Tyler Wade and Trey Yates 

Round 5: NT (lost heel rope) 

Powell’s take: Those guys are still going to win a lot. That steer hit rough and got away from T-Wade. He’s been doing such a good job but, last night, he went fast and the steer didn’t take it as good. He had a leg and lost his rope, [and] that hurt them in the average after doing such a good job to stay in it the night before. 

Clay Tryan and Jake Long 

Round 5: 4.1

Powell’s take: I thought he did a good job changing horses. That bay is a good horse, but the setup wasn’t fitting her. Clay looked more comfortable on Johnson, and that will help them for the next five rounds. 

Cody Snow and Wesley Thorp 

Round 5: 4.3

Powell’s take: Cody Snow was one of my fantasy teams and I thought they’d be good. I expect them to get on a roll better. He got back on his old black horse, and they’ll be better off with him. They made a good run and have it figured out again. 

Clay Smith and Jade Corkill 

Round 5: 4.2 + 10

Powell’s take: It’s going to between them and Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira in the rounds. These two have been using their heads and making really good, smart runs. I don’t look for them to miss any. They could get forced to go fast if things get tight, and it could be a shootout. 

Erich Rogers and Paden Bray 

Round 5: 4.2 + 5

Powell’s take: I thought they’d really get after it. They’re still fifth in the average, and Rogers is making that same run over and over. Paden seems like he might just be getting in a hurry and behind a little bit. The first night he was sitting there waiting on that steer, and the last several nights he’s been forcing it. 

Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira 

Round 5: 4.7 + 10

Powell’s take: That barrier really surprised me because that’s not something he usually does. Him going fast the night before, I thought it would get them going. It’s what happens in Vegas—better plus-10 than an no-time. It will be interesting to see Driggers and Clay Smith battle it out. It’s going to be good watching. 

Dustin Egusquiza and Travis Graves 

Round 5: 5.9 + 5

Powell’s take: Gosh dang, I really thought it could be their year. Dustin needs to get ahold of them to get them back down the arena. That steer shot up the arena and didn’t give Travis a very good go. I am pulling for them, and I really hope they get it lined back out. They’re one of the best team or not the best team. To rope like you did all year and to go in there and struggle like that sucks. 

Quinn Kesler and Joseph Harrison 

Round 5: 4.3 + 5

Powell’s take: I think that’s a good team and they can go fast every night. I think Quinn has done a pretty good job, but most nights that’s a team you have to watch for the day money every night. Quinn could turn every one from here on out. 

Coy Rahlmann and Douglas Rich 

Round 5: NT

Powell’s take: They’re having the first-time NFR stuff like we all have. They still are trying to find their groove. If Coy will hit the barrier every night and stick it on them and slow down and get Douglas’s feel in, they’ll figure it out for the day money. You’re better off to pull off there than be late and then have to reach. It’s just their first year, and they’ll be here a lot. Coy has to hit the barrier, and Doug is trying to get up into the run. That steer came left because of it. 

Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins 

Round 5: 4.4 + 5

Powell’s take: I think Buddy is a catching son of a buck. He doesn’t let many get away from them. Andrew is pretty solid, too. I think he can get on the barrier a little more, but he ropes good that he can kind of make up for it. That team could definitely win the average here. They’ll use their head. 

Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin 

Round 5: 3.8 

Powell’s take: It started off rough for him, but then he’s done some sticking the last several nights. He’s got his confidence up and will turn a lot of steers in front of the chutes the next several nights. They’ll win a lot in the rounds. 

Derrick Begay and Brady Minor 

Round 5: NT

Powell’s take: He’s done really good on that horse that’s never been a position like that at all. He did a heck of a job the first night managing that. I thought he’s got that horse and would get a pattern, but she’s a little bit green in that situation. That’s probably why he’s popping it off. I think a bigger horse is harder to ride there, and she looks pretty tall. But if anybody can make it work, it’s Begay. He’s a cowboy and Brady won’t let too many get away. 

Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler 

Round 5: 4.0

Powell’s take: I love that horse Rhen Richard is heading on. He’s done a great job, real snappy with his head loop. Jeremy Buhler is heeling them just as soon as they can heel him. They’re in a groove. They’re fourth in the average and fifth in the world, and that team could be a sleeper. They’re the dark horse. 

Clint Summers and Ross Ashford 

Round 5: NT

Powell’s take: That really surprised me. I thought they’d go be 4.4 or 4.5 every night. Clint rides really good horses, and Ross Ashford can heel fast. I think it’s Ross’s first year, and he’s probably too pumped up. 

Brenten Hall and Chase Tryan 

Round 5: 5.4 + 5

Powell’s take: Brenten is struggling a bit, and Chase has pulled some out of the woods a couple times. Chase is so solid, and last night they had bad luck. The steer was shuffling when he threw, and I really thought he’d catch him. Chase is playing defense making sure he can catch. Brenten needs to just get a better start so he can make it easy on Chase.