Where to Watch: ACC Network, November 15th @6PM CT
Last season these two perennial top ten teams faced off in early January in Columbia with Mizzou taking home a 22-17 win. It was a breakout dual for Kade Moore, who’s pin over All-American Sam Latona was a massive swing. Last year’s win broke a three dual losing streak for the Tigers against Tech.
Their lineup is stacked this season with all ten wrestlers ranked and returning five All-Americans with one champ. Both lineups have question marks as multiple starters have yet to wrestle for various reasons. While Missouri’s lineup seems more established at the moment, the Hokies have rankable wrestlers at multiple weights that makes even a backup a dangerous opponent. While this dual is early in the season, it could set the tone for both teams going forward and where they lie in the national scene.
125lbs: #12 Noah Surtin (0-0)/Gage Walker (3-2) vs #13 Eddie Ventresca (4-0)
Big question mark for Mizzou here with no word on Noah Surtin’s health. Last year he lost to Cooper Flynn in this dual, who is now at Minnesota. Ventresca went on a surprise All-American run as the 27 seed to finish 7th in 2023. His 2024 season was marred by injury, and ended after a 2-7 start. He’s back and looks to be in good health this season, just winning the Mountaineer Open and beating former teammate Flynn in the finals.
Even if Surtin is in, this match is a question mark. Ventresca isn’t an easy out for a first match back, and he’s tough in all three positions. If Walker gets put in again it’s hard to see an upset, especially with Walker’s lack of offense recently. If it’s Walker then look for him to potentially get back to his single leg and try to put up more points, even in a loss.
Prediction: Eddie Ventresca Dec. Gage Walker (MIZ 0 VT 3)
133lbs: #29 Kade Moore (2-2) vs #10 Connor McGonagle (2-1)
This match could be fireworks depending on how Kade Moore looks. McGonagle was a two-time qualifier at 141 for Lehigh before sitting for two years and finally transferring last season.
Over the offseason he had strong connections to Mizzou, but ended up staying closer to home in VA. He just suffered an upset loss to Tyler Wells on a last second takedown, but is still a high podium threat. He’s been ranked top ten multiple times and even beat Sam Latona at the All-Star Classic last season.
