Todd Bowles Dismisses “Big Stage” Jitters For Emeka Egbuka
September 7th, 2025
Mike Evans celebrates with Emeka Egbuka after the rookie caught a 25-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that proved to be the winning play.
There was a lot of talk on the Buccaneers Radio Network after the game about the play of Bucs rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka and how he was able to help deliver a win with two touchdowns and lead the Bucs in receiving despite his inexperience.
Baker Mayfield said, “Hell no!” when asked if Egbuka plays like a rookie in his first (real) NFL game. Mayfield went on to say how fortunate the Bucs are to have him.
Later, head coach Todd Bowles dismissed any first-game jitters for Egbuka, putting everything into perspective for the Ohio State product.
“He’s done a lot of things at “the Big House” with a lot bigger crowds than Atlanta and Tampa,” Bowles laughed. “So [Sunday was] normal for him.”
Bowles’ reference to “the Big House” is Michigan Stadium, home to Ohio State’s bitter rivals, Michigan. Even Ohio Stadium, where the Buckeyes play, is much bigger than the Dixie Chicks’ bird cage or The Licht House.
Michigan Stadium holds 107,601, which is why it earned the nickname “The Big House,” the largest football stadium in America. Ohio Stadium holds 107,601.
The Dixie Chicks’ bird cage holds 71,000. The Licht House can hold 66,000 fans.
So yeah, Joe gets why Bowles would say that. Some 71,000 watching Egbuka play? That would be an open practice for Egbuka at Ohio State.
September 7th, 2025 at 5:54 pm
Wise beyond his years! Total win on that first rd pick Jason 🙂
September 7th, 2025 at 6:01 pm
Smooth operator!
September 7th, 2025 at 6:02 pm
Bucs defense was stronger than it looked today…….After the 1st TD, Falcons had to work very hard for everything……..1st down by inches…..TD by inches….
Not much on the ground.
September 7th, 2025 at 6:12 pm
Tbbf honestly I think the only reason penix got that first down was due to position. Dennis clearly pulled up near the sideline, like most defenders do with a qb. Anyone else gets tackled short. I would have hated to lose due to that. Have to agree this over protective ab stuff is starting to affect games too much
September 7th, 2025 at 6:13 pm
I agree Bucs defense was solid.
I thought Baker game managed very, very well. But on accuracy — Baker might have had his worst day as a Buc.
September 7th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
We’re not questioning the pick any longer. Understatement? Discuss…..LOL
TBFan, I agree
September 7th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Grizzard gets settled in, Wirfs and Godwin come back 100%… look out.
September 7th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
If Ohio holds the same exact amount of people how is one bigger??
September 7th, 2025 at 6:49 pm
OSU stadium capacity is 102,780…good-sized, but there’s only one Big House. And the OSU-Michigan rivalry goes back to 1897. You’d need to get to the Super Bowl to match that intensity in the NFL, and even then I wouldn’t bet on it. Go Blue!
September 7th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
Now all of you that doubted this pick know why we drafted him. Imagine the team with Jmac and Godwin back…
September 7th, 2025 at 7:01 pm
Haha Wisconsin has a bigger stadium than Ohio State. But they always kicked our butt’s during my 4 years as an undergrad. My brother in law was a starting half back and safety. I spent my 4 years there watching in the stands with a hot cutie to keep me warm. Haha
September 7th, 2025 at 7:13 pm
After Egbuka’s first TD it was Mike Evans who grabbed the ball and handed it back to EE.
September 7th, 2025 at 9:04 pm
He’s going to be a top producer every single week, regardless of who else is on the field. Emeka is the truth.
September 7th, 2025 at 9:09 pm
I wouldn’t call 3 tds and 5 near picks(🤣) his worst day. Would’ve had 4 if Cotton ran the right route. Evans would’ve lead the receiving board if Baker had been a touch more accurate on that deep pass
September 7th, 2025 at 10:46 pm
Buka bad ass
September 7th, 2025 at 11:01 pm
Ohio state is a pro team.
September 8th, 2025 at 3:16 am
I was big on drafting a wr this year even tho I admit I slacked on who was who as far as draft prospects. It wasn’t because of the uncertainty of Godwin’s return but because of the age of our wrs. We have had so many guys we hoped would turnout or guys who were role players just come n go. We needed security. Even with jmac I’m not very high on his consistency. I’d like 4 the Bucs 2 get Tez more acclimated 2 the NFL he cud be a weapon. Them small guys don’t like 2 get hit so they’ll find ways 2 dodge duck dip dive and dodge 4 their yards.. Happy with both draft picks. Wanted 2 see a MLB taken maybe 2nd or 3rd round tho. Guys who played with confidence n grit were available in the 2nd. Not hating the Morrison pick because we haven’t seen him play yet but let’s see what happens. Congrats E squared great game. Gonna be a great year.
September 8th, 2025 at 4:34 pm
Assume Godwin and McMillan return to full health and the play calls for 3 receivers.
Who would you play?