Why I'm Optimistic About NCAAs...

[PA Power]

I was just thinking about how close the team race was here at the Big Ten tournament and thought I would take stock of all that had to happen for tOSU to win. It made me feel pretty good about PSU's chances at the big dance.

1. Bo Jordan got the OT takedown in an extremely tight match against Mark Hall that included a controversial scoring sequence review.

2. Jimmy Gulibon had his worst performance of the year. This was pretty much his floor in terms of potential.

3. Nickal dropped one to Martin after beating him 8-2 in the dual. I'm confident that he will reverse that result if they meet in St. Louis. I don't think either one is beating Dean.

4. Kollin Moore knocked off Brett Pfarr after losing the previous two meetings.

5. Tomasello beat Clark in another extremely closely contested match that probably deserved overtime. Tomasello can be had and this is a deeeeep weight class.

6. Nick Suriano contributing total of 0.0 points due to injury. If he can even win a match or two at NCAAs that will be huge.

7. tOSU got point contributions from guys like Jose Rodriguez, Cody Burcher, and Jake Ryan who I expect will contribute a total of 1 point combined at the NCAA tournament. PSU didn't get anything from their bottom guys unless you count Gulibon's 1 consolation victory.

Basically, tOSU had a great weekend while PSU had an average weekend and a couple slip ups. For any alarmist fans, the wheels have not fallen off. Relax.

 

[dsites52]

I agree. Especially with the response today. I think Ohio state will be lucky to get fourth in 2 weeks.

 

[FineMaterial]

4/4 in the third place matches was a good indicator. Winning important matches is a good habit to get into.
I'm especially proud of Cutch. Hung in there in a tight one.

 

[PSUcup1]

I still love our chances at nationals

In fact. I think we win going away

 

[Pennstate1985]

Basically, tOSU had a great weekend while PSU had an average weekend and a couple slip ups. For any alarmist fans, the wheels have not fallen off. Relax.

I wouldn't say PSU had an average week. All guys held or bettered their seed except Bo and Jimmy, and Bo by only one placement. So the team as a whole wrestled extremely well. Hard to overcome essentially no points from 125-141.

 

[PA Power]

I wouldn't say PSU had an average week. All guys held or bettered their seed except Bo and Jimmy, and Bo by only one placement. So the team as a whole wrestled extremely well. Hard to overcome essentially no points from 125-141.

I guess I mean average relative to the expectations that have been set as a result of so much recent success. I'd give them a B/B+ overall. tOSU earned the A though.

 

[johnstownsteel]

I'm going to throw out my intitial predictions right now. PSU with 4 champs. Zain,Retherford, Hall and Bo. Yes...that says Bo. I think he shocks everyone. I'll predict Suriano is out although I hope I'm wrong. And I'll predict PSU narrowly wins the National Championship after Cael pounds these guys for two weeks about working through adversity and learning to step up and compensate for the Suriano injury.

Yes....I'm a homer. Ya gotta problem with that?

 

[nitlion6]

I was just thinking about how close the team race was here at the Big Ten tournament and thought I would take stock of all that had to happen for tOSU to win. It made me feel pretty good about PSU's chances at the big dance.

1. Bo Jordan got the OT takedown in an extremely tight match against Mark Hall that included a controversial scoring sequence review.

2. Jimmy Gulibon had his worst performance of the year. This was pretty much his floor in terms of potential.

3. Nickal dropped one to Martin after beating him 8-2 in the dual. I'm confident that he will reverse that result if they meet in St. Louis. I don't think either one is beating Dean.

4. Kollin Moore knocked off Brett Pfarr after losing the previous two meetings.

5. Tomasello beat Clark in another extremely closely contested match that probably deserved overtime. Tomasello can be had and this is a deeeeep weight class.

6. Nick Suriano contributing total of 0.0 points due to injury. If he can even win a match or two at NCAAs that will be huge.

7. tOSU got point contributions from guys like Jose Rodriguez, Cody Burcher, and Jake Ryan who I expect will contribute a total of 1 point combined at the NCAA tournament. PSU didn't get anything from their bottom guys unless you count Gulibon's 1 consolation victory.

Basically, tOSU had a great weekend while PSU had an average weekend and a couple slip ups. For any alarmist fans, the wheels have not fallen off. Relax.

First, are you sure the sky isn't falling?
Second, Moore probably doesn't lose to Pfarr again. I don't count this one as a fluke.

 

[PA Power]

First, are you sure the sky isn't falling?
Second, Moore probably doesn't lose to Pfarr again. I don't count this one as a fluke.

I agree Moore has improved but that one's still a 50/50 proposition moving forward in my opinion. Favre is tough. You don't become one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time without being able to battle back from adversity.

 

[dsites52]

Speaking of Pfarr, interesting that he wore the gold singlet. I thought that honor was reserved for the national finals. They had to give up a team point for that, right?

 

[El-Jefe]

7. tOSU got point contributions from guys like Jose Rodriguez, Cody Burcher, and Jake Ryan who I expect will contribute a total of 1 point combined at the NCAA tournament. PSU didn't get anything from their bottom guys unless you count Gulibon's 1 consolation victory.

Good points all around, wanted to focus on this one: Burcher will not qualify for nationals. Ryan will be fortunate to. Rodriguez will be unseeded and has 0-2 or 1-2 written all over him.

 

[El-Jefe]

I agree. Especially with the response today. I think Ohio state will be lucky to get fourth in 2 weeks.

I think they'll be 2nd or 3rd, with the Pokes. Just hard to see anyone else having enough qualifiers and firepower to break into the top 3.

 

[dunkej01]

2 champs (nolf, Zain), 4 finalists (Suriano & Bo) and 7 (top 4) Nevills, Joseph & Hall, 8 AA (Cutch) with our Bonus rate is the 130-140 territory. Thats tough to beat.

 

[Pennstate1985]

Good points all around, wanted to focus on this one: Burcher will not qualify for nationals. Ryan will be fortunate to. Rodriguez will be unseeded and has 0-2 or 1-2 written all over him.

Ryan is injured and unlikely to score much at nationals even if invited.

 

[El-Jefe]

2 champs (nolf, Zain), 4 finalists (Suriano & Bo) and 7 (top 4) Nevills, Joseph & Hall, 8 AA (Cutch) with our Bonus rate is the 130-140 territory. Thats tough to beat.

... and Jimmy holds the trophy for the team photo.

 

[KidNittany]

I was just thinking about how close the team race was here at the Big Ten tournament and thought I would take stock of all that had to happen for tOSU to win. It made me feel pretty good about PSU's chances at the big dance.

1. Bo Jordan got the OT takedown in an extremely tight match against Mark Hall that included a controversial scoring sequence review.

2. Jimmy Gulibon had his worst performance of the year. This was pretty much his floor in terms of potential.

3. Nickal dropped one to Martin after beating him 8-2 in the dual. I'm confident that he will reverse that result if they meet in St. Louis. I don't think either one is beating Dean.

4. Kollin Moore knocked off Brett Pfarr after losing the previous two meetings.

5. Tomasello beat Clark in another extremely closely contested match that probably deserved overtime. Tomasello can be had and this is a deeeeep weight class.

6. Nick Suriano contributing total of 0.0 points due to injury. If he can even win a match or two at NCAAs that will be huge.

7. tOSU got point contributions from guys like Jose Rodriguez, Cody Burcher, and Jake Ryan who I expect will contribute a total of 1 point combined at the NCAA tournament. PSU didn't get anything from their bottom guys unless you count Gulibon's 1 consolation victory.

Basically, tOSU had a great weekend while PSU had an average weekend and a couple slip ups. For any alarmist fans, the wheels have not fallen off. Relax.

Likely seeds:

Suriano: ??? Going to be an interesting spot. I'm thinking 2/3. As long as he isn't 4 or 5 it will be good. Further, hoping he can go
Gulibon: US
Retherford: 1
Nolf: 1
Joseph: 3, which would be huge
Hall: 4 or 5, not great since that means he gets Zahid's side
Bo: 2/3
McCutcheon: 4/5, puts him on J'Den's side, which is not ideal
Nevills: 3

Which is pretty solid

 

[PA Power]

Likely seeds:

Suriano: ??? Going to be an interesting spot. I'm thinking 2/3. As long as he isn't 4 or 5 it will be good. Further, hoping he can go
Gulibon: US
Retherford: 1
Nolf: 1
Joseph: 3, which would be huge
Hall: 4 or 5, not great since that means he gets Zahid's side
Bo: 2/3
McCutcheon: 4/5, puts him on J'Den's side, which is not ideal
Nevills: 3

Which is pretty solid

I really have no idea what they will do with Suriano. The NCAA seeding committee is notoriously screwy with their methodology so I wouldn't be shocked to see him on the top half with Gilman. If he can even compete, that is.

 

[psugrad85]

Suriano - 2 (did not place) - wild card
Law - unseeded (did not place) - no allocation
Gullibon - 2 (8)
Rutherford - 1 (1)
Nolf - 1 (1)
Joseph - 4 (3)
Hall - 2 (2)
Nickal - 1 (3)
McCutcheon - 4 (3)
Nevills - 3 (3)

Should be 9 to NCAA, with Suriano getting a wild card.
2 exceeded seed, 2 fell below seed (if you count Suriano)

Hopefully this leads to a 3 seed for Joseph, so he can avoid Martinez, and only a drop to 2 or 3 for Nickal.
Will be interesting to see what seed Hall ends up with, hopefully a 2 or 3.

Rodriguez 8 (7)
Tomasello - 1 (1)
Pletcher - 5 (4)
Jordan - 3 (2)
Ryan - 11 (10) - no allocation
Burcher - unseeded (8) - no allocation
Jordan - 1 (1)
Martin - 4 (2)
Moore - 2 (1)
Snyder - 1 (1)

Should be 8 to NCAA, would be surprised if Ryan or Burcher got a wild card
7 exceeded seed, no one fell below seed, 2 of those who exceeded seed were Ryan and Burcher, don't think it will make a difference.

 

[21Guns]

I was just thinking about how close the team race was here at the Big Ten tournament and thought I would take stock of all that had to happen for tOSU to win. It made me feel pretty good about PSU's chances at the big dance.

1. Bo Jordan got the OT takedown in an extremely tight match against Mark Hall that included a controversial scoring sequence review.

2. Jimmy Gulibon had his worst performance of the year. This was pretty much his floor in terms of potential.

3. Nickal dropped one to Martin after beating him 8-2 in the dual. I'm confident that he will reverse that result if they meet in St. Louis. I don't think either one is beating Dean.

4. Kollin Moore knocked off Brett Pfarr after losing the previous two meetings.

5. Tomasello beat Clark in another extremely closely contested match that probably deserved overtime. Tomasello can be had and this is a deeeeep weight class.

6. Nick Suriano contributing total of 0.0 points due to injury. If he can even win a match or two at NCAAs that will be huge.

7. tOSU got point contributions from guys like Jose Rodriguez, Cody Burcher, and Jake Ryan who I expect will contribute a total of 1 point combined at the NCAA tournament. PSU didn't get anything from their bottom guys unless you count Gulibon's 1 consolation victory.

Basically, tOSU had a great weekend while PSU had an average weekend and a couple slip ups. For any alarmist fans, the wheels have not fallen off. Relax.

If he wins two, that will be a plus. But he can't walk.

 

[matter7172]

I wouldn't say PSU had an average week. All guys held or bettered their seed except Bo and Jimmy, and Bo by only one placement. So the team as a whole wrestled extremely well. Hard to overcome essentially no points from 125-141.

Agreed. Bo finished 2 behind see, though. Seed performance - Jimmy -6, Zain even, Nolf even, Joseph +1, Hall even, Bo -2, Matt +1, Nick even.

So overall, -6 on seeds. All Jimmy. Rest of team wrestled to seed, which is certainly not average when the seeds are so high.

 

[PSUcup1]

First, are you sure the sky isn't falling?
Second, Moore probably doesn't lose to Pfarr again. I don't count this one as a fluke.

Actually. I'd bet on Pfarr in a rematch. That one scramble changed that match.

 

[dsites52]

As for Nick, I was pretty fortunate in my athletic career and lord knows I spent a majority of my wrestling career fighting off my back, to never have to combat any type of leg injury. Could the fact that Nick appeared hobbled be due to the fact that his ankle may be stiff due to inactivity? Cael said Nick's never really been hurt, so how much is this an affect of someone who's never dealt with injury? Part of me thinks that there could be a psychosomatic symptom at play, (Hopefully) Once he hits the mat, he'll rely on instinct and it will compensate for his ankle not reacting as it normally would.

 

[jack66]

Agreed. Bo finished 2 behind see, though. Seed performance - Jimmy -6, Zain even, Nolf even, Joseph +1, Hall even, Bo -2, Matt +1, Nick even.
So overall, -6 on seeds. All Jimmy. Rest of team wrestled to seed, which is certainly not average when the seeds are so high.

I just rewatched the Brooks vs MyMar match. I trust Bo will doing the same.

Sammy does an excellent job stalking him and measuring the distance until he gets the tie he wants.

 

[Dragonross]

I think not having so many first rd byes will help also

 

[PA Power]

I think not having so many first rd byes will help also

Great point. Forgot about this.

 

[Real-Lion]

I was just thinking about how close the team race was here at the Big Ten tournament and thought I would take stock of all that had to happen for tOSU to win. It made me feel pretty good about PSU's chances at the big dance.

1. Bo Jordan got the OT takedown in an extremely tight match against Mark Hall that included a controversial scoring sequence review.

2. Jimmy Gulibon had his worst performance of the year. This was pretty much his floor in terms of potential.

3. Nickal dropped one to Martin after beating him 8-2 in the dual. I'm confident that he will reverse that result if they meet in St. Louis. I don't think either one is beating Dean.

4. Kollin Moore knocked off Brett Pfarr after losing the previous two meetings.

5. Tomasello beat Clark in another extremely closely contested match that probably deserved overtime. Tomasello can be had and this is a deeeeep weight class.

6. Nick Suriano contributing total of 0.0 points due to injury. If he can even win a match or two at NCAAs that will be huge.

7. tOSU got point contributions from guys like Jose Rodriguez, Cody Burcher, and Jake Ryan who I expect will contribute a total of 1 point combined at the NCAA tournament. PSU didn't get anything from their bottom guys unless you count Gulibon's 1 consolation victory.

Basically, tOSU had a great weekend while PSU had an average weekend and a couple slip ups. For any alarmist fans, the wheels have not fallen off. Relax.

Ohio State will not even be in the top 3 once all the other teams come in....Bo wrestled a bad match against Martin....He still has a winning record against Martin....Bo may even pin him next time...Martin is not that good for real...Bo will next make and mistakes and at least major him....Look for Jimmy have to have great tournament too...He wants to go out high on the podium...He can beat Pletcher every time and anyone else except maybe the Rutgers guy....

 

[Real-Lion]

I was just thinking about how close the team race was here at the Big Ten tournament and thought I would take stock of all that had to happen for tOSU to win. It made me feel pretty good about PSU's chances at the big dance.

1. Bo Jordan got the OT takedown in an extremely tight match against Mark Hall that included a controversial scoring sequence review.

2. Jimmy Gulibon had his worst performance of the year. This was pretty much his floor in terms of potential.

3. Nickal dropped one to Martin after beating him 8-2 in the dual. I'm confident that he will reverse that result if they meet in St. Louis. I don't think either one is beating Dean.

4. Kollin Moore knocked off Brett Pfarr after losing the previous two meetings.

5. Tomasello beat Clark in another extremely closely contested match that probably deserved overtime. Tomasello can be had and this is a deeeeep weight class.

6. Nick Suriano contributing total of 0.0 points due to injury. If he can even win a match or two at NCAAs that will be huge.

7. tOSU got point contributions from guys like Jose Rodriguez, Cody Burcher, and Jake Ryan who I expect will contribute a total of 1 point combined at the NCAA tournament. PSU didn't get anything from their bottom guys unless you count Gulibon's 1 consolation victory.

Basically, tOSU had a great weekend while PSU had an average weekend and a couple slip ups. For any alarmist fans, the wheels have not fallen off. Relax.

Hall got ripped off really bad in regulation which cost us the tournament Byers even said...Ryan went nuts and screamed at the ref for the review in the 3rd periods on Hall's takedown and it worked.....It was clearly a take down and win over Jordan which gives PSU the title even without Nick wrestling !!!!x

 

[21Guns]

Ohio State will not even be in the top 3 once all the other teams come in....Bo wrestled a bad match against Martin....He still has a winning record against Martin....Bo may even pin him next time...Martin is not that good for real...Bo will next make and mistakes and at least major him....Look for Jimmy have to have great tournament too...He wants to go out high on the podium...He can beat Pletcher every time and anyone else except maybe the Rutgers guy....

He isn't getting the seed. Sorry, not happening this year. He'll face a top 8 guy in the first round.

 

[tuggerjug]

Ohio State will not even be in the top 3 once all the other teams come in....Bo wrestled a bad match against Martin....He still has a winning record against Martin....Bo may even pin him next time...Martin is not that good for real...Bo will next make and mistakes and at least major him....Look for Jimmy have to have great tournament too...He wants to go out high on the podium...He can beat Pletcher every time and anyone else except maybe the Rutgers guy....

can i get some of the stuff you're smoking?

 

[Cletus11]

If Suriano can wrestle, PSU wins. I think it is that simple.

 

[El-Jefe]

Ohio State will not even be in the top 3 once all the other teams come in....Bo wrestled a bad match against Martin....He still has a winning record against Martin....Bo may even pin him next time...Martin is not that good for real...Bo will next make and mistakes and at least major him....Look for Jimmy have to have great tournament too...He wants to go out high on the podium...He can beat Pletcher every time and anyone else except maybe the Rutgers guy....

Name the teams that finish ahead of Ohio State -- and I'll spot you PSU and the Pokes.

 

[HOCKEYGOD11]

Good points all around, wanted to focus on this one: Burcher will not qualify for nationals. Ryan will be fortunate to. Rodriguez will be unseeded and has 0-2 or 1-2 written all over him.

People fail to understand how different the national tournament is versus the conference. Like you said, several of their guys who contributed points may well go 0 fer at nationals or not even qualify. As opposed to the majority of our guys still being seeded high and likely scoring points. The diluted field changes thing for guys that are low AA much more versus our guys which are likely high AA.

 

[dsites52]

Name the teams that finish ahead of Ohio State -- and I'll spot you PSU and the Pokes.

How dare I make any statements to solidify an argument made by spyker, but I could see a punchers chance for Iowa to sneak in the top 3. It's highly likely that they could have 3 finalist in St Louis.

 

[El-Jefe]

How dare I make any statements to solidify an argument made by spyker, but I could see a punchers chance for Iowa to sneak in the top 3. It's highly likely that they could have 3 finalist in St Louis.

But it won't be Iowa -- according to Spyker they always underperform because Brands makes them hate the sport..

This is why I was hoping to hear directly from Spyker -- to discover his thought process. (No comments from the peanut gallery!)

 

[Lyco1990]

I'm going to throw out my intitial predictions right now. PSU with 4 champs. Zain,Retherford, Hall and Bo. Yes...that says Bo. I think he shocks everyone. I'll predict Suriano is out although I hope I'm wrong. And I'll predict PSU narrowly wins the National Championship after Cael pounds these guys for two weeks about working through adversity and learning to step up and compensate for the Suriano injury.

Yes....I'm a homer. Ya gotta problem with that?

So your saying we have more champs at nationals than we had in the big 10 finals. Your nuts, but so am I as I agree and have 5 in finals.

 

[21Guns]

So your saying we have more champs at nationals than we had in the big 10 finals. Your nuts, but so am I as I agree and have 5 in finals.

How dare you insult the other 4 wrestlers on this fine squad. I'll arrange a meeting between you and the four families and bring the popcorn.

 

[RVARZR]

I think PSU is still the favorite and in good position to win. It isn't the foregone conclusion it would be with a fully healthy Suriano, Jimmy G from a month ago, and Cortez in the lineup but they still should have enough to get the job done.

 

[21Guns]

Not counting on any points at 141. Time to face facts. It is what it is.

 

[El-Jefe]

People fail to understand how different the national tournament is versus the conference. Like you said, several of their guys who contributed points may well go 0 fer at nationals or not even qualify. As opposed to the majority of our guys still being seeded high and likely scoring points. The diluted field changes thing for guys that are low AA much more versus our guys which are likely high AA.

The extra round of bonus points won't hurt either.

 

[CowboyUp61]

johnstownsteel said: ↑
I'm going to throw out my intitial predictions right now. PSU with 4 champs. Zain,Retherford, Hall and Bo. Yes...that says Bo. I think he shocks everyone. I'll predict Suriano is out although I hope I'm wrong. And I'll predict PSU narrowly wins the National Championship after Cael pounds these guys for two weeks about working through adversity and learning to step up and compensate for the Suriano injury.

Yes....I'm a homer. Ya gotta problem with that?

Yep. You are officially a hater, saying that Nolf is going to lose! And I always thought you were a good fan...