Banter From The Bench

National - We recap some notes that we had from the last week of college football, and certain teams that have impressed, and others that...have not. The NFL season has already provided us with some unexpected stories - which teams are under-performing right now? Bryce Young was benched by the Panthers. Woj retires from dropping Woj Bombs and joins St. Bonaventure.

Chicago - Chicago Sports Network announced their pre and post game crew for Bulls and Blackhawks. Nick Foligno was announced at the Blackhawks captain as they begin pre-season play. The Chicago Bears have given us PLENTY to talk about. Who is to blame for this 1-2 start? Do we believe in Caleb Williams? What are the biggest red flags so far? Finally - will the White Sox have the worst season in MLB history???

National - We recap Week 1 of the NFL scene. Then we dive into the college football world and talk about likes/dislikes from some of the top contenders. Finally, we make picks for this weeks showdown of top 25 opponents.

Chicago - There are no words for the Chicago White Sox, so we talk about a couple of upcoming prospects making waves. The Bears squeaked out a win agains the Titans in Week 1 - what went well? Where is there room for improvement? Lastly, the Bulls announced a few new signings - one of them could be a nice role piece for this roster.

National - We dive (pun intended) into the final stories from the Olympics in Paris. As college football kickoff is around the corner...who do we think will be some Heisman Trophy front runners? Week 1 of NFL preseason is complete - who are some players that stuck out?

Chicago - Bears dominate their preseason game against the Bills. We talk about what we liked from episode two of Hard Knocks. How is the Grady Sizemore era looking so far? What is happening with Ky Bush?! Blackhawks will play in the Tom Kurvers Propspect Showcase, with some big name prospects set to participate.

THE WHITE SOX HAVE FIRED PEDRO GRIFOL!!!! Here are some names we think may be considered...

National - Team USA is dominating with 94 total medals already, some wins from first ever Olympians. NFL pre-season is here...what are some stories/players we are keeping an eye on? We predict the winner of each conference in College Football this year...some may surprise you! Jazz just paid one of their best players over $200M.

Chicago - Our notes from the Hall of Fame game in Canton. What did we notice from the first episode of Hard Knocks? White Sox losing streak ends at 21 games...are we happy about that? Should we have just gone for the record? The Blackhawks signed one of their 3 first round picks, rounding out a really nice class for them!

National - Reviewing some of the top trades completed at the MLB trade deadline. There is drama with the NBA's TV deal between Amazon and TNT. The USA continues to dominate at the Olympics - what are the biggest stories so far?

Chicago - White Sox make a few deals of their own - can we call this progress? Bears are playing in the Hall of Fame game on Thursday. DJ Moore agrees to be a Chicago Bear for eternity! Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky continue to headline the WNBA news channels - the Sky will soon have a state of the art facility of their own.

National - Summer league is complete, who performed, and who didn't? USA Olympics looks like it could be an exciting run for gold. Who is going to win each division in the MLB? How in the world did a 14 year old just become a pro in the MLS?! Our thoughts on the WNBA All Star game.

Chicago - Our picks for each member of the White Sox and where we think their next home could be. Bears training camp notes - what are we hearing? What is the 1901 Project?

National - What in the world happened at Copa America in Miami!? We review the MLB draft and talk about some of our favorite picks. How did we like the new Home Run Derby? Who has impressed us in the NBA Summer League?

Chicago - White Sox select Hagen Smith. Matas Buzelis is HIM in the Summer League so far. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze sign their rookie deals. Was Angel Reese able to extend her double-double streak? Have you seen the new Connor Bedard commercial with Gatorade Canada?

National - We discuss the biggest moves in NBA and NHL Free Agency, talk a little bit about the NBA Summer League and who to watch, and then make our picks for this years Home Run Derby crown.

Chicago - Blackhawks make a flurry of moves, Bulls start to get younger and more athletic, White Sox begin to push players up to AAA, and Angel Reese is making a HISTORIC run!

National - We recap the NHL draft and which picks we really liked, along with who might be future steals from the 2024 draft. Next, we discuss the NBA Draft and which picks could stick out at the next level after this fairly weak draft class.

Chicago - Do we like the picks the Blackhawks made, after making a trade to acquire a THIRD 1st round pick in the 2024 draft? How did the Bulls draft end up shaping up their future "young core"? Is the Patrick Williams deal a team friendly deal, and is it worth giving him five more years in Chicago?