College Football PreSeason Polls-BenchCasters look at CFB Ranking before Kickoff this weekend.

College Football Preseason Polls By Brian Pezon

August 27th, 2017

Brian Pezon is an Editor at BenchCasters. To Find more from Brian, follow him on Twitter @BrianPezon or go to http://www.benchcasters.com

 

College Football is right around the corner this Saturday marks the first week of the FBS season. Pre season polls for both AP and Coaches polls have been released. They look like this:

These Polls show what the media and experts see on paper and how they will stack up in a power rankings system. It’s definitely hard to predict what is going to happen throughout the season and how the polls will look at after the regular season is finished and we are looking to see which teams will make the playoffs and how the bowl season will shake up. I like to look ahead so let me do just that and give you which teams I see having the biggest change from these pre season polls till the end of the season polls.

With the teams most on the rise and fall based on what we just discussed,  lets go ahead and show you what I think the end of the season Rankings will look like. This will also including the top 4 teams who will end up making the College Playoffs.

I will also go as deep as the original coaches poll i shared will you and go to the top 41 teams that end the season and all get bowl games. Lets see how close i get it right here, we will most definitely revisit this at the end of the season.

With my final ranking prediction being said,  that means I have the Crimson Tide of Alabama facing the Ohio State Buckeyes as the 1 and 4 seed. I also have the Florida State Seminoles as the number 2 seed taking on the Washington Huskies as the #3 seed. Big change here since there is no Clemson Tigers for the first time in 3 years. I think this would be a great playoff scenario and give the fans the best 4 complete teams in the college ranks in the end. Hope as we get into this college football season we get to take a look back and see how much my rankings match up with the final rankings of the year.

Stay tuned in our episodes to come as we break down the Pre season polls, and discuss college football on the games happening throughout the week.

Pre Season All Americans, and BenchCasters Predictions for the 2017 CFB Season

Pre Season All Americans, and BenchCasters Predictions for the 2017 CFB Season

By Brian Pezon

August 27th, 2017

Brian Pezon is an Editor at BenchCasters. To Find more from Brian, follow him on Twitter @BrianPezon or go to www.benchcasters.com

 

Let’s take a closer look into the college football world. There are game changers all over the place and individual accomplishment may not lead to team success but it definitely helps their future in making a career out of playing the game of football. Preseason All American teams are out and there are some surprises on where they are placed. So many great players in the college football scene but only so many spots for the All American teams. So let’s take a look at who made the 1st and 2nd teams:

All American 1st Team:

QB- Sam Darnold, USC

HB- Saquan Barkley, Penn St.

HB- Derrius Guice, LSU

WR- James Washington, Oklahoma St.

WR- Christian Kirk, Texas A & M

ATH- Richie James, Middle Tennessee St.

TE Mike Gesick, Penn St.

OL- Orlando Brown, Oklahoma

OL- Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

OL- Billy Price, Ohio St.

OL- Connor Williams, Texas

OL- Cody O’Connell Washington St.

DL- Arden Key, LSU

DL- Dexter Lawrence, Clemson

DL- Rashan Gary, Michigan

DL- Ed Oliver, Houston

LB- Cameron Smith, USC

LB- Micah Kiser, Virginia

LB- Josey Jewell, Iowa

DB- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

DB- Tarvarus McFadden, Florida St.

DB- Marcus Allen, Penn St.

DB- Derwin James, Florida St.

RET- Quadree Henderson, Pittsburgh

K- Daniel Carlson, Auburn

P- Mitch Wisnowsky, Utah

 

All American 2nd Team:

QB- Lamar Jackson, Louisville

HB- Kamryn Pettway, Auburn

HB- Bo Scarbough, Alabama

WR- Dante Pettis, Washington

WR- Calvin Ridley, Alabama

TE- Mark Andrews, Oklahoma

OL- Mitch Hyatt, Clemson

OL- Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

OL- Mason Cole, Michigan

OL- Jonah Williams, Alabama

OL- Mitch McGlinchey, Notre Dame

DL- Bradley Chubb, N.C. State

DL- Harold Landry, Boston College

DL- Derrick Nnadi, Florida St.

DL- Christian wilkins, Clemson

LB-Tegroy Scales, Indiana

LB- Jordan Jones, Kentucky

LB- Malik Jefferson, Texas

DB- Jordan Thomas, Oklahoma

DB- Jaire Alexander, Louisville

DB- Ronnie Harrison, Alabama

DB- Quin Blanding, Virginia

RET- Byron Pringle, Kansas St.

K- Tyler Davis, Penn St.

P- J.K. Scott- Alabama

 

Surprises to where they are:

1. James Washington of Oklahoma St. although I do see Washington as a stud at wide out I just think there is a number of Wide Receivers I would have put on the All American first team before him.
2. Richie James of Middle Tennessee State. This is more of a fact that I am surprised he got the recognition he deserves and didn’t get left out for someone at a bigger name school. Over 2000 offensive yards and 16 TDs is impressive as i’ve seen, very happy to see him make the first team as an athlete.
3. Rashan Gary from Michigan is still young and didn’t have freakish stats last year, so for him to make the 1st team All Americans list baffles me. When you put him above incredible players such has Harold Landry of Boston College and Bradley Chubb of NC State is appalling.

Snubs left off the list:

1. Myles Gaskin of Washington Huskies. This running back has had over 1300 yards rushing and double digits touchdowns both years at UW. to not make either 1st or 2nd team all american is hard to believe.
2. Baker Mayfield for the Oklahoma Sooners had the best overall Quarterback rating last year and he did make either list. Everyone is caught up in Sam Darnolds potential and sleeping on a proven commodity look out for Baker Mayfield to make some noise.
3. Michael Gallup at WR from Colorado State  is also a top wide out and could have made the 2nd team all american list. 1st team had 3 WR so to have Gallup as the third WR would have made a lot of sense with him have 1272 yards receiving and 14 TDs last year.

 

My prediction of the final All American 1st team:

QB- Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

HB-  Saquan Barkley, Penn St.

HB- Bo Scarborough, Alabama

WR- Calvin Ridley, Alabama

WR- Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

WR- Austin Pettis, Washington

TE- Adam Breneman, UMASS

OL- Orlando Brown, Oklahoma

OL- Mitch McGlinchey,  Notre Dame

OL- Billy Price, Ohio St.

OL- Cody O’Connell, Washington St.

OL- Jonah Williams, Alabama

DL- Bradley Chubb, NC State

DL- Harold Landry, Boston College

DL- Arden Key, LSU

DL- Derrick Nnadi, Florida State

LB- Cameron Smith, USC

LB- Mikah Kiser, virginia

LB- Travin Howard, TCU

DB-  Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

DB-  Jordan Thomas, Oklahoma

DB-  Tarvaus McFadden, Florida State

DB- Derwin James, Florida State

K- Gary Wunderlich, Ole Miss

P- Johnny Townsend, Florida

WWE SUMMERSLAM 2017- BenchCasters PPV Recap

WWE Summer Slam 2017-BenchCasters PPV RecapBy Brian Pezon

August 21st, 2017

Brian Pezon is an Editor at BenchCasters. To Find more from Brian, follow him on Twitter @BrianPezon or go to http://www.benchcaster.com

BenchCasters

SummerSlam took place on August 20, 2017 in Brooklyn New York. This blockbuster event consisted of 13 matches in all. 3 of these matches took place on a 2 hour pre show. There were some historic things that took place on this night including 8 titles being put on the line in their respected bouts. Let’s take a look at the pre show matches.

Miz-tourage defeated Hardyz & Jason Jordan

This match was speculated to be added to the card the week leading up to SummerSlam. It was added the morning of SummerSlam and not much was really thought of this match. I’m not sure if they wanted Miz and Jason Jordan to just be showcased, or if they just didn’t want to try to fill two hours of air time with only 2 matches. Any ways snooze-fest of a match and Miz and his minions win. Match Rating 1.5/5

Neville defeated Akira Tozawa ©

Akira Tozawa had a deep submission in and then hit Neville with a shining wizard and got a close 2 count. Unfortunately for Tozawa that’s as close as he would come to retaining his belt. Neville hits the Red Arrow and wins the cruiserweight title back. King of the Cruiserweights back upon his throne. Match Rating 2.75/5

The Usos defeat The New Day ©

True tag teams in this match with great teamwork and tandem offense. Good back and forth action throughout the match, there wasn’t really any point I felt was a bore. You can see the in-rng chemistry between the New Day and The Uso’s, but we need to see these two teams face other true tag teams. Suspense got the crowd going with a series of fun and exciting moves. This chain of moves ended up with The Uso’s in the position to get the pinfall victory. The Uso’s are your new Smackdown Tag Team Champions. Match Ratings 3.75/5

A video promo has many WWE superstars that aren’t included in SummerSlam and ends with HBK, Shawn Michaels come out dressed as Colonel Sanders of KFC.

Pre Show Rating 3/ 5

SummerSlam itself started the same way as the pre show did. Match 1 of SummerSlam was a let down and you can tell the difference in booking between the main roster and NXT. Without going too far into my disgust for matches like this let’s go ahead and look at the entire SummerSlam card. Here is all 10 Summerslam matches:

John Cena defeated Baron Corbin

Kick off match of the main card has Baron Corbin look to take out some of his frustration of losing his money in the bank briefcase on Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown. Match didnt wow many people but gave John Cena a victory on SummerSlam and showed off some of Baron Corbin’s Strength. Match Rating 2.5/5

Natalya defeated Naomi ©

Having Natalya challenge for the Smackdown women’s championship makes a lot more sense than Lana. Natalya has put in years to get this opportunity. Both women are polished in ring talents and they put on a nice match with both women having their momentum swings. Natalya’s second sharpshooter gives her, her second women’s championship. A well deserved feat that I would have like to see when she was still the leader of the welcoming committee. Match Rating 2.5/5

Big Cass defeated Big Show

Big show comes out the gate looking strong. Enzo Amore was dancing around and talking crap in the shark cage as Big Show had the momentum. Big Shows hand hampers his performance and doesn’t allow him to do all he wants and ends up giving Big Cass the opening he needed. Enzo Amore escapes the shark cage as he tries to give Big Show a breather. Enzo Amore gets down from the cage and gets a big Boot and goes down quicker than a referee. Big Cass gives Big Show a Big boot and then the Empire Elbow and gets the pinfall.

Match Rating 3/ 5

Randy Orton defeated. Rusev

Rusev attacks Orton before the match while Orton is making his entrance. Randy Orton tells referee he can go and the referee rings the bell. Rusev rushes Orton, Orton hits him with an RKO out of nowhere and 1-2-3 it’s over. Match Rating 1/ 5

Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss ©

Sasha Banks took a lot of punishment to her shoulder/arm just like her friend who she replaced to be in this match Bayley. After exchanges of momentum back and forth Sasha banks hooked in the Bank Statement twice and ended Alexa Bliss’s title reign.Sasha Banks is your new Raw Women’s Champion. Match Rating 3/ 5

Finn Balor defeated Bray Wyatt
Finn Balor came out as the Demon King as many expected. Giving him the best entrance of the night. Last time we got to see the Demon King was at last year’s SummerSlam. Balor has a strong match and really owns Bray Wyatt for most of the match. With only a few offensive flurries against Balor, Wyatt’s intimidation tactics do not work and Wyatt fails to ever get the momentum really in his favor. The Demon King Finn Balor picks up the victory winning his second SummerSlam match. Match Rating 3.75/5

Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose defeat Cesaro & Sheamus ©
Former Shield members reunite to take on the Raw tag team champions. Rollins and Ambrose chemistry is still evident and they work well together in the match. Finish of the match see’s Cesaro and Sheamus colliding and ending up costing them the upper hand and two super kicks and a dirty deeds leads us to see Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose pick up the victory. Rollins and Ambrose are your new Raw Tag Team Champions. Match Rating 3.25/5

AJ Styles © defeats Kevin Owens
All the makings of the type of match that has possibility to steal the show. As advertised it did just that, having Shane McMahon as special guest referee was a nice touch and really added a nice element to the match. Both styles and Owens had run ins with shane as the re, even with this being the case Shane-O-Mac called it right down the middle to the best of his ability. Close calls, reversal, innovative offense this match had all we were expecting. AJ Styles hit a couple of Styles Clash’s to retain the U.S. title. First successful title defense of the night. Match Rating 4.25/5

Jinder Mahal © defeated Shinsuke Nakamura

In yet another disappointing title defense jinder Mahal wins. The Singh brothers interfere setting up Mahal for the win. Mahal has not won a single match with the title on the line clean yet, The Singh Brothers and the Great Khali have all been a key contributor in his victories. A dud of a Co-Main event, not much for the fans to get hype about here. No close pin falls, no chain of innovated moves or reversals. A distraction leads to a Khallas and a 1-2-3. Jinder Mahal is still you WWE Champion. Match Rating 2/ 5

Fatal 4way for the Universal Title

Brock Lesnar © defeated Roman Reigns

Braun Strowman looks unstopable and dominates early. Brock Lesnar is taken out by Strowman by putting him through two announcer’s tables and a third one flipped over on him. Brock is carted out into the back. Reigns, Samoa Joe, and Strowman continue the match and there is chaos inside and outside of the ring. Brock Lesnar comes storming back down to the ring with a pleading Paul Heyman behind him not to return. Brock Lesnar hits an F-5 Samoa Joe who had a Coquina Cluth locked in. Roman Reigns Spears Braun Strowman. Then Reigns rushes at Lesnar as if he was going to Superman Punch him and also got an F-5. Lesnar covers Reigns for the pinfall victory. Brock Lesnar is still your WWE Universal Champion. Match Rating 4.25/5

Overall SummerSlam Rating ⅗

With a lot of Championship belts changing hands, it is sure to see new story lines as Raw happens on Monday. Stay tune and catch the Raw recap here, only at BenchCaster.com

 

NXT Take-Over Brooklyn III- BenchCasters PPV Recap

NXT Take-Over Brooklyn III- BenchCasters PPV Recap

By Brian Pezon

August 20th, 2017

 

Brian Pezon is an Editor  at BenchCasters. To Find more from Brian, go to www.benchcaster.com

 

NXT Take-Over Brooklyn III took place the night before Summerslam. This NXT event consisted of only 5 matches but yet it felt so layered and complete. NXT always puts on great matches and their special events are always argued to be better than the main event product they alway accompany on that weekend. On Saturday we got to witness 5 great matches none of which left you upset with the result, only leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the results now:

 

• Andrade ALmas Zelina defeated Johnny Gargano

 

The kick off match was a fantastic match! It was so good,  I rate as the best match of the night. This spectacular contest went back and forth with plenty of awe worthy moments and fun wrestling moves and reversals many fans haven’t seen before. In the end Andrade Almas walked away with the victory over Johnny Wrestling. Match Rating 4.75/5

2. Sanity defeated The Authors of Pain for the NXT Tag Team Championship

Second match of the night started with Sanity getting the upper hand and attacking The Authors of Pain before the bell officially started the match. Sanity also pulled a fast one with a nice switch-a-roo allowing Eric Young to be in the match with Alexander Wolfe instead of Killian Dain. Killian Dain was outside the ring along with Nikki Cross for the match. After 12 minutes of a closely contested bout the team of Alexander Wolfe and Eric Young picked up the victory. Sanity is your new NXT Tag Team Champions. Match Rating 3.75/5

~ Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly formerly known as reDRagon attacked both Authors of Pain and Sanity. Looked like they attacked The Authors of Pain to get them out of the way but really went after the new NXT Tag Team Champions. So we will be paying close attention to a new possible feud, in shows to come.

3. Aleister Black defeated Hideo Itami

Aleister Black had the best entrance of the night with a live performance of his theme song by Code Orange. Hideo Itami hit Aleister Black in the face early on and he had a bloody nose for most of the match. At one point in the match they were exchanging kick for kick, then chop for chop. Aleister Black ended up picking up the victory after hitting his finishing move Black Mass. Match Rating 3.5/5

4. Asuka retained her Championship over Ember Moon

This was my most anticipated match of the night. Asuka vs Ember Moon, great build up, long lasting storyline. Ember moon really looked like she had what it takes to end the streak and become the new NXT women’s champion. Ember Moon hit the Eclipse and Asuka kicked out. At that point in time I actually yelled at my T.V. and knew that Asuka would retain, as she did. Ember Moon gave her, her best effort and it just wasn’t enough. Asuka moves to 504 days of holding the NXT women’s championship. Match Rating 4.25/5

5. Drew McIntyre defeated Bobby Roode

The NXT Takeover Brooklyn III main event for the NXT Championship was better than I anticipated. Drew McIntyre put up a great fight against Bobby Roode. Bobby Roode was a heavy favorite to retain his belt. After a few close calls on both sides Drew McIntyre did the impossible and bested Bobby Roode. Match Rating 4 / 5

 

~ After the match McIntyre was celebrating his victory and seen reDRagon on the Apron. As he went over to confront Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly, Adam Cole appeared out of nowhere and attacked McIntyre. This believed to set up a potential feud and a definite great debut.

 

So with NXT Takeover Brooklyn III in the books we have new NXT Tag Team and NXT Champion. The attacks on both of the new champions lead some fans to believe there is a possibility of the Authors of Pain and Bobby Roode may be heading up to the main roster. That being very well executed leaves intrigue for fans to tune in to NXT’s weekly show on the WWE Network on Wednesdays.

 

Over All Show Rating 4 / 5

 

Saturday Night Special- A look at an eventful weekend in Bristol

Saturday Night Special- A look at an eventful weekend at the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race in Bristol.

By John Milanowski

August 20th, 2017

John Milanowski is an Editor and Insider at BenchCasters. To Find more from John, follow him on Twitter @Johnny_Nascar or go to www.benchcaster.com

As the countdown for the playoff draws closer, we enter the homestretch with just two races to go including this week’s night race Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway.

So let’s see who can get there car dialed in at the world’s fastest half mile here at Bristol. This week is a lot like last week a normal race weekend but with a twists because the race is not Sunday it Saturday night. Since the race is Saturday night, on Friday there has to be two practices and qualifying that day.

First we start off with the open practice on Friday, here are the top five fastest:

1. Denny Hamlin #11
2. Kyle Busch #18
3. Kasey Kahne #5
4. Ryan Blaney #21
5. Clint Bowyer #14

The teams then  debrief for an hour or so then move onto the second and final practice for the week. The fastest in final practice this week at Bristol were:

1. Ryan Blaney #21
2. Kyle Larson #42
3. Ryan Newman #31
4. Jamie McMurray #1
5. Kyle Busch #18

After the two practices, the drivers have about a 4 hours break before they qualify. One drive will miss the race due to the fact there are forty one cars here this week attempting to qualify at Bristol. If for some chance qualifying is rained out the 66 of Timmy Hill will miss the race due to his team, MBM Motorsport is the lowest in both attempts and car owner points out of the open teams here this week at Bristol.

We take a look into the opening round of knockout qualifying at the world’s fastest half mile, there was three rounds of qualifying. In order to advance to the second round each driver must end up in the top 24. Here is how the first round panned out:

1. Kyle Busch #18
2. Denny Hamlin #11
3. Chase Elliott #24
4. Jamie McMurray #1
5. Martin Truex Jr.

The only driver that  didn’t qualify for the race was the 66 of Timmy Hill. Hill just didn’t have a fast car this week, and  he packed up and left Bristol early. A few well known drivers made the cut, but not in the greatest of positions, Dale Earnhardt Jr. started deep in the field  Saturday night after only be able to qualify 31st. Similar to Dale Jr. is Kevin Harvick, who rolled off from the 29th position after failing to get out of the opening round of qualifying.

Here are the top five after the second round of qualifying:

1. Denny Hamlin #11
2. Matt Kenseth #20
3. Eric Jones #77
4. Joey Logano #22
5. Daniel Suarez #19.

Just like last week at Michigan, Jimmie Johnson will start in row eleven after qualifying twenty first this week at Bristol.Also failing to advance was the fastest driver in the previous round Which was Kyle Busch, who started 18th.. Alongside Kyle in row nine was the 2 of Brad Keselowski.

The final twelve battled in out for the final round of qualifying. The fastest and your pole sitter this week at Bristol Motor Speedway is the 77 of Eric Jones, here is the rest of the top 5:

1. Eric Jones #77
2. Kyle Larson #2
3. Kasey Kahne #5
4. Chase Elliott #24
5. Matt Kenseth #20

It was an interesting short weekend to say the least, but now let’s look into what matters most, race day. We look to see what races will help there chances at the playoffs. Eric Jones who got the pole, was a 130 points below the cut line, and is despite need for a win to automatically qualify, but that didn’t happen here on Saturday night.

Before the race we also looked in to other drivers that need a win, or top finish would greatly benefit there chances. Clint Bowyer, stuck out the most. Needing to have some luck on his side, Bowyer sat just 31 points below the cut going into the race. Another guys who was hoping for a good night was Chase Elliott, Jamie McMurray and Matt Kenseth who was 62, 53, and 31 points above the cut respectfully, and needed to hold on.

Before the race even began, Kasey Kahne experienced some bad luck, he got a flat tire, and since he had to replace the tire, it was not the set he qualified on, and had to go to back of the pack. Here is the breakdown of the major events, at the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race in Bristol.

LAP 5:

The green just dropped at Bristol, Jones was still leading at lap 5 of 500, and Brad Keselowski suffered a flat tire.

LAP 13:

Matt Kenseth gets around Elliott for third.

LAP 20:

Battle for second as Kenseth goes around Larson, Elliott also around Larson for third as well.

LAP 25:

25 laps in Dale Jr is up to twelve spot and run on position 19 at the moment, Jones still is the leader to.

LAP 40:

40 lap are in the books as there a three way battle for second with Kenseth,Larson and Elliott.

LAP 42:

lap 42 Larson around Elliott for third place.

LAP 48:

lap 48 Larson around Kenseth for second place on and set off for jones.

LAP 50:

lap 50 Kenseth lose to spot to Elliott and Truex and the lead just changed hands too Larson around Jones at Lap 52.

CAUTION #1

The first caution is out as Almirola had a tire go down. Pit stop for the leaders and everyone let see who win the race off pit is Larson,Jones and Truex. The Free pass this caution was Paul Menard in 28 place he back on the lead lap now. green flag back out at lap 68 and Larson to the lead.

LAP 75:

Battle for Third as Jones goes around Kyle Busch.

LAP 84:

Kevin Harvick is up to 15th after starting in the 29th position.

LAP 88:

Larson still the leader followed by Elliott,Jones Kyle Busch and Kenseth in the top Five right now.

LAP 104:

Kasey Kahne is the biggest mover,  up 17 spot since the green flag.

LAP 125:

Kyle Busch will be the winner of Stage 1, collecting 10 points, and 1 playoff point. Stage 1 Results:

1. Busch (10 pts. 1 playoff pt.)
2. Jones (9 pts.)
3. Larson (8 pts.)
4. Elliott (7 pts.)
5. Kenseth (6 pts.)
6. Hamlin (5 pts.)
7. Blaney (4 pts.)
8. Logano (3 pts.)
9. Truex Jr. (2 pts.)
10. Johnson (1 pt.)

CAUTION #2

out due to the end of Stage one. Leaders are in the pit for the second time tonight. Jones wins race off pits, followed by Larson and Kenseth. Michael McDowell is the Free pass win this Caution.Green flag back out at lap 136

LAP 150:

Harvick is up 22 places and is running fifth.

LAP 168:

Battle for the lead as Busch goes around Jones.

LAP 181:

Battle for the lead again as Jones and Busch and Jones back around Busch at lap 181.

LAP 200:

Battle for the lead again as Busch goes around Jones at lap 200 .

CAUTION #3:

Stenhouse Jr cut a tire at lap 205. The Field pits for the third time tonight and the winner off pit road is Busch followed by Jones and Larson.Paul Menard is the free pass drive for this caution and second time tonight too.Green flags back out at lap 209

LAP 223:

Problem for 47 Allmendinger as he has a tire rub at lap 223.

CAUTION #4:

Two car wreck as Jeffrey Earnhardt and Austin Dillon at lap 233. Kahne also received damage from the accident. The Free past under the caution is Michael McDowell for the second time tonight. Some pit other stay out. Kenseth  takes lead followed by Johnson at lap 244 the green flag is out.

LAP 250:

Kenseth wins Stage 2. Here is the point breakdown for Stage 2 results:

Stage 2 Results:

1. Kenseth (10 pts. 1 playoff pt.)
2. Johnson (9 pts.)
3. Harvick (8 pts.)
4. Newman (7 pts.)
5. Jones (6 pts.)
6. Larson (5 pts.)
7. Hamlin (4 pts.)
8. Busch (3 pts.)
9. Menard (2 pts.)
10. Bowyer (1 pt.)

CAUTION #5:

The fifth caution is out due to stage two ending. Aj Allmendinger is the free past this cation The leader on this restart is Jones followed by Larson and Hamlin. The green flag is back out at lap 257 for the final stage of the night.

LAP 280

Jones is still the lead over Kyle Busch. Dale Jr just went a lap down.

‪LAP 330:

Almirola slows on the track but gets to pit road without a caution. ‪Jones just lapped the seventeenth place car of Logano. ‪Jones still out in front followed by Kyle Busch and Hamlin

CAUTION #6:

The sixth caution is out as the 13 of Ty Dillon made contact with the wall and collected Trevor Bayne on lap 355‬.Bayne got the most damage. ‪Jones is first off pit road followed by Larson and Elliott this time around.‬‪Green flag back out with 359 laps in the books. Jones is leading and has lead a whooping 210 lap so far tonight.‬

LAP 361:

Kyle Busch around Jones for the lead.‪

CAUTION #7:

‪Problem for Almirola as he radioed his crew that there is smoke from the power steering and the caution is out as Elliott hit the ‬inside ‪Retaining wall.Logano is the Free pass under this the seventh caution of the night at lap ‬390. ‪The race off pit road was won by Jones Followed by Kenseth and Kyle Busch.‬Ryan Newman just got busted for being too fast on pit road under this caution.green flag is back out on lap 401.

CAUTION #8:

The eighth caution is out now as Landon ‪Cassill is into the wall. the Free pass this time is Chase Elliott under this caution. The leaders stay out but Jimmie and Kurt Busch pit and put their last set of tires on, ‪green flag back out with at 422.

LAP 444:

Jones still leads at lap 444 over Kyle Busch and Kenseth who are in a door to door battle for second.

LAP 446.

‪Kyle Busch around Jones and into the lead.

LAP 460

Kyle Busch is still out in front at 460 with Kenseth and Jones following with just 40 laps to in the race.

LAP 465:

‪Jones get around Kenseth to move backup to second place, 35 laps to go in tonight race.‬‪

LAP 495:

.‪Busch still is out front at lap 495 over Jones with now only five laps to go in tonight race.

‬‪Kyle Busch is your winner tonight at Bristol Motor Speedway. After leading for the majority of the race, Jones finished 2nd and Denny Hamlin ends up in third. Here is your top ten:

1. Kyle Busch
2. Eric Jones
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Matt Kenseth
5. Kurt Busch
6. Ryan Newman
7. Trevor Bayne
8. Kevin Harvick
9. Kyle Larson
10. Ryan Blaney

Tonights win marks the second time Kyle Busch has swept the race weekend here at Bristol, by winning  both the truck and Xfinity series race. ‪Also with tonight win, Kyle Busch is the 4th youngest driver to reach 40 cup wins at 32 years and 109 days. Busch is only Behind Jeff Gordon, The King Richard Petty and Herb Thomas.‬

Martin Truex Jr doesn’t clinch his chase spot yet,  but still holds the lead over Kyle Busch by 101 points.

After an eventful weekend, we say goodbye to the world’s fastest half mile for the year, and after Saturday night’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the Monster Energy series will take next week off. The series will return in two weeks time for the Bojangles Southern 500,  at the “Lady in Black,”  Darlington Raceway. We will have your practice, qualifying, and race results, right here at BenchCaster.com. Be sure to check us out on Twitter @Johnny_Nascar, and @BenchCasters for up to date Nascar news, as we keep you in the know!

See you in two weeks, at Darlington.

 @Johnny_Nascar

HotShots and HotNots: NFL Preseason Week 1 review

 

Hotshots, and HotNots

NFL preseason week 1 review: Who was hot, who was not.

By: Christian S Rauh (Follow him on twitter @ChristianSRauh )

 

As we finish up the first week of preseason football we take a look into the games, and see who performed well, and who did not.

The NFL will only be making on day of cuts this year, so every play counts. Let’s break it down.

 

Week 1 MVP: Hot

QB-Jimmy Garoppolo- New England Patriots

I know, I know, the last thing fans want to see, unless you’re a fan of the Patriots, is to see them be on the top of any list. This is even more frustrating that the person on top of this list, is the man who will soon be the replacement to the future hall of famer Tom Brady.

Garoppolo looked very good however, he connected on 22 of his 28 passes and threw for 235 yards. He made it in the endzone twice, and he didn’t throw an interception. Garoppolo is already a 4 year pro come this year, and has spent his entire career behind Tom Brady. I could think of worse to sit the bench because of! No matter what the Patriots plans are for this guy, he looks like he may have the tools to step into a Starting job very quickly.

 

Week 1 Hot Shot

QB-Christian Hackenberg-New York Jets

Whoever is the starting quarterback for the New York Jets this season is already playing against a stacked deck. The front office of the Jets, have not made it any easier to create a decent offense, and many people are calling the management transactions “tanking”.

If you saw the way Christian Hackenberg played against Tennessee the other night in this week 1 preseason matchup, you might be able to say that fans have a little something to be excited about.

Hackenberg completed 18 of 25 of his passes for 127 yards. He also showed very good rhythm. The second year quarterback demonstrated very impressive movement in the pocket and made a few heads up short, quick passes. He wasn’t perfect however, he did miss a few passes on the long ball side of the house, but his progress is deserving of a Hot Shot award.

 

Week 1 Hot Shot

OLB- TJ Watt- Pittsburgh Steelers

Yes that is correct you read that right, there’s another Watt in town, and he had a stellar performance against the Giants. The 30th overall pick in this years draft showed the Steelers why they drafted him in this first week matchup, as he recorded two sacks, and one pass deflection. Watt will be very entertaining to watch this season. AFC North teams better prepare.

 

Week 1 Hot Shot

QB-Trevone Boykins-Seattle Seahawks

Boykins played a fantastic game, in Los Angeles against the Chargers on Sunday, he controlled the game just like his QB1 Russell Wilson would do, but in his own style.

Boykins went 12 of 15 for 189 yards with one touchdown which was a bullet to Kenny Lawler and one interception. He also had 4 rushes for 31 yards and a touchdown. He stepped up, and I’m sure he gave comfort to the Seattle coaching staff on what type of player they have behind WIlson.

 

Week 1 Not Shot

QB-Ryan Mallett-Baltimore Ravens

Mallet just seems like he can’t really win at all lately. Last season, he was released from the Houston Texans, because he missed a flight from sleeping in. Now on the Baltimore Ravens, his consistency and poise just was nowhere to be found. Although the Ravens went on the beat the Redskins, Mallet went 9 of 18 for only 58 yards.

It also doesn’t seem like his play has been unnoticed as well. Early today, Ravens signed quarterback Thad Lewis to a contract. Lewis hasn’t thrown a football in the NFL in over 4 years? So why sign him? Great question! Could it be the end for Mallet, my guess would be yes!

 

Week 1 Not Shot

K-Roberto Aguayo-Tampa Bay Buccaneers (now Chicago Bears)

Finally i have to give my final not shot to Roberto Aguayo. Aguayo was released after his terrible putting this week by the Buccaneers. He was drafted last season by the Buccaneers in the 2nd round, the highest drafted kicker, due to being the most accurate kicker in college football history. It unfortunately did not pan over to the pros, and he was canned. The Bears did pick him up however, giving him a second chance. Lets hope he can make a comeback, to his college days.

 

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