Foley's Friday Mailbag for 1/27/17

[Tom McAndrew]

an answer that includes Casey Cunningham, a question & answer on Mark hall, a question & answer on Zain/Sorensen (with a comment on PSU's team and on Nickal), and a question & answer on InterMat's dual ranking involving PSU and Ok. St.

Also, an absolute gem in Foley's opening piece on Brandon Eggum:

"The saga surrounding the Gophers is winding down, and with the team outperforming expectations, all seems well in the Big Ten."

How the end clause is related to the rest of the sentence is beyond me. I'd expect more from someone with a journalism degree.

For those keeping track, this is week 17, and despite promises he tweeted, no response to Flo's article about Olympic reffing corruption from Foley.

You can access this week's Mailbag at THIS LINK.

 

[1stplacehawk]

I have a feeling that Penn State fans are not going to like this mailbag installment

 

[21Guns]

I have a feeling that Penn State fans are not going to like this mailbag installment

One man's opinion. That's what he says, other people say other things. Don't dislike, OR like it. Neutral.

Happen to disagree with him, obviously, especially on his "pickem" quote at 149, based on a match at Carver Hawkeye. Also happen to disagree with his critique of a wrestler based solely on posture, and one match, ALSO at Carver Hawkeye.

Opinions vary, as always.

 

[dunkej01]

Ok this paragraph got me going.....
However, I do think the match exposed some flaws in Mark Hall's collegiate wrestling style. He's very upright, lacks a variety of attacks and displayed little top control. While he was stronger and more able on his feet than other high schoolers in scholastic wrestling, he's lost those advantages in college. I've said he was an All-American candidate this season and will stick to that prediction. He can place top 5-8, but I have trouble seeing him in the national finals and wouldn't be shocked if he didn't place in St. Louis

This fired me up....
As for betting odds, I'd place the Retherford-Sorensen rematch as a pick 'em

And this had me close out the article and not read on.......
The Cowboys have not done anything to surrender their No. 1 ranking. Penn State started the season ranked No. 4. The Nittany Lions have continued to climb the rankings based on their dual meet results … and now sit at No. 2. While Penn State may be favored in more matches against Oklahoma State -- and may win on paper -- Oklahoma State remains No. 1 based on where they started the season and their season results. After the season begins, InterMat's dual meet rankings are based on dual meet results, not which team wins on paper.

Intermat should give JammenX or Spyker his job.

 

[PSUAllTheWay]

This type of commentary is why Foley makes the big bucks. Oh, wait ...

 

[a_mshaffer]

Ok this paragraph got me going.....
However, I do think the match exposed some flaws in Mark Hall's collegiate wrestling style. He's very upright, lacks a variety of attacks and displayed little top control. While he was stronger and more able on his feet than other high schoolers in scholastic wrestling, he's lost those advantages in college. I've said he was an All-American candidate this season and will stick to that prediction. He can place top 5-8, but I have trouble seeing him in the national finals and wouldn't be shocked if he didn't place in St. Louis

This fired me up....
As for betting odds, I'd place the Retherford-Sorensen rematch as a pick 'em

And this had me close out the article and not read on.......
The Cowboys have not done anything to surrender their No. 1 ranking. Penn State started the season ranked No. 4. The Nittany Lions have continued to climb the rankings based on their dual meet results … and now sit at No. 2. While Penn State may be favored in more matches against Oklahoma State -- and may win on paper -- Oklahoma State remains No. 1 based on where they started the season and their season results. After the season begins, InterMat's dual meet rankings are based on dual meet results, not which team wins on paper.

Intermat should give JammenX or Spyker his job.

don't let the odds fire you up. Just take advantage of them to make some wagers! Sounds like a sure thing... I know who I'm picking.

 

[diggerpup]

Foley is a turd.

Pletcher has a nice little tweet halfway thru that article.

 

[Dogwelder]

... I'd expect more from someone with a journalism degree.
...

Is Foley on drugs?

 

[Dogwelder]

Is Foley on drugs?

I think Foley picked up a brain-eating amoeba during his travels. It's not even worth rebutting him at this point. He's speaking a different, crazy language.

 

[NittanyChris]

So the guy who hit a cement mixer this year "lacks a variety of attacks"?

Scratching my head...

 

[a_mshaffer]

So the guy who hit a cement mixer this year "lacks a variety of attacks"?

Scratching my head...

I think he just likes to make the low percentage prediction so he can gain credence in the event he is right. We know he won't spout off about his wrong predictions or things he says he will do...

 

[El-Jefe]

Intermat should give JammenX or Spyker his job.

They're over qualified to write the column, though probably a poor fit for the Manhattan cocktail party scene.

Foley also put Strittmatter at the top of his Pitt list, when Strittmatter said the day after Peters was fired that he didn't want the job.

It's as if Google doesn't work at Casa de Foley, or he doesn't follow the sport he covers. Or both.

 

[dunkej01]

They're over qualified to write the column, though probably a poor fit for the Manhattan cocktail party scene.

Foley also put Strittmatter at the top of his Pitt list, when Strittmatter said the day after Peters was fired that he didn't want the job.

It's as if Google doesn't work at Casa de Foley, or he doesn't follow the sport he covers. Or both.

Both and what is worse intermat obviously doesn't care.

 

[SetonHallPirate]

They're over qualified to write the column, though probably a poor fit for the Manhattan cocktail party scene.

Foley also put Strittmatter at the top of his Pitt list, when Strittmatter said the day Peters was fired that he didn't want the job.

It's as if Google doesn't work at Casa de Foley, or he doesn't follow the sport he covers. Or both.

FIFY. (it didn't even take until the next day...he literally said that within about three hours of Peters' firing)

 

[Bob_Anderson]

Ok this paragraph got me going.....
However, I do think the match exposed some flaws in Mark Hall's collegiate wrestling style. He's very upright, lacks a variety of attacks and displayed little top control. While he was stronger and more able on his feet than other high schoolers in scholastic wrestling, he's lost those advantages in college. I've said he was an All-American candidate this season and will stick to that prediction. He can place top 5-8, but I have trouble seeing him in the national finals and wouldn't be shocked if he didn't place in St. Louis

This fired me up....
As for betting odds, I'd place the Retherford-Sorensen rematch as a pick 'em

And this had me close out the article and not read on.......
The Cowboys have not done anything to surrender their No. 1 ranking. Penn State started the season ranked No. 4. The Nittany Lions have continued to climb the rankings based on their dual meet results … and now sit at No. 2. While Penn State may be favored in more matches against Oklahoma State -- and may win on paper -- Oklahoma State remains No. 1 based on where they started the season and their season results. After the season begins, InterMat's dual meet rankings are based on dual meet results, not which team wins on paper.

Intermat should give JammenX or Spyker his job.

That can't really be how intermat does the dual meet rankings. Are they intentionally trying to lose credibility?

 

[dunkej01]

FIFY. (it didn't even take until the next day...he literally said that within about three hours of Peters' firing)

SHP you carry some water over at intermat.....how about you get Foley to come over to BWI for a beat down....I mean discussion about the state of wrestling.

 

[El-Jefe]

FIFY. (it didn't even take until the next day...he literally said that within about three hours of Peters' firing)

Yeah, I gave a day in there because I don't know when Peters was actually fired, only when it was announced.

Then again, I'm not a professional journalist.

 

[El-Jefe]

That can't really be how intermat does the dual meet rankings. Are they intentionally trying to lose credibility?

What do they have lose?

"Call my dad."

 

[El-Jefe]

SHP you carry some water over at intermat.....how about you get Foley to come over to BWI for a beat down....I mean discussion about the state of wrestling.

Tell him Shane Sparks wants to spend 2 minutes on bottom under Zain, and by comparison we should be easy.

 

[1stplacehawk]

One man's opinion. That's what he says, other people say other things. Don't dislike, OR like it. Neutral.

Happen to disagree with him, obviously, especially on his "pickem" quote at 149, based on a match at Carver Hawkeye. Also happen to disagree with his critique of a wrestler based solely on posture, and one match, ALSO at Carver Hawkeye.

Opinions vary, as always.

I agree, not really worth getting worked up over. As a non-PSU fan, I tend to disagree with Mark Hall finishing 5-8 or off the stand, or Zain being a pick em with anybody. I'll listen to someone if they want to say Okie State is number 1, but personally see PSU as a moderate favorite over them in a dual or tournament.

 

[tikk10]

Ok this paragraph got me going.....
However, I do think the match exposed some flaws in Mark Hall's collegiate wrestling style. He's very upright, lacks a variety of attacks and displayed little top control. While he was stronger and more able on his feet than other high schoolers in scholastic wrestling, he's lost those advantages in college. I've said he was an All-American candidate this season and will stick to that prediction. He can place top 5-8, but I have trouble seeing him in the national finals and wouldn't be shocked if he didn't place in St. Louis

This fired me up....
As for betting odds, I'd place the Retherford-Sorensen rematch as a pick 'em

And this had me close out the article and not read on.......
The Cowboys have not done anything to surrender their No. 1 ranking. Penn State started the season ranked No. 4. The Nittany Lions have continued to climb the rankings based on their dual meet results … and now sit at No. 2. While Penn State may be favored in more matches against Oklahoma State -- and may win on paper -- Oklahoma State remains No. 1 based on where they started the season and their season results. After the season begins, InterMat's dual meet rankings are based on dual meet results, not which team wins on paper.

Intermat should give JammenX or Spyker his job.

Hall has no shortage of online armchair experts at his disposal but Foley's probably the first to suggest Hall "lacks variety of attacks." It's not like Hall's been wrestling in an unlit cave for the last six years. Video exists of him wrestling. Hell, Hall even has an attack that maybe only a few other guys have even tried, that cross ankle pick where he practically slides from his stomach to grab the ankle.

 

[El-Jefe]

It's not like Hall's been wrestling in an unlit cave for the last six years.

If he had been, Foley would've found him. Or in a yurt.

 

[royboy]

If he had been, Foley would've found him. Or in a yurt.

Wouldn't be the worst place to practice.

 

[PSUAllTheWay]

Give Mark Hall seven weeks to prepare for NCAA's and he will be ready. The only scenario in which he doesn't place is if he gets hurt. Come on, Foley, get real.

 

[nitlion6]

Just an amateur's attempt at psychoanalysis.
Foley is bored with his place in the wrestling world and because of his boredom he at times exhibits an attitude that is lazy (eggum, corruption in international wrestling) due to lack of caring and at other times he is a bit outrageous (Zain a pick'em, or Hall a non podium possibility not being a shocker) looking to spark some interest.

Of course I could be full of crap and he is just a poor journalist writing about a subject he has lost interest in.

 

[SetonHallPirate]

SHP you carry some water over at intermat.....how about you get Foley to come over to BWI for a beat down....I mean discussion about the state of wrestling.

I do? That's news to me.

 

[Dogwelder]

SHP you carry some water over at intermit ...

I do? That's news to me.

:

 

[21Guns]

I'm going to reference Foley after each and every Mark Hall victory. Tonight was #1. Sunday #2...

 

[BruceK-PSU83]

I really don't have much issue with any of Foley's opinions in that episode. However, the statement about Retherford's "bleak post-apocalyptic facial expressions" was both stupid and completely uncalled for.

I'm going to reference Foley after each and every Mark Hall victory. Tonight was #1. Sunday #2...

Have at it, but do keep in mind that Foley said Hall is an AA candidate and can place top 5-8 at NCAAs. I assume Foley is referring to this season with that statement. So your exercise appears rather pointless. That said, I can agree that Foley's statement about Hall wrestling very upright and lacking a variety of attacks was a bit much to conclude after a single match.

 

[Azchief32]

Hall has no shortage of online armchair experts at his disposal but Foley's probably the first to suggest Hall "lacks variety of attacks." It's not like Hall's been wrestling in an unlit cave for the last six years. Video exists of him wrestling. Hell, Hall even has an attack that maybe only a few other guys have even tried, that cross ankle pick where he practically slides from his stomach to grab the ankle.

Hall didn't look quite right with his body language, has been dominant his whole career but just doesn't seem to be reacting well, and seems a bit small. I'm sorry, that's Spencer Lee and another expert dude.

With Mark Hall, he's "extremely well coached" but 'lacks attacks', 'stands upright' and is also no longer strong enough.

Doesn't matter that the guy can score points from anywhere and has insane defense plus rolled right through the Scuffle (except for the semis). It's the new standard in wrestling journalism called "From the Gut." I think Mark Hall will only be a 5-8 but cannot give many tangible reasons except a few vague references to positioning and strength. Hall has always had that the straight spine thing going (more european than American). It's like the NCAA's are tomorrow and he has no room to improve in real college matches. I hate it but I think Hall can be anywhere, 1-8 and it would shock me if he didn't AA.

 

[purescurve]

Hall didn't look quite right with his body language, has been dominant his whole career but just doesn't seem to be reacting well, and seems a bit small. I'm sorry, that's Spencer Lee and another expert dude.

With Mark Hall, he's "extremely well coached" but 'lacks attacks', 'stands upright' and is also no longer strong enough.

Doesn't matter that the guy can score points from anywhere and has insane defense plus rolled right through the Scuffle (except for the semis). It's the new standard in wrestling journalism called "From the Gut." I think Mark Hall will only be a 5-8 but cannot give many tangible reasons except a few vague references to positioning and strength. Hall has always had that the straight spine thing going (more european than American). It's like the NCAA's are tomorrow and he has no room to improve in real college matches. I hate it but I think Hall can be anywhere, 1-8 and it would shock me if he didn't AA.

If you were his coaches what would you have him work on to prepare for probably #1 jordan at B1GS? I don't see Ryan letting it happen before that.

 

[Azchief32]

If you were his coaches what would you have him work on to prepare for probably #1 jordan at B1GS? I don't see Ryan letting it happen before that.

As you guys say, trust in Cael...Mark will be just fine. He just is too talented not to be. I think Mark will beat BoJo but I think you're right; Tom Ryan was already laying the groundwork for Bo's absence after the Iowa dual...I honestly think the favorite is Zahid but some of the bigger guys might give Mark a problem. Realbuto is a tough one as well.

 

[purescurve]

As you guys say, trust in Cael...Mark will be just fine. He just is too talented not to be. I think Mark will beat BoJo but I think you're right; Tom Ryan was already laying the groundwork for Bo's absence after the Iowa dual...I honestly think the favorite is Zahid but some of the bigger guys might give Mark a problem. Realbuto is a tough one as well.

was thinking strategy to deal with the stronger ones..if you don't mind. thanks

 

[Azchief32]

was thinking strategy to deal with the stronger ones..if you don't mind. thanks

Getting through ties and the hand fighting, low outside singles plus he has great ankle picks and a nice duck. Getting caught underneath on shots by guys stronger than you're used and finishing is tough on the lungs at first but he'll be just fine come NCAAs. His first TD on Meyer was a nice single where he was able to finish without going through Meyer and never went to his knees. The next shot on Meyer he went to his knees and got overextended...nice in match adjustment by Meyer. The losing TD, he found out college guys can shoot and scramble too. With Bo, I would be worried about his top game...not necessarily turning but being under a full period. Bo is really good on his feet but conventionally good so Mark should be able to counter him effectively in a shot/reshot or scramble scenario which is Mark's wheelhouse. I also disagree with Foley on Mark's riding prowess...he may not be a prolific, Zain type rider but if he commits to it, he can put a good ride on Bo at least to work off seconds if needed because IIRC, Bo can get gassed on bottom. I just think being on his feet is Mark's pacifier.

I am more concerned about Marinelli on this issue than I would be about Hall if he were my guy because Marinelli is a bruising, physical guy who pressures a lot and Hall has great technique/creativity and wrestles in place instead of going forward. Very few Hall's as freshman but a lot of Marinellis (w/o the lungs). The Bull has to get bigger and than cut whereas I don't think Hall does which isn't to say he can't get stronger. I guess we will see. I know his goals are 74KG so he can't get too big.