Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Miscues in the fourth quarter proved to be the downfall for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

The Washington Commanders secured a narrow 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers, highlighted by a dramatic, doinked game-winning field goal from kicker Zane Gonzalez in their wild card matchup at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Baker was STUNNED pic.twitter.com/cROxtvfeYd

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 13, 2025

Jayden Daniels, the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, delivered an impressive performance, completing 24-of-35 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, propelling the Commanders to the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

Next stop: Motor City pic.twitter.com/lZ4QoiIWbU

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 13, 2025

For the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and the rest of the team endured another heartbreaking loss to close their season. Mayfield fought hard, finishing 15-of-18 for 185 yards, two touchdowns but had a costly lost fumble.

The Buccaneers made too many errors on the offensive side, including fumbles and missed snaps, while the team's clock management on Washington's final drive also drew criticism on social media:

The ball was snapped and no one moved. It wasn’t a false start. It wasn’t offside. Just an odd play. But the Bucs’ gaffes on offense in the fourth quarter are giving chances to the Commanders.

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) January 13, 2025

The two critical mistakes from the Bucs tonight:

- Baker fumble on your own 15
- Wonky snap on 3rd & short in opponents territory

Margin of error is razor thin in the postseason.

— William Patteson (@williampatteson) January 13, 2025

Todd Bowles and the defense will take the heat for this, but the loss is on the offense.

The fumble after the defense made a massive 4th down stop cost the Buccaneers their season.#WeAreTheKrewe

— Nick Wize (@iAmNickWize) January 13, 2025

Bucs are going to potentially lose this game bc of two bad snaps. In this sport, the little details are everything.

— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) January 13, 2025

Bowles took ten seconds to call timeout again

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 13, 2025

After the repeated (and egregious) game management issues this season, I have to think there's a possibility that this is Todd Bowles' last game as the Bucs head coach.

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 13, 2025

NFL coaches lose games every week because they have no idea how to manage the clock.

Todd Bowles is about to lose one in the playoffs because of it. And maybe his job too.

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 13, 2025

Bad end of half/game clock management and timeout usage, a tale as old as time.

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) January 13, 2025

I won't say anything snarky. However, I agree with those tweeting about clock management.

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 13, 2025

Tampa Bay kicker Chase McLaughlin opened the scoring on Sunday with a 50-yard field goal early in the first quarter on the Buccaneers' first possession. Tampa Bay's defense held Washington scoreless in the opening quarter.

In the second quarter, Washington's Dyami Brown scored on a 10-yard pass from Daniels, followed by a field goal from Gonzalez, giving the Commanders a 10-3 lead with 1:52 left in the half.

.@deuce2_ GETS US ON THE BOARD

📺 #WASvsTB @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/4XqCkEqnzn

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 13, 2025

Tampa Bay quickly responded with a 1:43 possession capped by a touchdown pass from Mayfield to Evans, tying the game at 10-10 heading into halftime.

Out of the break, Gonzalez hit a 22-yard field goal on Washington's first possession of the third quarter. However, Tampa Bay's Bucky Irving found the end zone with 4:31 left in the quarter, giving the Buccaneers a 17-13 lead heading into the fourth.

The fourth quarter was full of excitement.

It began with a crucial goal-line stand by Tampa Bay's defense, stopping Washington on fourth down in the red zone. However, moments later, the Buccaneers fumbled at their own 11-yard line, with linebacker Bobby Wagner recovering the ball and shifting momentum back to Washington. The turnover set up a touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, giving the Commanders a 20-17 lead.

BWAGZ 😤😤😤

📺 #WASvsTB @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/8NyV1bMEHH

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 13, 2025

PEEKABOOOOOOO 👻

📺 #WASvsTB @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/M5JNCesPwi

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 13, 2025

Tampa Bay responded with a McLaughlin field goal, tying the game at 20 with 4:41 left in regulation. The Commanders then mounted an impressive drive, chewing up over 4:30 of the remaining clock, before Gonzalez doinked the game-winning field goal from 37 yards to seal the victory.

DOINKED IT IN FOR THE DUB!!!!!

📺 #WASvsTB @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/3WvqkokVMV

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 13, 2025

The No. 6 seed Commanders will travel to Detroit to face the top-seeded Lions on Jan. 18.

Mike Evans matching Jerry Rice's all-time record by completing his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season on Sunday was meaningful, not just to his Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates, but to general manager Jason Licht's family.

Licht told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer that Evans has gotten close to his family during the receiver's 11 seasons in Tampa Bay.

"We talk about Mike at the dinner table," Licht told Breer. "All week long, even when we went out to dinner last night, it was like, Is Mike going to get his 1,000 yards? You have to make sure he gets his 1,000 yards.

"I could go on and on. We would do anything for Mike."

Licht then told Breer: "To my family, I don't think we can put him in a higher light."

Evans was the first player Licht drafted after he was hired as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager in 2014. He went on to record at least 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 NFL seasons.

The wideout headed into Sunday's Week 18 matchup with the New Orleans Saints just 85 yards shy of the quadruple-digit mark and Rice's all-time record.

According to Breer, Licht prepared for the win by having custom hats celebrating Evans' achievement made.

Evans was five yards short with two minutes on the clock when the Bucs reached the Saints' 11-yard line.

But the Bucs chose not to pass, handing the ball to Bucky Irving for a rushing touchdown instead. The score sealed Tampa Bay's win but appeared to put the record out of Evans' reach.

As Breer wrote:

With five minutes left, and Evans close, Licht went downstairs to watch the end of the game from the field—only to see Bucky Irving score with two minutes left, which got the Bucs closer to a win, but seemed to end the receiver's pursuit at 995. The equipment guys then took the hats to Licht's car, just as Licht retreated to the equipment room.

Once they got back, one of the guys told him the hats were gone, and said, "Congrats on winning the division anyway." Licht responded that it wasn't over yet. Then, a text came from former Bucs coach Bruce Arians. Tampa had the ball back.

Call a motherf---ing timeout!!

Head coach Todd Bowles called the timeout, and instead of kneeling had quarterback Baker Mayfield find Evans as time ran down on the final play of the game.

MIKE EVANS. 1,000 YARDS ONCE AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/V4S7S8APUX

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

Mayfield then attended his postgame press conference wearing the hat the Bucs staff had gotten to hand out after all.

Baker is wearing an 11 x 1K hat to honor Mike Evans. pic.twitter.com/2UGkHw9O8b

— David Schiele WTSP (@Deacon_Schiele) January 5, 2025

Evans later thanked his teammates for setting up the catch, which earned him a $3 million bonus even as the Bucs clinched a fourth straight NFC South title.

The Bucs will now look for Evans to continue his stellar season when Tampa Bay begins the postseason against the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card round.

Tom Brady won over fans as he provided commentary on his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their 27-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday for Fox.

Brady joined Kevin Burkhardt at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa during the final game of the regular season, where the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South for the fourth consecutive year, securing a playoff berth.

"That throw by Baker Mayfield was ridiculous." 👏@TomBrady gives Baker praise after that incredible TD pass!! pic.twitter.com/JsJ5pI75SF

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 5, 2025

The seven-time Super Bowl champion drew significant attention while covering his former team and commended 29-year-old Baker Mayfield, who went 20-of-31 for 212 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

"He's looked so much like the same guy in terms of his physical ability and man that guy can rip the ball, every single throw on the field he can make," Brady said about Mayfield prior to the game. "What I love seeing him do though is just being patient in the pocket and let the game come to him."

Adding to the excitement of Week 18, wide receiver Mike Evans achieved his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, tying Jerry Rice for the longest streak in NFL history. No one seemed more thrilled than Brady, who cheered on his former teammate as Evans reached the milestone.

GREATNESS pic.twitter.com/NGuhBG2KfF

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 5, 2025

As the Buccaneers celebrated their division title and Evans' milestone, Brady's insightful commentary garnered praise from fans:

"Nice job of composure." 🙌@TomBrady breaks down the Bucs TD on their most recent drive. pic.twitter.com/qFhukwpCiP

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 5, 2025

i am loving tom brady as a commentator https://t.co/gcE1AuMfr7

— j (@njhftdolans) January 5, 2025

Tom Brady has gotten a lot better? Or is he just way more comfortable calling Bucs games?

— Tyler Loechner (@LoechnerNFL) January 5, 2025

https://twitter.com/NoContextRFFS/status/1876015289713983747

Tom Brady is a good commentator.

— Jono Barnes (@JonoBarnes) January 5, 2025

Hey man for Tom Brady to be that hype for Mike Evans is fire AF!!!

— Jay (@SimStrength) January 5, 2025

Unpopular opinion - I LOVE Tom Brady called games

— ColoradoMick (@ColoradoBucFan) January 5, 2025

Fox has yet to announce the date of Tom Brady's next scheduled broadcast for the postseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans entered Sunday's regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints needing five catches and 85 yards to trigger a $3 million bonus for getting 70 catches, 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on the year.

That 85-yard mark would also tie Evans with NFL legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons of all time at 11.

With 36 seconds remaining, Evans needed just five more yards, but he got that plus four more after quarterback Baker Mayfield hit him with a pass.

MIKE EVANS. 1,000 YARDS ONCE AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/V4S7S8APUX

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

THE CELEBRATION FOR MIKE EVANS. CHILLS. pic.twitter.com/YNc0gAHoZD

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

THE BUCS THROW TO MIKE EVANS TO CASH HIS INCENTIVE AND TO TIE JERRY RICE FOR MOST CONSECUTIVE 1000 YARD SEASONS 🔥

LEGENDARYpic.twitter.com/nU2dhkzao1

— br_betting (@br_betting) January 5, 2025

With that, Evans finished the year with 74 catches, 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns after his nine-reception, 89-yard outing.

And for the Bucs, that capped a 27-19 win which sealed a 10-7 season, an NFC South title and a playoff berth.

The Bucs took possession after the Saints turned the ball over on downs. Tampa Bay was in a position to run out the clock and end the game, but it was clear getting Evans to the 1,000-yard mark was important for every Buc involved before doing so.

Mayfield stepped back and found an open Evans, who jubilant teammates mauled after he surpassed 1,000 yards yet again.

Evans spoke about it afterward, per Mike Jones of The Athletic.

Mike Evans: “I was hoping they’d get the stop. I couldn’t pass up history. … 1 of the coolest moments in Raymond James. … To be tied w the greatest to do it. … The defense knew the record was on the line and they were trying to get off the field. I appreciate them for that.”

— Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones) January 5, 2025

It was an incredible moment for a beloved and surefire Pro Football Hall of Famer, who posted his 74/1,004/11 season despite missing three-plus games this year with a hamstring injury.

Rice is one of the greatest NFL players of all time, and he's beyond approach at the wide receiver position. So for Evans to be on the same plane as him in a category is incredible work. His consistency is unmatched, having accomplished the 1,000-yard feat in each of his seasons.

Evans needs three more 1,000-yard seasons to tie Rice's mark of 14 for the most all-time, and it wouldn't be a big surprise to see him get there someday.

In the meantime, Evans and the Bucs look forward to the Wild Card round, where they will play Saturday, Sunday or Monday against the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings or Washington Commanders.

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have clinched the NFC South for a fourth straight season.

The Bucs locked up a playoff spot on Sunday thanks to a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints.

BAKER DART TO JALEN MCMILLAN FOR THE LEAD 😱

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/4nZhupoX1p

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 5, 2025

Tampa Bay will finish the season with a 9-7 record that has the team set to enter the playoffs as either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in the NFC.

The team's final seeding will depend on how the Los Angeles Rams fare on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Here's a look at the current shape of the NFL playoff picture now that the Buccaneers have secured a playoff spot for the fifth consecutive campaign.

---

AFC Playoff Standings

1. Kansas City Chiefs, 15-1 (clinched AFC West, No. 1 seed)

2. Buffalo Bills, 13-4 (clinched AFC East)

3. Baltimore Ravens, 12-5 (clinched AFC North)

4. Houston Texans, 10-7 (clinched AFC South)

5. Los Angeles Chargers, 10-6 (clinched Wild Card spot)

6. Pittsburgh Steelers, 10-7 (clinched Wild Card spot)

7. Denver Broncos, 9-7

8. Cincinnati Bengals, 9-8

9. Miami Dolphins, 8-8

10. Indianapolis Colts, 8-9 (eliminated)

11. New York Jets, 4-12 (eliminated)

12. Las Vegas Raiders, 4-12 (eliminated)

13. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4-13 (eliminated)

14. New England Patriots, 4-13 (eliminated)

15. Cleveland Browns, 3-14 (eliminated)

16. Tennessee Titans, 3-14 (eliminated)

---

NFC Playoff Standings

1. Detroit Lions, 14-2 (clinched playoff berth)

2. Philadelphia Eagles, 14-3 (clinched NFC East)

3. Los Angeles Rams, 10-6 (clinched NFC West)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-7 (clinched NFC South)

5. Minnesota Vikings, 14-2 (clinched playoff berth)

6. Washington Commanders, 12-5 (clinched Wild Card spot)

7. Green Bay Packers, 11-6 (clinched Wild Card spot)

8. Seattle Seahawks, 9-7 (eliminated)

9. Atlanta Falcons, 8-8

10. Arizona Cardinals, 7-9 (eliminated)

11. Dallas Cowboys, 7-10 (eliminated)

12. San Francisco 49ers, 6-10 (eliminated)

13. New Orleans Saints, 5-12 (eliminated)

14. Chicago Bears, 5-12 (eliminated)

15. Carolina Panthers, 4-12 (eliminated)

16. New York Giants, 3-14 (eliminated)

---

For a second straight season, Baker Mayfield has led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the top of the NFC South.

The Bucs head into the playoffs one of just three teams to exceed both 4,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards this season.

Mayfield has racked up 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns in 17 games to help the Buccaneers finish out the regular season as one of the most balanced offenses in the NFL.

Not only is that a career-high passing touchdown total for Mayfield, but it matches the number Tom Brady posted before leading the Buccaneers to the Super Bowl in 2020.

The Bucs are now hoping to go on a similar run behind a career-best season from Mayfield.

He is joined on offense by wideout Mike Evans, who tied Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's record by recording his 11th straight season with 1,000 receiving yards.

MIKE EVANS SECURES HIS 11TH STRAIGHT 1,000 YARD SEASON 👑

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/ayrOQ5Wi3A

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 5, 2025

Evans' stellar campaign has helped the Bucs' passing game succeed despite losing Chris Godwin to a season-ending ankle injury in October. The Buccaneers are still hoping to get Cade Otton back on the field after the tight end missed three straight games with a knee injury.

Tampa Bay's run game has meanwhile been revitalized by rookie running back Bucky Irving, who is the first Bucs rookie to rush for 1,000 yards since Doug Martin in 2012.

The Bucs' defensive depth will be tested heading into playoffs amid injuries to Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead.

On a positive note, Tampa Bay's defense has solved some problems that plagued the unit earlier this season, especially regarding limiting rushing attacks. The Bucs' defenders headed into Week 18 having held opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards in seven straight contests.

Whitehead is on the NFI list after suffering injuries in a car accident, but Winfield and Otton rejoined practice ahead of Week 18. Getting them back in the mix could give the Bucs a boost on both sides of the ball heading into the postseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead was placed on the non-football injury list Saturday after suffering injuries in a car accident, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Whitehead is not expected to return this season, per Stroud.

Whitehead is not expected to return this season. Significant loss for the Bucs who will also be without S Antoine Winfield Jr. again today and CB Jamel Dean for Sunday’s game against the Saints. The Bucs must win to clinch the NFC South or have the Falcons lose to the Panthers. https://t.co/UOK7WilA1K

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 4, 2025

The news comes days after Whitehead returned for Week 17 following four weeks on IR with a pectoral muscle injury.

Whitehead has recorded 79 combined tackles, including two for loss, in 12 starts for the Buccaneers this season.

Stroud wrote that "overall Whitehead is ok but he will miss multiple weeks."

The Buccaneers said the accident occurred while Whitehead was on his way to the team's practice facility on Saturday morning.

Buccaneers Statement on Jordan Whitehead pic.twitter.com/aBhnMnu97B

— Buccaneers Communications (@BuccaneersComms) January 4, 2025

Whitehead underwent tests at a hospital after the accident, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine.

Bucs starting safety Jordan Whitehead was involved in a car accident this morning on his way to the team facility, a source tells me. He’s at the hospital now undergoing tests and he’s alert, but I’m told that he’s going to miss time.

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) January 4, 2025

Practice squad safety Ryan Neal was elevated to the active roster following Whitehead's move to the NFI list.

Neal made one appearance earlier this season amid Whitehead's previous stint on IR. He made three tackles in a Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Whitehead, who won a Super Bowl with the Bucs in 2021, spent two seasons with the New York Jets before Tampa Bay re-signed him ahead of the 2024 season to join Antoine Winfield Jr.

Injuries to both Whitehead and Winfield have limited their playing time together since. The Bucs will now head into Week 18 missing their top three safeties following injuries to Whitehead, Winfield and Christian Izien.

Mike Edwards and Kaevon Merriweather could be called on to start in the trio's absence as the Buccaneers look to clinch the NFC South and a playoff spot with a win over the New Orleans Saints.

Should the Bucs lose to the Saints, the team could be eliminated from playoff contention if the Atlanta Falcons win over the Carolina Panthers.

While the primary focus for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18 is beating the New Orleans Saints to clinch the NFC South, Mike Evans can earn himself a nice chunk of change with a good performance.

Per NFL Network's Peter Schrager, Evans needs five receptions and 85 yards on Sunday to hit the incentives in his contract for an extra $3 million.

What's the incentive? 💰

We take a look at some potential contract incentives that will be in play for Week 18👇 pic.twitter.com/lp1d2CsqW6

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) January 3, 2025

Evans currently has 65 receptions and 915 yards this season. The yardage total is notable because he has never finished with fewer than 1,001 receiving yards in a season in his career.

Evans' 10 seasons with at least 1,000 yards are tied with Randy Moss for the second-most in NFL history, trailing only Jerry Rice's at 14. He is also the only player in NFL history to start his career with 1,000 yards in 10 consecutive seasons.

The only reason Evans' streak is in jeopardy is because he missed three games earlier in the season due to a hamstring injury. New Orleans would seem like a good opponent to have a big game against, but he only had two catches for 34 yards in the first matchup against this defense in Week 6.

Granted, that was at a point when the Saints were still trying to win games. They enter Week 18 having lost three straight, including a 25-10 defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 29.

Another key difference from that game is Chris Godwin was healthy. He had 11 catches on 13 targets for 125 yards and two touchdowns but suffered a season-ending dislocated ankle that required surgery the following week against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Buccaneers can clinch the NFC South with a win over the Saints or a loss by the Atlanta Falcons against the Carolina Panthers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing outside linebacker Shaq Barrett to their 53-man roster on Saturday.

Both Greg Auman of The Athletic and Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report relayed the news. It'll be a one-year deal for Barrett, who recently requested his release from the Miami Dolphins, per Reynolds.

The Miami Dolphins waived Barrett on Thursday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. He needed to clear waivers on Friday to be eligible to sign elsewhere.

Barrett signed with the Dolphins as a free agent last March, but he then changed course and retired in July. However, Barrett then applied for reinstatement in November. Barrett did not suit up for Miami this season.

Barrett has played nine NFL seasons—four with the Denver Broncos (2015-2018) and five with the Bucs (2019-2023). He's a two-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019. Barrett also dominated for the 2020 Super Bowl champion Bucs, amassing four sacks and nine tackles during their playoff run.

His last full season was 2023, when Barrett had 52 tackles and four-and-a-half sacks for an NFC South champion team that reached the Divisional round. Barrett started 18 games (including playoffs) for that squad.

After the year, the Bucs released Barrett in an attempt to get younger at the position, per Reynolds.

But now he's back in town as the Bucs look to surpass the Atlanta Falcons for the AFC South title. Both teams are 8-7, but Atlanta has the head-to-head tiebreaker in hand.

Tampa Bay's regular season ends with home games against the 4-11 Carolina Panthers and 5-10 New Orleans Saints.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield donned a University of Missouri Tigers hoodie while addressing the media Wednesday after losing a bet.

Mayfield bet Buccaneers reporter Casey Phillips that his Oklahoma Sooners would beat her Mizzou Tigers this season, but Missouri secured a 30-23 home victory over OU on Nov. 9.

As a result, Mayfield wore a hoodie that read "Mizzou Grandma" while standing at the podium Wednesday:

Baker Mayfield lost a bet with Bucs team reporter Casey Philips and, as a result, is donning this Mizzou hoodie. He’s not thrilled. #Bucs #Oklahoma #Mizzou pic.twitter.com/MxoFla5xoY

— River Wells (@riverhwells) December 4, 2024

Mayfield played three seasons at Oklahoma, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2017 before going No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL draft.

The official Mizzou Athletics account on X trolled Mayfield after he made good on his bet, and Phillips reveled in the spoils:

Baker 🤝 Cook 👩‍🍳

Gold might just be your color, @bakermayfield#MIZ 🐯 https://t.co/4uaRyk0Wzn

— Mizzou Athletics (@MizzouAthletics) December 4, 2024

Maybe my proudest moment of my career https://t.co/mpeOrleaFS

— Casey Phillips (@caseyreporting) December 4, 2024

When Missouri and Oklahoma met last month, the Tigers were the No. 24 team in the nation with a 6-2 record, while the Sooners were struggling to the tune of a 5-4 mark, including a 1-4 record in SEC play.

The Sooners took a 23-16 lead with two minutes remaining in the game, but Mizzou tied it with 1:03 left and then scored the game winning touchdown with 22 seconds remaining on a 17-yard fumble return by Zion Young.

Missouri lost to South Carolina the following week, but ended the regular season with back-to-back wins, bringing the No. 19 team in the nation's record to 9-3.

It would have been easy for Oklahoma to pack it in for the season after losing in such brutal fashion, but the Sooners shocked the Alabama Crimson Tide in their next game, thoroughly dominating them to the tune of a 24-3 upset.

Oklahoma fell 37-17 to LSU in its regular-season finale, but at 6-6, the Sooners are bowl eligible for a 26th consecutive season.

As for Mayfield and the Bucs, they pulled out an overtime win over the Carolina Panthers last weekend, giving them a second win in a row and evening their record at 6-6.

Tampa is tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC South lead, and it will have a chance to get over .500 on Sunday if it can take down the Las Vegas Raiders.