There's obviously a game Saturday that Oklahoma fans can't miss when the No. 18 Sooners host No. 15 Michigan, but there's also a football game on Sunday that's appointment television for Sooner Nation.
Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season will be in full swing on Sunday and, at least in Oklahoma, the day will start with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons on the TV at noon CT on FOX as two former OU greats go head-to-head.
Baker Mayfield's Buccaneers take on Billy Bowman's Falcons
Quarterback Baker Mayfield will start his third season with Tampa, where he's become the face of the franchise, while defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. will make his NFL debut with the Falcons as a rookie starter. Mayfield will also be joined by former OU wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
The world knows what Mayfield has accomplished as a former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall draft pick who has transformed his career in Tampa Bay after replacing Tom Brady. Bowman, though, is still a rather complete unknown, but his coaching coaching staff has certainly already taken notice.
Bowman slipped to the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft because of his lack of size. Although his size was a fault during the draft process, it hasn't been at all with actual football being played.
After earning some first-team reps during training camp, Bowman was named the Falcons' starting nickel back as a rookie for Week 1 in his NFL debut and will get the task of trying to stop a quarterback he knows all about as a legend from his alma-mater.
The NFL and FOX know how important Baker Mayfield and this matchup are to Sooner Nation. While most of United States will be watching the New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders during that first slot on Sunday, Oklahoma will join the Atlanta and Tampa Bay markets as the only ones watching the Buccaneers and Falcons.
Most of the country will NOT be getting Bucs and Falcons, but Oklahoma will. pic.twitter.com/KXyEPUqO7v
— Matt Ravis (@mattravis) September 3, 2025
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