James Hackney
The Tigers return from a long break after dominating Stanford and jump right into a big conference dual. West Virginia is a much improved team from last year but are coming off a 29-9 loss to OK State and lost 21-19 to Oklahoma earlier this season. The premier match is at 165lbs with Peyton Hall and Keegan O’Toole, but potential matches at 141 and 149 could provide highlights as well. The schedule picks up quickly at this point, with duals against WVU, Cornell, and Oklahoma State within ten days.
125lbs: #6 Noah Surtin (10-1) vs Jace Schafer (5-5)/Jett Strickenberger (9-2)
Strickenberger was an NJCAA champ at 125lbs before transferring to WVU, but a tough weight cut has it looking like he may move up to 133. He’s a lanky wrestler who’s scrambling ability saw him beat last year’s Big 12 champ Stevo Poulin. He also has had tough weight cuts this season and wrestled 133 in his last match. Schafer has wrestled here the last two duals, but given up bonus points each time. With Surtin’s improved scrambling, ability from top, and gas tank I think he gets the win against either. I’m slotting in Schafer and expecting Surtin to score bonus points and I’m not ruling out a fall.
Prediction: Surtin Tech Schafer (MIZ 5 WVU 0)
133lbs: #27 Kade Moore (9-2) vs # Jett Strickenberger (9-2)/Davin Rhoads (1-8)
Strickenberger didn’t wrestle against OK State, so Rhoads has been the starter at other times. Rhoads has give up bonus points in five matches, including his last three. Strickenberger could make things interesting with his length and scrambling, but either way I’m taking Moore to get a decision. If it is Rhoads then look for him to score bonus points as well and like Surtin, a fall isn’t out of the question.
Prediction: Moore Dec. Strickenberger (MIZ 8 WVU 0)
141lbs: #23 Josh Edmond (8-3)/Zeke Seltzer (7-7) vs #10 Jordan Titus (15-1)
Titus may be one of the most improved wrestlers after going 19-14 as a redshirt freshman as his only loss this year is to fellow breakout wrestler Tagen Jamison. Titus has a unique style and is able to hit a number of dangerous moves from all positions. Seltzer started the last dual, but there’s no clear sign who will get the start here. Both he and Edmond have the types of double legs that can nullify scrambling with explosive finishes. They also have both shown gas tank issues and some struggles getting out from bottom at times. If either of them are on their game, they could win with a smart match. Until they start showing some more consistency however, I’m taking Titus to get a decision win…
