James Hackney
Watch Live: FloWrestling, February 23rd 7PM CT
The Tigers will be looking to finish their dual season strong with a trip to the state of Iowa to take on an always gritty Northern Iowa team on Friday and a top five Iowa State on Sunday. Northern Iowa had a tough start to their dual season with losses to top ten teams but has since won three of their last four. They’re led by title favorite Parker Keckeisen at 184 but have ranked wrestlers at eight weights. Last year Mizzou won this dual at home 24-12 but the Tigers are looking a bit more banged up than usual at this point in the season in what could end up being a tough first dual.
125lbs: #10 Noah Surtin (14-2) vs #26 Trever Anderson (10-9)
Surtin will have a big weekend for seeding opportunities as he’ll see two lower ranked conference wrestlers who are both dangerous. Anderson is a redshirt freshman with a rough record but his wins include Eli Griffin, Kysen Terukina and Jakob Camacho. He can be a wildcard as he excels from the top position and can scramble well but can let matches get away from him at times. Surtin looked good against the Dakota schools but let himself give up some points with his aggression. I think if he can keep offensive but pick his spots from top a bit better he can get the win here.
Prediction: Surtin Dec. Anderson (MIZ 3 UNI 0)
133lbs: Drew Stanfield (3-3) vs #25 Julian Farber (15-7)
No signs of Moore returning to the lineup yet so I’m expecting Stanfield to continue as he has multiple dates left. There could be a return of someone like Trey Crawford or Eric Lovelace but I’m not expecting it yet. Farber is a junior in his first year as a starter and immediately found his way in the rankings. He’s had some head scratching losses and close matches but has also scored some big wins. He is a great scrambler and solid on top, a position we saw Stanfield struggle in. I think there’s a chance that Stanfield can keep things close but if he gives up a takedown or turn early then things could quickly get out of hand against the veteran.
Prediction: Farber Maj. Stanfield (MIZ 3 UNI 4)
141lbs: #24 Josh Edmond (10-6) vs #6 Cael Happel (16-5)
This match actually occurred way back in the 2021 season while both were redshirting freshmen and Edmond actually came away with the 7-5 win. Since then Happel has had some struggles but is looking to make the podium for the first time since the round of 16 last year. He’s known for his scrambling, top work, and great gas tank which are things that Edmond has struggled against this season. This match could be a high flying one as both aren’t afraid to go big. As much as I’d like to see Edmond break through a top ten opponent and Happel has been upset before, this one on the road….
