The Oklahoma Sooners face a unique challenge when they face the Navy Midshipmen, who come into the game 9-3 on the season. Their most recent win came against the No. 19 and AAC Champion Army Black Knights.

The Sooners finished the year 6-6 and will be without key leaders starting in the 2024 season. Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman are not playing, giving the rising stars a chance to get more playing time.

Michael Hawkins Jr. will make his first start on October 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 will throw to a young wide receiver group that includes Jacob Jordan, Zion Kearney, Zion Ragins and Ivan Carreon. How well they can separate themselves in this game could be crucial to Oklahoma’s success.

What does OU need to do to secure the win against Navy? Here are three keys to the game.

1. Control the line of scrimmage

The Navy Midshipmen have one of the best running games in the country in 2024. Heading into the Armed Forces Bowl, Navy ranks 6th nationally in rushing yards per game. They will run the ball and run it often. They are averaging 46 rushing attempts per game this season.

The Sooners’ defensive line was a strength of the team. They were a force all season long, slowing down some of the best rushing attacks in the country. Although the linebacker crew will be without Danny Stutsman, the defensive front will be intact, making life much 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 represents the toughest test Navy has faced all season.

Oklahoma’s running game has been the best part of their offense over the last month. Jovante Barnes was running well before getting hurt, and then Xavier Robinson was coming into his own in recent games, including a 100-yard, two-touchdown day against Alabama.

The Sooners will lean on the running game to take pressure off a passing game that has been inconsistent in 2024.

Navy allows 155 rushing yards per game and just over four yards per carry. The Sooners should be able to find success on the ground behind an improving offensive line.

2. Maintain eye discipline

Navy’s triple option alone will provide a lot of “eye candy” in the backfield and confuse the Sooners’ defense. Oklahoma has been really good against the run this season, ranking 11th nationally in rushing yards allowed. But they haven’t experienced a running game like the Midshipmen bring to the table.

If the Sooners play assignment-based football, they should be able to slow down Navy’s running game. Kobie McKinzie will replace Danny Stutsman at middle linebacker and will be put to the test as the leader of the Sooners defense.

3. Find a rhythm

Michael Hawkins Jr. makes his first appearance since the South Carolina game. The Sooners had a difficult time dealing with the Gamecocks’ pass rush, which was among the best in the country. Against Navy, OU’s offensive line should have more success protecting Hawkins. That should give him a chance to get comfortable in the pocket and show off his arm talent that has new Sooners quarterback offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle excited.

As much as OU wants to rely on the running game, the Sooners need to give Hawkins the experience throwing the football. The situation isn’t ideal with a young wide receiver group, but these guys were considered highly-rated four-star prospects who had a chance to start the offseason with some good play coming out of high school.

Joe Jon Finley has put together a strong game plan to help the Sooners beat Alabama. It would have a positive impact on his future prospects as an offensive coordinator if he could help his young quarterback succeed and get him into a rhythm throwing the football.

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