Navy Heavy Favorites vs. Depleted Cincinnati in Liberty Bowl

The No. 22 Navy Midshipmen face the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Liberty Bowl on Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET in Memphis, Tennessee, with the Midshipmen entering as heavy favorites against a depleted opponent.

Navy, which finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, boasts the nation's top rushing offense at 289.3 yards per game. The Midshipmen, coached by Brian Newberry, have won three straight games, including a narrow 17-16 victory over rival Army and a 28-17 triumph at Memphis on Thanksgiving that clinched a share of the American Athletic Conference title. Quarterback Blake Horvath anchors the triple-option attack, leading the team with 1,147 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 1,472 passing yards and 10 scores. Running back Alex Tecza contributes 68.5 rushing yards per game and nine touchdowns, and wide receiver Eli Heidenreich sets a program record with 877 receiving yards this season. On defense, AP First Team All-American tackle Landon Robinson has recorded 6.5 sacks and 58 tackles. Unlike many programs, Navy reports no player departures to the transfer portal or NFL Draft opt-outs, allowing the full roster to compete.

Cincinnati, with a 7-5 mark after starting 7-1...