoma and Brian Newberry of Navy commended their players’ efforts, highlighting the competitive spirit and tenacity exhibited on the field.
The Armed Forces Bowl delivered a thrilling conclusion, showcasing the best of college football as Navy and Oklahoma battled it out in a closely contested matchup. The game was a testament to the perseverance and skill of the players, with each team leaving everything on the field in pursuit of victory.
