Yes mostly all good stuff Friday, However, even though Mizzou is lower ranked (9) than Michigan was, I dont expect them to be missing 3 or 4 guys like Michigan, and will be a much more difficult test. They are 7-2 on the year with losses to Arizona State (19-17) and Virginia Tech (17-15) both at the bgeinnng of the year. They just smoked OU 33-3 in Friday, but it was closer than the score appeared and they won few really tight matches. We will need a couple of upsets to keep it close. It's on ESPN+ at 2:00 for anyone wishing to watch. Here is my rundown for those that care:
125: Reece Witcraft (15-5) v. (14) Noah Surtin (11-4): Witcraft cramped up a couple of times but looked really good until giving up the pin in OT on Friday. That match against a ranked wrestler could have gone either way and honestly I think this one could too. One of the top 2 or 3 matches to steal a win here. I think Surtin pulls out a close one though (0-3 Mizzou)
133: (2) Daton Fix (17-0) v. (26) Connor Brown (9-5): Brown doesn't get pinned, and has ket it clsoe agsint some other top 15 guys but Fix is a different animal. Fix is an enigma in that he could easily have a massive bonus rate, but doesn't (47%) being content to ride people for 4 minutes instead of getting the points. Im going to call this major decision, but we really need a pin to stay in the dual. (4-3 OSU)
141: (22) Carter Young (10-8) v. (7) Allan Hart (11-3): Another matchup we have a chance in, despite the difference in ranking. Young has looked great the last few duals beating higher ranked guys, and if he can finish takedowns he could win this matchup. I think his problems on bottom will be tough to overcome, however, and he will lose by decision. (4-6 Mizzou)
149: (20) Victor Voinovich (12-5) v. (7) Brock Mauller (11-1): Maulelr has finished 5th and 6th at NCAA's in the past, but was injured last year and took a redshirt. He lost to a top 10 Kyle Parco (3-2), but beat Caleb Henson (7-5) and Colin Realbuto (3-1) (Who Vic lost to 5-4). When Voinovich wrestles to his ability, he's a top 10 guy, but he can be inconsistent and just hasnt made it over the hump. Mauller by decision (4-9 Mizzou)
157: (14) Kaden Gfeller (13-5) v. (8) Jarrett Jacques (13-2): Another matchup that could go either way, but Jacques seems to win the close ones where G. often ends up on the losing end. Hard not to pick Jacques here by decision (4-12 Mizzou)
165: (24) Wyatt Sheets (11-8) v. (1) Keegan O'Toole (11-0): Sheets has no chance and if he doesnt give up bonus points will will be a miracle. Out of O'Toole's 11 wins 7 have come by fall or tech fall. O'Toole has not been challenged much, only facing one top 10 guy so far, but still not terribly ripe for an upset. O'Toole major. (4-16 Mizzou)
174: (6) Dustin Plott (16-1) v. (10) Payton Mocco (15-3): They have faced 2X with Plott coming out on top both times (12-7 a month ago and 4-3 last year). Outside of one brain fart Plott has been excellent this year, and I expect a win, but not bonus points. (7-16 Mizzou)
184: (11) Travis Wittlake (12-3) v. (26) Colton Hawks (12-5): Wittlake beak Hawks 2-0 last month, and expect another win, and a little more scoring. (10-16 Mizzou)
197: (19) Luke Surber (14-5) v. (1) Rocky Elam (6-0): Surber has had a very good year, and can do some things, but Elam is world class, when he wrestles, which isnt often for whatever reason. I think Elam pushed for a major but doesnt quite get there. (10-19 Mizzou)
HWT: (24) Konnor Doucet (13-5) v. (8) Zach Elam (14-1). I think Elam is overrated at 8, and Doucet is coming off his best performance actually getting a takedown against the #1 HWT in the country. This one is going to end up 3-2 one way or the other. Until Doucet fan start winning the close ones against top 10 guys I gotta go with Elam. (10-22 Mizzou).
As you can see, it will take a couple of upsets and some bonus points for OSU to pull this one out. Its definitely doable, but we have to absolutley wrestle balls out. Lets see how it goes!