Fri Dec 27 04:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Navy Coach Returns Home to Face Oklahoma in Armed Forces Bowl

**FORT WORTH, Texas** – In a poignant homecoming, Navy head coach Brian Newberry will lead his Midshipmen (9-3) against the Oklahoma Sooners (6-6) in the Armed Forces Bowl. Newberry, a Moore, Oklahoma native, attended his first college game as a child watching the Sooners. This bowl game marks his first as a head coach, pitting him against the team he grew up rooting for. “Kind of a full-circle deal,” Newberry admitted, acknowledging the divided loyalties within his family.

The game holds significant stakes for both teams. Navy, boasting the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy following a victory over Army, aims for their sixth 10-win season in program history. Oklahoma, in their 26th consecutive bowl appearance, seeks to avoid a second losing season under coach Brent Venables and salvage their first year in the SEC. The Sooners’ impressive winning streak of 23 consecutive seasons, including a national championship and 14 Big 12 titles, is on the line.

The matchup features intriguing quarterback situations. Navy will rely on Michael Hawkins, who returned to the starting role after a stint on the bench, while Oklahoma’s starting quarterback, Jackson Arnold, has transferred to Auburn. Oklahoma will field Casey Thompson, a veteran quarterback with extensive experience at multiple schools.

The game will present a unique challenge for Oklahoma, as Navy’s triple-option offense, averaging 249.3 rushing yards per game, is unlike anything they’ve faced in the SEC. Navy quarterback Blake Horvath, however, is a dual threat, showcasing both strong running and passing abilities.

The teams have met only once before, with Navy emerging victorious in 1965. This Armed Forces Bowl, played at TCU’s stadium, will mark another chapter in the long and storied rivalry between these two programs. Coach Newberry’s extensive Texas ties, with 30 Navy players hailing from the state, add another layer to the compelling narrative surrounding this bowl game.

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