Here’s my .2 cents:
125:
For the first match of his college career, I think Howard looked really good, Medley is no slouch. Howard showed athleticism, poise, ability to ride, and got off bottom. I think he tired a little but I expected that ( nerves ). I’m excited to watch him learn from this match and continue to improve, I think he’ll be the surprise of the lineup. Too soon to make a March prediction after one match.
133:
Ragusin wrestled a smart match. RBY likes the front head and arm and he stayed out of it. Seemed like Rag did a good job of slowing RBY down. I would have liked RBY to create a few more opportunities through the match, but an overall solid win over a really good wrestler who I think could be a finalist at 125. I think he’ll be on tv Saturday night.
141:
Its already been said on here I think but you get 1 pt for riding time after 1 min, doesn’t matter if it’s 6 mins, still 1 pt. Maybe it’s a little rust, maybe he was told to ride, not sure. If Nick is making that decision, once you realize you won’t be getting near falls, it’s a catch and release game to get the bonus. Plus by tendering a guy up on the feet, usually opens him up on bottom. Stall calls could have helped that as well, but they weren’t coming, so take it out of the refs hands and put it in yours. I still like Nick to stand at the top of the podium.
149:
Bear Claw has a freakin gas tank. That will play huge dividends moving forward. Does a good job getting to his feet, but doesn’t create hip separation which made for easy mat returns. Good news, that’s easily fixable. I honestly think he’s gonna be the guy at BIGs. I think BB is the most talented guy, but I just don’t think he has the size. I think BearClaw scores points at the tournament, maybe not a lot, but I think he scores.
157:
Berge has the skills to open that match up a bit more. But, he’s never really been that guy. He’s extremely tough to score on, and for the most part, a counter wrestler. I think he was in total control the whole time, and showed when he needs a takedown he can throw a few different looks out there and eventually get one. I’m thinking high podium.
165:
The only slight disappointment I had during the match. If Joe wrestled a senior, I wouldn’t be as disappointed, but it was a fellow freshman. Another wrestler who can get to his feet, but didn’t create separation, or when he got lifted, didn’t bring his knees to his chest ready to hit the mat and wrestle. I think the gas tank looked a little better, but still can improve. I would have felt a lot better about the match if he would have been going after a takedown and got in deep atleast once, but that didn’t happen. Still, not at the worry point yet. Im going with R16 right now, but something tells me AA.
174:
C* showed what we all knew. He has it to beat anyone. A little surprised how tired he looked, but he put his nose to the grindstone and got it done. For whatever reason, he hasn’t been as offensive as we’ve seen him in the past ( scuffle, nlwc cards ). He’ll figure that out though. Hopefully he continues to improve and meets Kem in the BIG finals. That’s a can’t miss.
184:
Not much to say about Brooks. Bullock was a gamer and actually came to wrestle ( more than I can say about most of the UM guys ). Top of the podium.
197:
Beard loses to Amine by 3 and everyone is freaking out. Amine is a 3x AA, never lost to Hall by more than 2 I believe, and I believe made an Olympic team. He was ranked 1 at 84, he’s healthy, crafty, and a seasoned vet. This is Beards 2nd starting match? Got in deep on a few shots, had a few nice counters, and battled the whole time fixing what I thought was his biggest issue, the gas tank. IMO he’s right there with the top guys. I think he’s much better on top then what he showed, but the knee deal is worrisome. If he’s 100% come show time, high AA.
285:
Another weight I can’t figure out that some posters discussed. Snacks didn’t lose to some freshman that nobody has ever heard of. He lost to Mason Parris. The same guy that was a 3x Indiana state champ, Junior World Champ, and only had 1 loss on his record last year ( 8-6 to Gable in BIG finals ). Snacks wrestled well, he’s just not as good, as strong, or as athletic as Mason, which is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. Do I think Kerk is, yes, I think Kerk goes right with Mason, but Kerk isn’t wrestling, and I’m damn proud to have Snacks in the blue and white. I know it didn’t show, but I think he’s closer to Cass this year than he was last. In the words of Aaron Rodgers, relax. He’s an AA.
Super excited to watch this young team to compete and grow. They’ll only get better, We Are!
