The Oklahoma Sooners face a unique challenge when they take on Navy (9-3). The Midshipmen’s latest win came against the 19th-ranked Army Black Knights, the AAC champion.
The Sooners (6-6) will be without key leaders from the 2024 season. Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman aren’t playing, opening the door for emerging stars to get more significant playing time.
Michael Hawkins Jr. will make his first start since Oct. 19 against South Carolina. He played against Maine and was 3 of 5 for 60 yards and ran three times for 30 yards in the win. He’ll throw to a young wide receiver group featuring Jacob Jordan, Zion Kearney, Zion Ragins and Ivan Carreon. How well they’re able to separate in this game could play a factor in Oklahoma’s success.
What does OU need to do to secure victory against Navy? Here are three keys to the game.
1. Control the Line of Scrimmage
The Navy Midshipmen have one of the best run games in the country. Heading into the Armed Forces Bowl, Navy ranks No. 6 in the nation in rushing yards per game. They will run the ball and run it a lot. They average 46 rushing attempts per game this season.
The Sooners’ defensive line has been a strength of the team. The unit was a force all season, slowing some of the best rushing attacks in the country. Though the linebacker crew will be without Danny Stutsman, the defensive front will be intact, making life far easier for the second- and third-level defenders.
The defensive tackle group of Damonic Williams, Da’Jon Terry, Jayden Jackson, Gracen Halton, David Stone and Markus Strong provide the stiffest test Navy has seen all season.
Oklahoma’s run game has been the best part of its offense over the last month. Jovante Barnes was running well before he was injured. Then Xavier Robinson hit his stride over the final few games, including a 100-yard, two-touchdown day against Alabama.
The Sooners will lean on the run game to take the pressure off a passing game that has been inconsistent in…
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