### Navy Midshipmen and Cincinnati Bearcats Set for 2026 Liberty Bowl Showdown The 2026 Liberty Bowl, taking place on January 2, features a compelling matchup between the Navy Midshipmen and the Cincinnati Bearcats. Navy enters the game with a chance to secure a program-best 11 wins, having finished the regular season with a record of 10-2, including a narrow victory over Army [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2025-liberty-bowl-preview-navy-081210148.html]. In contrast, Cincinnati, with a record of 7-5, is seeking its first bowl victory since 2019 after a disappointing end to the season, losing four consecutive games [https://winnersandwhiners.com/free-picks/college-football/navy-midshipmen-vs-cincinnati-bearcats-picks-prediction-odds-and-line-movement-for-friday-january-2-2026]. ### Breakdown of the Liberty Bowl Matchup 1. **Team Performance and Records** - Navy: 10-2 overall, 8-1 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). - Cincinnati: 7-5 overall, 5-4 in the Big 12 Conference. - Navy aims for an 11th win, which would be a program record [https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/navy-cincinnati-prediction-odds-time-2026-liberty-bowl-picks]. 2. **Recent Form** - Navy comes off a close 17-16 victory against Army, showcasing resilience and strong defense [https://sportsline.com/insiders/navy-vs-cincinnati-odds-line-2026-college-football-picks-for-liberty-bowl-matchup-from-proven-model]. - Cincinnati's last game was a 45-23 loss to TCU, marking a tough end to their season [https://picksandparlays.net/free-picks/ncaaf/navy-midshipmen-vs-cincinnati-bearcats-picks-and-predictions-for-friday-january-2-2026]. 3. **Offensive and Defensive Matchups** - Both teams have similar offensive statistics, averaging around 421 yards per game and scoring approximately 32 points per game [https://yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/2026_liberty_bowl_prediction_navy_looks_to_sink_cincinnati/s1_17199_43268998]. - Navy's strong running game will be tested against Cincinnati's defense, which has struggled in recent outings. 4. **Betting Insights** - Experts suggest betting on the Under for this matchup, indicating a potentially low-scoring game due to both teams' recent performances [https://covers.com/ncaaf/navy-vs-cincinnati-prediction-picks-odds-best-bets-today-january-2-2026]. ### Key Insights and Predictions - **Navy's Advantage**: With a strong finish to the season and a motivated roster, Navy is favored to win, aiming to capitalize on Cincinnati's recent struggles [https://www.si.com/betting/navy-vs-cincinnati-prediction-odds-and-key-players-to-watch-for-liberty-bowl]. - **Cincinnati's Challenge**: The Bearcats will need to overcome their recent form and find a way to execute effectively against a disciplined Navy team [https://www.thespread.com/ncaaf-articles/navy-vs-cincinnati-bowl-prediction-will-midshipmen-cash-for-bettors]. In conclusion, the 2026 Liberty Bowl presents an intriguing clash between a motivated Navy team looking to make history and a Cincinnati squad desperate for redemption. With both teams showcasing similar offensive capabilities, the outcome may hinge on defensive performances and the ability to adapt to the high-stakes environment of a bowl game.