James Hackney
#9 Missouri (6-2) vs #30 Oklahoma (7-5) – Feb. 3rd @7PM on ESPN+
All Time Record vs: 14-42
Mizzou returns to competition after their longest break of the season, their last match was on January 14th. With such a long break, the team is expected to be fielding their full healthy lineup. They’ll need it as they head to the state of Oklahoma to take on blue bloods OU and OK State. Last year Mizzou won this dual 23-14, but both lineups look different this year.
There will be new matchups at 133 through 197. OU hit the transfer portal hard after last season, and feature a team with nine ranked wrestlers. Mizzou is favored in every match, but there are some potential toss up matches at 125, 141, 149, 184, and 285. For Mizzou, they will be looking to come out of this dual healthy and without giving up any upsets. It will be a good opportunity to shake off some rust as well before seeing OK State.
125lbs: #14 Noah Surtin (10-4) vs #21 Joey Prata (14-5)
The night kicks off with a big rematch between two wrestlers who impressed at NCAA’s and made the bloodround. Last year Surtin won 4-3 with a late takedown. Prata has great defense and has an ability to slow a match down. Surtin is coming off a loss where he gave up back points going for big moves. Some of that was likely altitude related, but it’s something he’ll have to avoid in a match like this.
A point of emphasis for Surtin earlier in the season was improving his leg attacks, and this could be a match where he’ll need them. While Prata is not the strongest rider, he is good when he gets legs in. Overall Surtin is favored in this match, but Prata is much tougher than his ranking and will take a smart match for the win.
Prediction: Surtin Dec. Prata (MIZ 3 OU 3)
133lbs: #26 Conor Brown (8-5) vs #27 Wyatt Henson (11-8)
This match could be very interesting, as Henson is son of former assistant coach Sammie Henson and was someone many thought would transfer to Mizzou after leaving Iowa. After a strong redshirt season at 141, Henson is still finding his footing at 133.
