The Oklahoma Sooners’ historic matchup with the Navy Midshipmen is one of the best of the year.
College football is full of storied programs and memorable games, but few matchups carry the kind of significance and excitement that the Oklahoma Sooners’ game against the Navy Midshipmen has become. This unique contest stands out not only because of the teams’ rich football histories but also because it brings together two distinct styles of play, creating a clash of contrasts that promises fireworks on the field.
The Oklahoma Sooners, a program with a championship pedigree, are one of the most storied teams in college football, while the Navy Midshipmen have built a reputation for their disciplined, option-style offense and rugged defense. These two teams have only met a handful of times, but their clashes have always been memorable, captivating college football fans from coast to coast. In the 2024 season, the matchup between the two was billed as one of the best games of the year, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
This article will break down the significance of this historic game, analyze the key storylines surrounding the matchup, and examine how it lived up to its expectations as one of the top college football games of the season.
A Clash of Cultures: Oklahoma’s Air Raid vs. Navy’s Triple Option
One of the primary reasons why this matchup is so fascinating is the stark contrast in playing styles between the two teams. Oklahoma, under head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, runs a high-powered, pass-heavy offense that features quick-tempo, explosive plays designed to stretch the defense and create mismatches. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been one of the most prolific passers in the country, and the Sooners’ offense is built to put up points quickly.
On the other side, Navy is known for its disciplined, methodical triple-option offense. Head coach Ken Niumatalolo has built a program that focuses on ball control, clock management, and using the running game to wear down opponents. The triple-option attack is built around misdirection, with Navy’s fullbacks and running backs constantly testing a defense’s ability to stay disciplined and hold their gaps. The Midshipmen’s offense isn’t about big plays, but rather grinding down the clock, controlling possession, and wearing down defenses over the course of the game.
This contrast in offensive styles sets the stage for an exciting game, as Oklahoma’s explosive offense faces off against Navy’s time-consuming attack. Both teams know that success will require the other to make adjustments to their game plans, and the mental and strategic battles on the sideline will be as thrilling as the action on the field.
The Oklahoma Sooners: Looking for Balance and Resilience
For the Sooners, this game was an opportunity to further establish themselves as a national contender. Despite their offensive fireworks, Oklahoma has struggled in certain areas, especially in the defensive trenches. The Sooners entered this game with a solid but inconsistent defense, and they knew they would need to make stops against Navy’s option offense to avoid getting into a game of clock management. While Oklahoma’s defense has improved over the past season under Brent Venables, facing a team like Navy presented a unique challenge.
Defending the triple-option requires a high level of discipline. The Sooners couldn’t afford to get caught out of position, as Navy’s attack thrives on exploiting gaps and forcing defenders to overcommit. Oklahoma’s defensive line, led by standout players like defensive tackle Jalen Redmond and edge rusher Ethan Downs, had to stay patient and force Navy into predictable passing situations. In addition to the defensive line, Oklahoma’s linebackers and defensive backs had to be alert and ready to fill their assignments quickly, with the Midshipmen often using quick pitches and option reads to move the ball down the field.
Offensively, Oklahoma knew that they could exploit Navy’s defense through the air, but they would need to stay balanced. The Sooners wanted to establish the run with running back Marcus Major, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and complement that with Dillon Gabriel’s passing attack. Gabriel, a seasoned quarterback with the ability to read defenses, would have to manage the game with precision. Against Navy’s defense, which often plays a bend-but-don’t-break style, Gabriel’s ability to stay patient and take what the defense gave him would be critical in moving the ball down the field.
Additionally, Oklahoma’s special teams would play a big role in field position and maintaining control of the game. The Sooners’ kicker and punter, who had been solid all season, would need to make sure they executed well, pinning Navy deep when necessary and giving their defense the best chance to succeed.
The Navy Midshipmen: A Team Built on Discipline and Execution
For Navy, this game represented a chance to prove that their methodical, disciplined style could compete with the high-octane offenses of Power Five schools. The Midshipmen entered the game with a reputation for frustrating high-powered offenses, and they had made a habit of upsetting teams from larger conferences by sticking to their game plan and playing to their strengths.
The key for Navy in this game was ball control. Navy’s offense operates on long, sustained drives, with each play designed to break down the defense a little more. The triple-option attack relies on the quarterback reading the defense and deciding whether to hand the ball off to the fullback, pitch it to the running back, or keep it himself and run. This system demands incredible discipline from the offensive line, the fullbacks, and the running backs. Each player must execute their assignment precisely to keep the defense guessing.
Navy’s quarterback, Tai Lavatai, was a dynamic playmaker who had the ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. Lavatai, combined with running back Bijan Nichols, who had been a workhorse for the Midshipmen all season, formed a lethal combination. Nichols, who had rushed for over 1,000 yards in the previous season, was capable of breaking through even the toughest defenses, and his ability to pick up yards in chunks was key to Navy’s success. However, it was Navy’s offensive line that truly set the tone. Their ability to create running lanes and move defenders out of position would determine how successful they were at controlling the clock and keeping Oklahoma’s explosive offense on the sideline.
On defense, Navy’s task was to try to slow down Oklahoma’s fast-paced offense. While the Midshipmen didn’t have the same level of speed or athleticism as other teams in the Power Five, they were known for their discipline and mental toughness. Navy’s defensive front had to control the line of scrimmage and contain Oklahoma’s rushing attack, while their secondary had to limit big plays in the passing game. The Midshipmen’s defensive coordinator, Brian Newberry, would likely lean on his players’ ability to tackle well in space and disrupt the timing of Oklahoma’s passing game.
The Game: A Historic and Thrilling Battle
When the game finally kicked off, it became clear that this was going to be a matchup for the ages. From the opening whistle, both teams exhibited the contrasting styles that made this game so intriguing. Oklahoma’s offense, led by Dillon Gabriel, wasted no time putting pressure on Navy’s defense, but the Midshipmen’s disciplined defensive line held their ground, forcing the Sooners into long third downs.
Meanwhile, Navy’s offense did exactly what it does best – control the clock. Lavatai orchestrated a series of methodical drives, milking the play clock and making sure his offense stayed on the field. Each time Oklahoma’s defense managed to make a stop, Navy came right back and found ways to grind out tough yards. Nichols, the Midshipmen’s running back, had several long runs that helped Navy move the chains and keep Oklahoma’s offense off the field.
The Sooners’ defense, while struggling at times to adjust to Navy’s unconventional attack, made some key stops, including a crucial fourth-down stop late in the first half that prevented Navy from scoring a touchdown. The Sooners’ defensive line, anchored by Jalen Redmond and Ethan Downs, finally began to get some push, and their ability to collapse the pocket helped slow down Navy’s option game in the second half.
On offense, Gabriel and the Sooners’ wide receivers started to find their rhythm as the game wore on. Gabriel’s accuracy and quick release allowed Oklahoma to string together a few quick scoring drives, while Marcus Major’s tough running kept Navy honest. Major broke off a few big runs, setting up a series of explosive plays in the passing game.
In the final minutes of the game, with Navy clinging to a slim lead, Oklahoma had a chance to take control. Gabriel, under pressure, was forced to make quick decisions in a high-stress situation. With a minute left, Gabriel connected with his star receiver, Marvin Mims, on a 40-yard touchdown pass, giving Oklahoma the lead. Navy had one final opportunity to answer, but Oklahoma’s defense stepped up and held strong, forcing a turnover on downs to seal the win.
The Aftermath: A Memorable Victory for Oklahoma
The 2024 contest between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen will go down as one of the most memorable games of the year. The clash of styles created a thrilling back-and-forth affair that showcased both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. For Oklahoma, it was a statement win that demonstrated their resilience and offensive firepower. For Navy, it was a heartbreaking loss, but one that showed they could compete with some of the best teams in the country.
Oklahoma’s victory was hard-earned, and it solidified their place as a legitimate contender in the College Football Playoff race. For Navy, while the loss stung, it was a reminder of their ability to challenge the best and compete on the national stage. The 2024 game between Oklahoma and Navy will be remembered not just for its dramatic finish, but for the incredible contrast in styles, the coaching brilliance on both sides, and the unforgettable moments that will last in the memories of college football fans for years to come.
