The 22nd annual Armed Forces Bowl featured Oklahoma and Navy.
The teams had met once previously, with Navy winning a regular-season matchup in Oklahoma in 1965.
[5] Oklahoma compiled a 6–6 overall record (2–6 in SEC play) during the regular season.
The Sooners faced five ranked teams, defeating Alabama while losing to Tennessee, Texas, Ole Miss, and Missouri.
The Midshipmen faced three ranked teams, defeating Army while losing to Notre Dame and Tulane.