Where to Watch: FloWrestling, November 2nd @7PM CT
The Tigers start their year with what I would consider a “trap dual”. Northern Colorado doesn’t have a deep lineup, but they excel in the lighter weights and could make things close with wins. Coach Smith already confirmed there will be some starters missing, but there is a question of how many.
The Bears have ranked wrestlers at 125, 133, 141, 157, and 165. Not only that, but the Tigers were on the losing end of matches against their starters at three of those weights last year. With it being on the road and at some elevation, it will be a test to start the year. The Tigers should win with their upperweights, but they’ll have battles throughout this dual.
125lbs: #16 Noah Surtin/Gage Walker vs #8 Stevo Poulin
With Coach Smith not fully committing to a full lineup, we’ll see if Noah is one of the wrestlers that may not be competing to start the year. If he does then we’ll get a third match between him and Poulin, where Poulin has won the past two. The last time was in the first round at NCAA’s, where a banged up Surtin tried to get a turn in the third but lost 3-1. The first time was the Big 12 finals in 2023, where Surtin put himself on his back going for a cradle.
Poulin is quick to the leg and can finish quickly if you’re not ready. He’s sometimes struggled on bottom, but not in a way that it’s a clear advantage. For Surtin the two areas that stick out are getting out from bottom and defending the takedown. His ability on top can break a match open, but he has to pick his spots carefully and not rush like we’ve seen in other matches. It’s a tossup, but with Poulin already 2-0 it may be another tough match for Surtin here.
If Surtin is unable to go then I’m expecting Gage Walker to get an opportunity here. It’d be a tough matchup for the true freshman but he impressed at wrestleoffs. I’d be surprised to see him get a win here but if he can show flashes against an experienced opponent then it would be a bright sign for the future.
Prediction: Poulin Dec. Surtin (MIZ 0 UNCO 3)
133lbs: #29 Kade Moore vs #22 Dom Serrano
It sounds like Kade Moore was banged up before the Black and Gold dual but should be good to go for this dual. Another rematch here as Serrano beat Moore at Big 12’s last season and finished 3rd in the conference. Similar to Poulin, Serrano is solid in all three positions. Last season we saw Moore struggle to escape in the last match and lose some scrambles. It was his first competition back after a long hiatus however, so there’s a grain of salt in the result….
