James Hackney
#5 Mizzou (0-0) vs #6 Arizona State (1-1)
Watch Live: FloWrestling – November 19th, 1PM CT
After a solid showing at the Tiger Style Invite, the Tigers host #6 Arizona State at home for a top ten dual. Last year the Sun Devils won close matches to get upsets and win 19-17. This year their lineup may look a bit different, and seem to have some key injuries that are likely to affect the dual. Mizzou has some questions themselves, specifically at 184 between Whiting/Hawks, and if Rocky Elam makes his season debut here. Arizona State is coming off an upset loss to #21 North Carolina, and had a tight 23-18 dual with Lock Haven. Both teams have some new starters, and will be an opportunity for the Tigers to start their season strong.
125lbs: #16 Noah Surtin (4-0) vs #2 Richie Figueroa (0-0)/Max Brewster (1-3)
This has potential to be the match of the night, if #2 Richie Figueroa makes his season debut. Last year he beat Noah Surtin 6-4, in a match that Surtin was injured in. The rumor is that he won’t enter the lineup for a few more weeks, but wrestling isn’t always reliable with injury news. Surtin looked great at the Invite, and talking to him afterwards had taken deliberate effort to improve his neutral offense and scrambling that showed in his wins.
If Figueroa doesn’t go, then it is likely either Damian Moreno (0-4) or Max Brewster (1-3). Both were teched in dual starts this year. The alumni dual is usually an aggressive crowd, and Surtin has come up with big moves to pin non-starters in intense duals (See Iowa State last year and OK State the year before). I’ll take him getting another pin against a backup here, and if Figueroa goes I’m taking Surtin in a great close match to remind everyone that he is an under the radar contender at this volatile weight.
Prediction: Noah Surtin Fall Max Brewster (MIZ 6 ASU 0)…
