Maybe it was just me, but this dual didn't have quite the vibe that I'm used to duals having when our guys are involved. Maybe it was because of that feeling, or lack there of, I thought our guys looked kind of flat. I could be wrong on both of the above mentioned. Is it possible for our guys to look flat, and still wrestle well? In my eyes, yes. If you disagree, then I definitely understand, because I don't really understand where I stand on all that. Now that I've confused everyone and myself here is my breakdown with all the rankings according to FLO. I know rankings mean nothing, but we continually talk about them.
125 LL: Would have loved to see him get to a few more takedowns. Most of us believe LL can make a run to Saturday night. Most of us are expecting at least an AA finish. Too high of expectations for a true frosh, possibly. However, with LL's accomplishments, I definitely don't think its out of reach to predict a top 8 at minimum. With Seymour ranked at 17, I definitely wanted a statement to be made that LL belongs in the top 10. LL was never in danger of giving up a takedown. He had a few low single attacks but never really got close. The lone takedown of the match came off a Seymour shot and a beautfiul LL counter. It was nice seeing LL able to get off bottom with relative ease. Bottom is a position notoriously difficult for true freshman. I expect LL to continue to improve and be right where we all think he can be come March.
133 Davis: It was nice to have Davis back against the consensus number 1 Crookham. Davis was in deep on I believe 2 singles. Everyone knows about Crookham's defesne, and if you didn't before, you do now. He has a tremendous rubber knee, and is usually able to use his defense as offense, but both shots ended in stalemates. I didn't see Davis hobble one time, which was nice to see. I do not know the extent of his injury, but if the coaches and training staff think he's good enough to toe the line against Crookham, I'd say the knee/leg is able to hold up against anyone. The lone takedown came off of a nice drag by Crookham, add in an escape and there you have his 4. Davis was able to get an escape and a stalling point. As many have mentioned, I would have liked to see Davis get in or at least attempt another shot. The more you can feel that rubber knee defense the better. As I type this, I think Davis can beat him. To do so, he'll have to get at least one takedown. Hopefully he'll be able to learn from the two shots he was in on and convert next time. Good showing after being out with an injury.
141 BB: Surprised I didn't read more on here about BB opening up against backup Carter Bailey. It is what it is at this point. His conditioning, pace, athleticism, and defense will continue to get him a lot of wins just like they have throughout his accomplished career. I think the top 3 at the weight are in a tier of their own. Not to discredit guys like Hardy and Lemley because I think those guys can knock one of the top 3 off, but I just don't think those guys have cemented themselves into that top tier.
149 SVN: It's unbelievable we are only watching SVN in his second full year. Gets the major 17-3 over backup Matt Repos. Matches against, Hensen, Lovett, and Parco are going to be really fun to watch. To be honest, his non stop attacks look almost sloppy, but his body control is second to none. His attack rate and conditioning is going to be a problem for everyone that toes the line against him. He's extremely creative and can turn his opponents offense into his own in a hurry. I think in every match so far, he's taken his opponent feet to back. Some of those flurries haven't been rewarded with back points, but the threat level is there.
157 Kasak: Semi surprised at this one against Logan Rozynski. First off, kudos to Rozynski. I think this kid is going to make some noise if not this year, soon. After looking at his bio on Lehigh's website, it shows his prep career record at 101-9. He was able to push Kasak and compete. With all that being said, maybe I underestimated Rozynski at first, and maybe Kasak did as well. I figured on Kasak coming out in his hometown and lighting up the scoreboard. His second shot he got in deep and it seemed like he was trying to convert for most of the first period. He did suffer a bloody nose and after the second blood time, it looked like his nose was bleeding pretty good. I know from experience that can prove to be quite difficult when one nostril is plugged and you get that rush of blood down your throat every now and then. Kasak ends up winning 5-2 and I don't recall him ever being in danger of giving up points. To be honest, I don't think Rozynski was ever deep on his legs. Without a doubt Kasak builds on this. I think he'll be disappointed in this match and will want to score more points moving forward.
165-184,HWT MM,Levi,CStar,Kerk: There's really nothing that needs to be said for these 4 weights. Starting with MM tf 18-1, a pin for Levi in 4:12 with what appeared to be a painful bow and arrow, CStar a 15-1 major, and Kerk a tf in 2:01.
197 Barr: In my opinion match of the night. I think this was Barr's first true collegiate test? I think he passed with flying colors against former Lion, Beard ranked at #6. Showed strength finishing on a shot when he was extended but was able to get his head to a side, work up and finish. I believe it was that shot that got him the major. Had some nice shot defense and looked like he'll be just fine if extra wrestling is needed with his conditioning. I think this proves he is an AA threat. How high he ends up on the podium is to be determined.
All in all, championships aren't won in December. However, stepping stones are being put in place to reach that goal. There wasn't anything definitively I can point to for any wrestler and say they need to improve. It was a dominant win and I'm sure the wrestlers, and coaches are happy with the outcome. Up next Wyoming next Sunday in Rec Hall.
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