Venom in Denim: Did the Texas Rattlers Bite Back Against the Odds?
Image courtesy of: PBR Image Credit: PBRIt was a battle for bragging rights, and perhaps more, as the Texas Rattlers, pegged as -100 underdogs, prepared to clash with the +130 favored Nashville Stampede at the Paycom Center. Their PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Camping World Teams Series Wildcatters finale was set, with identical records adding an extra layer of intensity to the matchup. All eyes were on the arena: did the oddsmakers accurately predict the outcome, or was there enough venom in that denim to sting the favorites?
The Rattlers wasted no time in asserting their presence. Kicking off the pivotal game, their Aussie superstar Brady Fielder burst from chutes aboard Woody. Fielder, clearly prepared to set the tone, delivered a masterful 90.75-point ride, giving the Rattlers a massive jolt of confidence in the opening salvo and immediately putting pressure on the Stampede.
Nashville, however, wasn’t going to roll over easily. It took the Stampede a couple of tries to find their footing, but when Austin Richardson finally burst from the chutes, he delivered. After being awarded a reride, Richardson made the absolute most of his second chance, conquering Let’s Roll for an intense 89.50-point ride. It was a clear message to the Rattlers: this wouldn’t be an easy game, and the Stampede were ready for a fight.
But the Rattlers had an immediate response of their own. Dawson Branton quickly answered Austin Richardson’s ride, extending the Texas lead once again. Branton expertly rode Frank for a solid 86.00 points, securing some much-needed breathing room for his team. With each successful ride, the Rattlers seemed to gain more confidence, suggesting that DraftKings just might have underestimated the venom flowing through their denim-clad ranks.
With the game on the line, the Stampede sent out Kaiden Loud as their closer, tasked with the monumental effort of securing a come-from-behind victory. Loud made a valiant effort, hanging on tight to Umm for 85.00 points. It was a respectable score, tantalizingly close, but ultimately not enough to overcome the significant lead Brady Fielder’s electrifying opening ride had established for the Texas Rattlers. The venom in denim had proven too potent for the favored Stampede.
The smart money in this game was indeed on the underdogs, the Texas Rattlers, just like it was on Florida in Friday night’s game. This outcome highlights a key aspect of bull riding: picking winners and losers isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes the oddsmakers get the favorite right, but in other compelling cases, like this one, the underdog truly overcomes the odds.
The teams now head to Duluth on July 26-27 when they return to action at a neutral site. May the odds ever be in your favor!