East Central and Oklahoma Baptist will open the 2017 football season with a national broadcast.

The NCAA announced Wednesday the 18 regular-season football games that will be streamed live on ESPN3 as part of an ongoing three-year agreement to highlight Division II athletics events.

The season opener on Saturday, Sept. 2, between the Tigers and Bison in Shawnee is one of those matchups.

The teams are 1-1 against each other since OBU reinstated its football program after a 70-plus year hiatus.

Oklahoma Baptist spoiled East Central’s homecoming last season, winning 36-34 in overtime in Ada.

The Great American Conference will also be featured later in the season when Southern Arkansas travels to Henderson State on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The first 18 games of the football showcase are predetermined matchups. Four additional flex games — highlighting crucial matchups — will be finalized later in the football season and played in November.

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