OU football vs. Navy score predictions for the Armed Forces Bowl

On By Littum

FORT WORTH, Texas — For the 26th straight season, OU is playing in a bowl game.

This time Before will take on the Navy in the Defense Bowl.

The game kicks off at 11 a.m. Friday at Amon G. Carter Stadium and will be televised on ESPN.

It is OU’s first bowl appearance and its first bowl game against a service academy.

The Sooners (6-6) are trying to avoid their second losing season in the last three years after going from 1999-2021 without such a season.

OU will be without plenty of its key players from the season as defensive stalwarts Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman has opted out of preparing for the NFL Draft, while several others have entered the transfer portal.

Navy (9-3) is in a bowl game for the first time since 2019.

The Midshipmen seeking just their sixth season of 10 or more wins.

Here is Oklahomans staff predictions for the game:

More: For Navy coach Brian Newberry, facing OU football in a bowl game is a full-circle moment

Ryan Aber, OU beat writer

Navy 24, OU 21

ANCHOR WEIGHT

The Midshipmen’s triple option leaves the Sooners defense playing without Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman. Michael Hawkins Jr. and Xavier Robinson are effective on the ground, but it’s not enough as Navy pulls it off.

Jenni Carlson, sports business writer

OU 24, the Navy 23

COME SAIL AWAY

Prior enters the offseason with a hard-fought win against the Midshipmen. The Navy option is effective, but Xavier Robinson, Michael Hawkins spur OU to run the game.

Jeff Patterson, sports editor

Navy 27, OU 23

SHIP SHAPE

Michael Hawkins Jr. shows well at quarterback for the Sooners, but it’s not enough as Navy QB Blake Horvath runs wild on a depleted OU defense, just like he did against Army. A fun Armed Forces Bowl ends with the Sooners posting their second losing record in three seasons.

Colton Sulley, OU beat writer

Navy 27, OU 21

KNOT TOO BAD

With opt-outs and dropouts galore, the Sooners are struggling on both sides of the ball. Blake Horvath and the Midshipmen continue their momentum from the Army game and edge a win.

Justin Martinez, trending reporter

Navy 21, OU 20

MILITARY TIME

Navy controls the clock with its ground game and earns an Armed Forces Bowl victory over OU.

Joe Mussatto, Columnist

Navy 23, OU 21

Opt out

Navy’s triple-option flummoxes OU in the Armed Forces Bowl. The Midshipmen control the clock and hold on as the Sooners miss a late field goal.

Jacob Unruh, deputy sports editor

Navy 21, OU 19

LAND & SEETHE

The Sooners’ disappointing season ends with just that, with a beleaguered roster unable to keep the football away from Navy’s triple-double offense.