Navy Stuns Oklahoma in a Nail-Biting 21-20 Victory at Armed Forces Bowl

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl delivered an unforgettable showdown as Navy held off Oklahoma to secure a dramatic 21-20 victory. The game ended in heart-pounding fashion, with Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables opting for a two-point conversion after a late touchdown, only for the Navy defense to rise to the occasion. With the Sooners needing just two yards to claim the win, Navy defenders swarmed quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., sacking him to seal the victory.

Oklahoma began the game with a commanding start, jumping to a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Running back Gavin Sawchuk opened the scoring with a 21-yard touchdown, and wide receiver Zion Kearney followed with a spectacular 56-yard touchdown reception. The Sooners appeared poised for a dominant performance, but Navy had other plans.

The Midshipmen responded with 21 unanswered points, starting in the second quarter. Navy fullback Alex Tecza put the team on the board with an 11-yard touchdown run, narrowing Oklahoma's lead to 14-7. The game took a historic turn in the third quarter when quarterback Blake Horvath etched his name into Navy's record books with a stunning 95-yard touchdown run, the longest in program history. The previous record, set by Johnny Sai in 1963, had stood for six decades.

Horvath wasn’t finished. He added a six-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, giving Navy a 21-14 lead. The Sooners mounted a last-minute rally, with Hawkins connecting with tight end Jake Roberts for a 10-yard touchdown to make it 21-20. Venables made the bold decision to go for the win instead of the tie, but Navy's defense delivered under pressure, cementing their 10th victory of the season.

Horvath's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He completed seven of 12 passes for 92 yards and rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Tecza contributed 43 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, showcasing Navy's balanced ground attack. On the other side, Hawkins threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns while adding 61 rushing yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Midshipmen's resilience.

The loss dropped Oklahoma to a disappointing 6-7 record, while Navy capped off a stellar 10-3 season. For the Midshipmen, this victory wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was a testament to grit, determination, and the team’s ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments.