STILLWATER — Early in the third quarter, Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman stood on the sideline still wearing his helmet. His view was nearly blocked by the large cardboard signs to signal offensive plays.

After Alan Bowman threw for 89 yards in the first half, with an interception on OSU’s final drive of the second quarter, OSU elected to make a change. To begin the second half,

Cam Rising is 25. Alan Bowman is 24. Rising, a four-star quarterback from Newbury Park, Calif., and Bowman, a three-star out of Grapevine, Texas were in the 2018 recruiting class.

Alex Bowman just two weeks ago was desperately trying to debunk rumors his seat was in danger. Now he will start the first elimination race of NASCAR’s playoffs from the pole.

Alex Bowman scored his fifth career Cup Series pole as he'll lead the field to green Saturday night at Bristol (7 p.m. ET, USA).

Alex Bowman won the pole for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway in qualifying on Friday evening, posting a lap of 15.142 (126.720 MPH) in the final round to earn his first pole of the 2024 season and the fifth of his Cup career.