The Tigers return to Big 12 competition with two road duals against Arizona State on Thursday followed by a dual against Utah Valley on Saturday. Neither team is ranked but have solid squads with some big individual matches. Missouri is coming in with mixed injury news, with Cam Steed hopefully returning but Mayfield likely to miss time after an injury at the Soldier Salute.
Arizona State is still looking for a dual win but have only competed against top 25 opponents. They’re highlighted by the Larkin brothers who are both looking like potential title contenders. They’ve got a solid young contingent around them with Pierson Manville and Nicco Ruiz. They also brought in some transfers to round out their upperweights with Colton Hawks (Missouri) and David Szuba (Rider).
125lbs: #25 Mack Mauger (13-8) vs Damian Moreno (5-8)
Moreno is a first year starter for the Sun Devils and has lost his last five matches while looking for his first dual win. He does have a 12-4 major decision over Brady Roark (SDSU) who beat Mauger at the Tiger Style Invite. However Roark later pinned Moreno in their rematch in the dual.
Mauger is coming off a Soldier Salute title with a top 15 win in the finals. He showed an improved attack rate and had a tough ride as well. He doesn’t have too many turns from top but he has shown that he’s looking for a cradle off a single leg. I think he takes this one with bonus points with multiple takedowns but that cradle could show up for six points.
Prediction: Mack Maguer Maj. Damian Moreno (MIZ 4 ASU 0)
133lbs: #27 Kade Moore (7-6) vs #6 Kyler Larkin (13-1)
Larkin has been a breakout true freshman for the Sun Devils with his one loss being a medical forfeit in the finals of CKLV. He’s a great scrambler and has beaten wrestlers like Tyler Knox (STAN) and Dillon Campbell (VT) by winning positions. He doesn’t hit too many turns from top, often scoring points with his neutral work.
Moore unexpectedly didn’t compete at the Soldier Salute but no word of why so that could be something to look out for. Assuming he does go this weekend then this could be a fun but stressful match. Larkin will be willing to roll around with Moore in scrambles, but I lean Larkin in those positions. Moore has that knockout ability with putting opponents on their back but Larkin could be a difficult one to do that with. I’ll take Larkin in a decision but this match could go a number of ways.
Prediction: Kyler Larkin Dec. Kade Moore (MIZ 4 ASU 3)