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#8 Zach Elam vs. #15 Brandon Metz
Thoughts: This is the best match in the dual meet and it is a shame that the dual will likely be decided heading into this bout. This is a big match for Elam for end of the season tournament seeding.
Metz is a tremendous pinner from top or neutral and he pins a lot of overmatched heavyweights. Metz is solid on his feet, but Elam will have an agility edge here.
Metz is not very good historically on bottom against ranked competition and I think Elam’s length and leverage from top will give Metz fits. I look for Elam to wrestle a tactical match here and score early and ride tough on his way to a 4-0 type of score.
I just think Elam’s mat savvy will allow him to either avoid going under Metz or to escape quickly as he rolls to a huge win in a season which offers limited opportunities.
Prediction: #8 Elam Dec. #15 Metz 4-0 (MIZZ 26-6)
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