Friday Nightcaps: A Weekend of Sports and Unexpected Moments

‘Nightcaps’ is a daily feature on OutKick.com that brings you the major stories in sports, news, and culture you might have missed at work. The column is available from Monday to Friday.

The final Friday in August has arrived. A return for football was marked with 22 FCS games, featuring some intense moments. Looking ahead, Bill Belichick will be in Dublin, NASCAR heads to Daytona, and the Yankees and Red Sox face off in the Bronx. The Fever plays tonight too, but after that, attention shifts to football on weekends.

Speaking of NASCAR, Ross Chastain and his girlfriend, Jordyn Mallory, took a test ride as they prepare for the NASCAR Cup Series DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Highlights from the FCS games last night and Al Michaels’ commentary are also worth noting.

I am heading to Daytona for the weekend of racing. Anyone visiting Daytona International Speedway can grab a $11 Busch Light to enjoy while watching the action unfold. The race might traditionally be in July, but August doesn’t disappoint either.

Reflecting on past races, my first coverage was in 2016, and it came with uncertainty about where I could go. That led to mistakenly wandering into a restricted area during an interview after a crash. It almost got me removed from the track.

Back to the present, Ross Chastain, a seventh-generation watermelon farmer from Florida, enters the race as a promising driver. Odds at +3500 could make him an interesting choice alongside bets on Carson Hocevar, Denny Hamlin, and Austin Dillon.

Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit are in Cleveland getting ready for another football season. During a broadcast, Michaels jokingly referenced Trump, sparking mixed reactions online. Known for his Republican donations, Michaels’ comment divided fans.

The internet’s not divided about Kirk Herbstreit’s dog, though. Many are tired of seeing Peter the dog everywhere—from planes to fields. Fans request a break from the dog’s media presence.

The FCS football season started with thrilling action, although there’s disappointment that ESPNU didn’t air any of the 22 games last night. The network’s choice left some viewers confused.

Before signing off for the week, here’s a quick baseball note. Umpire Laz Diaz amused 70,000 fans in Atlanta with an unintentional moment.

Contact me at [email protected] with thoughts on Al Michaels’ comments. Zach Dean writes for OutKick.