- Matchup: Navy Midshipmen vs Cincinnati Bearcats
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Venue: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Bearcats (+7.0)
- Total Points: 53.5
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The Navy Midshipmen (10-2) are set to clash against the Cincinnati Bearcats (7-5) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Friday, January 2, 2026, in the prestigious Autozone Liberty Bowl. Navy kicks off as 7.0-point favorites, with the over/under line set at 53.5.
Entering this game, the Navy Midshipmen boast a solid 10-2 record. Their latest outing saw them narrowly defeat the Army Black Knights with a score of 17-16. In the ground game, Navy allowed 120 rushing yards on 34 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per rush. Through the air, they conceded just 82 yards on 10 pass attempts with a completion rate of 50.0%. Overall, the Midshipmen executed 66 plays totaling 272 yards, with 52 of those plays resulting in 190 rushing yards at an average of 3.7 yards per carry.
On offense, the Navy Midshipmen score an average of 31.2 points per game, leading the nation with 289.3 rushing yards per contest. They have accumulated 5,054 total yards this season, finding the end zone 10 times through the air and 40 times on the ground. With 244 first downs, they have incurred 72 penalties for a total of 618 yards, while turning over the ball 13 times.
Defensively, Navy has allowed 2,893 passing yards this season, ranking 101st nationally, and conceding 241.1 yards per game through the air at a completion rate of 64.5%. They average 382.3 total yards allowed per contest, placing them 77th in the nation. The Midshipmen have permitted 20 touchdowns via the pass and 19 via rushing, allowing an average of 4.1 yards per carry and 141.3 rushing yards per game. Over the season, they’ve surrendered 1,696 rushing yards in 12 games, ranking 76th in Division 1 with an average of 26.0 points allowed per game.
The Cincinnati Bearcats head into this matchup with a 7-5 record. In their most recent game, they suffered a defeat against the TCU Horned Frogs, with a final score of 45-23. The Bearcats’ defense allowed 238 rushing yards on 52 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per rush. Their secondary struggled, permitting an 86.4% completion rate and yielding 306 yards on 19 completions out of 22 attempts. Cincinnati achieved a total of 397 yards across 52 plays, averaging 7.6 yards per play, and reached 115 rushing yards on 19 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
The Bearcats average 421.3 total yards per game, placing them 31st nationally. This season, they have accrued 770 penalty yards from 83 infractions, ranking 38th in the nation in penalties. On the ground, they record an average of 178.9 rushing yards per game, totaling 2,147 rushing yards for the season. They have thrown 5 interceptions and lost 7 fumbles, achieving 244 first downs. In terms of scoring, the Bearcats rank 35th in D-1, averaging 31.8 points per game. They have also thrown for 2,909 yards with an average of 242.4 passing yards per game, positioning them 56th nationally.
Defensively, Cincinnati has allowed 2,083 rushing yards this season (173.6 yards per game) and 17 rushing touchdowns. They’ve also permitted 18 passing touchdowns and 229.8 yards per game through the air, placing 92nd in college football. Overall, they have given up a total of 298 points this season. Their defense has recorded 7 fumbles and 2 interceptions, and has been on the field for 860 plays, ranking 108th in Division 1. They are allowing an average of 24.8 points per game, which ranks them 68th in Division 1.
Who will emerge victorious in this Midshipmen vs. Bearcats college football showdown against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on the Midshipmen -7.0
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