The excitement is building as college football fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming Armed Forces Bowl. This year, the game will showcase the Oklahoma Sooners (6-6, 2-6 in the SEC) going head-to-head with the Navy Midshipmen (9-3, 6-2 in the AAC). Mark your calendars for December 27 at noon ET—this is a matchup you won’t want to miss!
History of the Armed Forces Bowl
The Armed Forces Bowl has become a staple in the college football calendar since its inception in 2003. The inaugural game featured the Boise State Broncos triumphing over the TCU Horned Frogs. Fast forward to today, and this bowl game continues to honor the spirit of military service, showcasing teams from military academies alongside other competitive programs.
In recent years, the bowl has proudly featured a military academy in its lineup. This year marks the fourth consecutive season that a military academy will be represented, with Army defeating Missouri in 2021, and Air Force claiming victories over Baylor and James Madison in the past two editions. This tradition adds a unique flavor to the matchup, emphasizing the dedication and resilience of these teams.
Where and when to watch the game
The game will be held at Amon G. Carter Stadium, the proud home of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs. This historic venue, built between 1929 and 1930, has a seating capacity of 47,000 fans. It has become the traditional site for the Armed Forces Bowl, although in 2010 and 2011, renovations at TCU led to the games being played at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park.
Fans can expect an electric atmosphere, especially considering the recent history of attendance. The most recent bowl game saw the Air Force Falcons defeat the James Madison Dukes 31-21, with over 30,800 fans in attendance. The record crowd for this event was set in 2018 when Army overwhelmed Houston with a staggering 70-14 victory, drawing 44,738 fans.
Matchup breakdown: Oklahoma vs. Navy
This year’s Armed Forces Bowl features a compelling clash between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen. The Sooners faced a challenging season, managing to secure only two wins against Power 4 conference teams. However, one of those victories was a significant upset against the Alabama Crimson Tide, knocking them out of the College Football Playoff and ensuring Oklahoma’s postseason eligibility.
On the other side of the field, the Naval Academy started strong with a 6-0 record but faced a midseason slump, losing three out of four games. Nevertheless, they bounced back with a motivational win against Army, claiming a 31-13 victory in Landover, Maryland. This triumph secured their first Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy since 2019, fueling their momentum as they head into the bowl game.
Interestingly, Oklahoma and Navy have only met once before, back in 1965, when the Midshipmen emerged victorious with a score of 10-0. This adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming encounter, as both teams will be looking to establish dominance in this rare matchup.
Tickets and attendance
For fans eager to witness this thrilling matchup live, tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster and the game site. Prices start at $55, but interested fans should act quickly, as many tickets have already been claimed. With the excitement surrounding this game, it’s likely that the available tickets won’t last long!
What to expect from the game
As we gear up for the Armed Forces Bowl, fans can look forward to a fierce competition between two teams with something to prove. The Sooners will aim to showcase their resilience after a rocky season, while the Midshipmen will look to build on their recent successes and continue their tradition of excellence.
The Armed Forces Bowl not only highlights the athletic prowess of these teams but also serves as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of the military academies. With the stakes high and pride on the line, both teams will undoubtedly bring their A-game to the field.
In conclusion, the Armed Forces Bowl promises to be an exciting event filled with passion, tradition, and fierce competition. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this is a game that encapsulates the spirit of college football and the values of dedication and perseverance. Don’t miss out on this thrilling matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen—it’s bound to be a memorable clash!
