Navy Returns to Memphis with a Mission: Liberty Bowl Clash with Cincinnati Up Next
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Navy Midshipmen are back in Memphis, and this time, it’s not about conference standings or late-season momentum - it’s about closing the year with a statement.
Fresh off a regular-season win over Memphis inside Liberty Stadium - a 28-17 Thanksgiving Day victory that showcased Navy’s trademark discipline and toughness - the Mids have returned to the Bluff City for Friday’s Liberty Bowl showdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats. It’s a familiar setting, but the stakes and the mindset have shifted.
“It’s interesting for sure to be back after playing that big game late in the season and now coming back here,” said quarterback Blake Horvath. “Sort of a different mindset - we’re sort of capping off our season, right? We were sort of in the grind of things there when we first came back to Memphis, so we’re excited.”
That shift is important. The Liberty Bowl isn’t just another game - it’s a reward, a spotlight, and for Navy, a chance to punctuate a season that’s seen its share of grit and growth. Horvath, who’s helped guide Navy’s offense with poise and purpose, now gets to lead his team into a bowl atmosphere that blends celebration with competition.
And while the team is locked in for Friday’s matchup, there’s still room for a little fun. Horvath mentioned looking forward to catching the famous Peabody ducks and taking in the sights and sounds of Beale Street - a reminder that bowl season is as much about the experience as it is the X’s and O’s.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, is set to arrive Tuesday afternoon, giving both teams a few days to settle in and soak up the city before kickoff. The annual Beale Street parade on New Year’s Day at 3:00 p.m. is one of several events surrounding the game, adding a festive backdrop to what promises to be a physical, hard-fought contest.
So while the Navy’s presence in Memphis might raise eyebrows at first glance, there’s no need for concern - they’re not here for patrol duty. They’re here to play football, and they’ve got a job to finish.