College football fans are in for a thrilling spectacle as Navy and Cincinnati square off in the Liberty Bowl, transforming a potentially disappointing season into one final opportunity for glory.

The Midshipmen enter the game with remarkable momentum, sporting a stellar 10-2 record after a heart-stopping victory against Army. Their quarterback, Blake Horvath, has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, amassing 1,472 passing yards and an impressive 1,147 rushing yards with 15 touchdowns on the ground.

Cincinnati's journey has been markedly different, experiencing a dramatic fall from grace after a promising start. The Bearcats began the season with a seven-game winning streak but ultimately collapsed, losing four consecutive games and dashing their College Football Playoff hopes.

Adding complexity to Cincinnati's narrative, standout quarterback Brendan Sorsby has entered the transfer portal and opted out of the bowl game. This means fifth-year senior Brady Lichtenberg will make his first significant start, having attempted just six passes all season.

The Liberty Bowl will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 2nd, broadcasting live on ESPN. Fans can stream the game through the ESPN app or Fubo, with play-by-play coverage provided by Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison, and Dawn Davenport.

For those preferring radio, SiriusXM will offer comprehensive coverage on channels 202 (Navy broadcast) and 381 (Cincinnati broadcast). The game will take place at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, promising an electric atmosphere for college football enthusiasts.

With Navy seeking to tie their program record for wins and Cincinnati aiming to conclude their season on a positive note, this matchup represents more than just a bowl game—it's a testament to resilience, determination, and the unpredictable nature of collegiate athletics.