pin2win
@hagertony
SCHEDULE:
Thursday, March 21
11:00 AM - Session 1 (Eight Mats - Pigtails and First-Round) TV coverage: ESPN3.com
6:30 PM - Session 2 (Eight Mats - Preliminaries: Wrestleback Preliminaries, Wrestleback First Round; Championship Round: Second Round, Consolation Round) TV coverage: ESPN3.com
Friday, March 22
10:00 AM - Session 3 (Eight Mats - Quarterfinals and Wrestlebacks) TV Coverage: ESPNU and ESPN3.com
6:00 PM - Session 4 (Six Mats - Semifinals and Wrestlebacks) TV Coverage: ESPNU and ESPN3.com
Saturday, March 23
10:00 AM - Session 5 (Three Mats - Wrestleback Semifinals and 3rd-8th Medal Rounds) TV Coverage: ESPNU
7:00 PM - Session 6 (One Mat - Finals and Awards Ceremony) TV Coverage: ESPN
LINKS:
Brackets
List of Qualifiers
NCAA Championships Home
NCAA Fan Festival
Iowa Wrestling Notes
Iowa's First Round Matchups:
125 - #3 Matt McDonough (Iowa) vs. Ben Willeford (CLST)
133 - #2 Tony Ramos (Iowa) vs. Nick Wilcox (Bloomsberg)
141 - #7 Mark Ballweg (Iowa) vs. Daniel Neff (Lock Haven)
157 - #2 Derek St. John (Iowa) vs. Matthew Frisch (The Citadel)
165 - #10 Nick Moore (Iowa) vs. Michael Moreno (ISU)
174 - #3 Mike Evans (Iowa) vs. Craig Kelliher (Central Michigan)
184 - #12 Ethen Lofthouse (Iowa) vs. Stephen Doty (Virginia)/Boaz Beard (Iowa State)
197 - Nathan Burak (Iowa) vs. #1 Dustin Kilgore (Kent State)
HWT - #6 Bobby Telford (Iowa) vs. Joe Stolfi (Bucknell)
Preview/Predictions
125
1) Alan Waters, Missouri
2) Jesse Delgado, Illinois
3) Matt McDonough, Iowa
4) Nico Megaludis, Penn State
5) Jarrod Garnett, Virginia Tech
6) Nahshon Garrett, Cornell
7) Nathan Kraisser, North Carolina
8) Matt Snyder, Virginia
9) Trent Sprenkle, North Dakota State
10) Josh Martinez, Air Force
11) Nikko Triggas, Ohio State
12) Tyler Cox, Wyoming
Bracket Overview:
Alan Waters comes into the tournament as the only undefeated 125lber and will wrestle unseeded David Thorn (MINN) first round. Thorn is no slouch and could surprise a lot of people first round. If Thorn knocks off Waters right away thats good news for Matt McDonough if he reaches the finals but its bad news because that gives Minnesota opportunity to gain advancement points. At the end of the day I think Waters gets the job done in a tight match and will face Sean Boyle. Waters will have no issues getting through to the Friday nights semi-finals. Who he will face will be a toss up between Jarrod Garnett (VTECH) and Nico Megaludis (PSU). Both of these wrestlers could be in the NCAA finals but I am choosing Jarrod Garnett. I think he beats Mega and Waters to reach the Finals. On the bottom side I think we have two clear favorites as this side is weaker. Matt McDonough and Jesse Delgado should have no issues getting to the semi-finals. I know MCD hasn't been wrestling his best but a part of me feels like he has been holding back because of an injury. If Matt is hurt it makes sense for him not to take shots that can make his injury worse and keep him out of the NCAA's. I think we will see Matt opening up a lot more in these matches and have him getting to the finals solely on the fact he has been holding back.
Finals: #5 Jarrod Garnett vs #3 Matt McDonough
I think this is a great matchup for MCD and with this finals match being in Des Moines he will have no issues getting his third national championship. Matt McDonough will go down as one of the all time greats of Iowa wrestling. He will be Iowa's fourth four-time finalist and he will be the seventh wrestler in school history to win three NCAA championships. He joins the likes of Ed Banach, Tom Brands, Barry Davis, Lincoln McIlravy, Joe Williams and Jim Zalesky. Matt will also end his career 125-7 which is good enough for sixth on the all-time list for winning percentages in Iowa history.
133
1) Logan Stieber, Ohio State
2) Tony Ramos, Iowa
3) Tyler Graff, Wisconsin
4) A.J. Schopp, Edinboro
5) Chris Dardanes, Minnesota
6) Nathan McCormick, Missouri
7) Jon Morrison, Oklahoma State
8) Cody Brewer, Oklahoma
9) Levi Wolfensperger, UNI
10) Scotti Sentes, Central Michigan
11) George DiCamillo, Virginia
12) Jordan Conaway, Penn State
Bracket Overview:
Logan Stieber (OSU) is the many to beat in this bracket and he might get a test Friday morning with Cody Brewer (OKLA). Brewer beat Sieber 6-2, 6-3 at Fila Junior Nationals in 2011 so it is possible but that was in free style. These two have not wrestled since but I expect a battle. Brewer has a mean high crotch so look for that in the quarter-finals. Going down the bracket you'll see a matchup with Chris Dardanes (MINN) and Jordan Conaway (PSU). This matchup is great for hawk fans because it means one of them is getting sent to the back side. I think Dardanes will have no issues with Conaway but then will run into A.J. Schopp (EDIN). This will be a great match to watch and I think Dardanes will win with his experience against tough competition this year. On the bottom side we have some dangerous wrestlers that deserve a lot of credit. Everyone is already looking forward to Stieber vs Ramos rematch but he will have a tough road getting to the finals. Ramos should have no issues getting to the quarters where he will wrestle Scottie Sentes (CMICH) or Jonathon Morrison (OKST). Sentes beat Ramos 2-0 in 2011 and Ramos barely beat Morrison 3-2 in the dual earlier in the season. Based off conditioning and ability to score I think Ramos will wrestle Morrison Friday morning. Ramos has continued to grow as a wrestler and don't see him getting hung up but it will be a tough match. Tyler Graff (WISC) and Nathan McCormick (MIZZ) will be wrestling each other Friday morning. McCormick has had a great year but Graff has continued to get more gas in the tank and thats been his issue in the past.
Finals: #1 Logan Stieber vs #2 Tony Ramos
Wells will be rocking for this matchup because people love to hate the hawks and they know Ramos has a slim chance of beating Stieber. Ramos is 27-1 on the season and has really only been tested by Stieber. I know he has had some close matches but was in control of those matches. When Tony opens up he can beat anyone at this weight including Mr. Stieber. If you don't think getting blast double in overtime at Big Tens motivates Ramos you have another thing coming. Each time Ramos has closed the gap and for that reason I like Ramos to win this on a late takedown. You will be able to hear the crowd from downtown Des Moines.
141
1) Hunter Stieber, Ohio State
2) Kendric Maple, Oklahoma
3) Michael Mangrum, Oregon State
4) Mitchell Port, Edinboro
5) Evan Henderson, North Carolina
6) Undrakhbayar Khishgnyam, The Citadel
7) Mark Ballweg, Iowa
8) Nick Dardanes, Minnesota
9) Richard Durso, Franklin & Mitchell
10) Charles Cobb, Penn
11) Mike Nevinger, Cornell
12) Chris Mecate, Old Dominion
Braket Overview:
The 141lb Championship bracket features another Stieber who is 31-0 and arguably one of few locks there are in the NCAA wrestling tournament. Hunter Stieber (OSU) might have a test on his side of the bracket from Nick Dardanes (MINN) but that is about it. Mitchell Port (EDIN) is the #4 seed and comes in with a 30-3 record but doesn't face near the competition of Dardanes. I see Hunter walking through to the finals. The bottom side of the bracket is not the ideal spot for Ballweg. Ballweg has been wrestling great but has been up and down all season. Mark wrestles Daniel Neff (LOCKH) first round then will have a tough matchup against Kendric Maple (OKLA). Don't see Ballweg beating Maple but if he can keep it a tight match you might see an upset. Realistically though Ballweg will be wrestling back to AA. I put Ballweg wrestling for 5th place. Now back to the frontside of the bracket I think we will see Maple and Magrum (ORST) in semi-finals. In our fantasy draft everyone was on the Oregon State Beavers to have a great NCAA's and I will follow suit with picking Mangrum 36-4 will upset Maple to make it to the finals.
Finals: #1 Hunter Stieber vs #3 Michael Mangrum
Mangrum has a tough road to the finals and while I know he has the gas tank I think this tournament will wear on him and Stieber will be just too much for him. Stieber wrestles very smart from his feet and I think he will pick apart Mangrum in the finals. This one won't be close and everyone will already be looking forward to the next match after the 1st period.
149
1) Jordan Oliver, Oklahoma State
2) Jason Chamberlain, Boise State
3) Donald Vinson, Binghamton
4) Cole VonOhlen, Air Force
5) Steve Santos, Columbia
6) Dylan Ness, Minnesota
7) Scott Sakaguchi, Oregon State
8) Nick Brascetta, Virginia Tech
9) Jake Sueflohn, Nebraska
10) Ivan Lopouchanski, Purdue
11) Andrew Alton, Penn State
12) Eric Grajales, Michigan
Braket Overview:
Jordan Oliver is my favorite wrestler in the entire field to win a National Championship. I think Jordan has been over looked by a lot of fans and I look for him to put on a show. Jordan will become a 2-time National Champ and will score bonus points doing it. Cole VonOhlen was my sleeper last year and he has continued to impress me this year with his style but won't have a shot at JO. My sleeper for this year is Ian Paddock (OSU) who is wrestling #3 Donald Vinson (BING) in a pig tail match and see that being the first big upset of the day. From there Paddock will wrestle the winner of Andrew Alton (PSU) vs Dylan Ness (MINN). What is great about Andrew Alton having a horrible B1G's is that his seed put him in the 11th seed where he'll face Ness in quarters sending a PSU wrestler to the backside. Ness won't have any issues with my so called sleeper and make it into semi's where I believe he'll face Jason Chamberlain (BOISE). I think Ness's funk gets the best of him in this match. Chamberlain is a solid wrestler from every position and see him making it to the finals where Mr. Oliver is waiting.
Finals: #1 Jordan Oliver vs #2 Jason Chamberlain
I have already expressed my love for Mr. Oliver so I won't repeat myself. Oliver wins by major decision.
157
1) Jason Welch, Northwestern
2) Derek St. John, Iowa
3) Joey Napoli, Lehigh
4) James Green, Nebraska
5) James Fleming, Clarion
6) Alex Dieringer, Oklahoma State
7) Jesse Dong, Virginia Tech
8) Dylan Alton, Penn State
9) Frank Hickman, Bloomburg
10) R.J. Pena, Oregon State
11) Walter Peppelman, Harvard
12) Jedd Moore, Virginia
Bracket Overview:
I think the 157lb weight class is wide open for any one to All-American. The top side of the bracket could go many ways. I see Welch walking his way to the finals but can see him getting upset by Dylan Alton (PSU) in quarters or James Green (NEB) beating both of them to make it to the finals. If someone asked me to predict this same bracket 3 weeks ago I would have Alton beating Welch but after seeing him fall apart in Illinois I just can't do that now. This match is going to be very close but if Welch gets the first takedown Welch should have no issues finishing out the match. After that battle he'll have to face Green in the semi's which will be a great matchup. If Welch can wrestle tough into the third period he'll beat Green on technique and endurance but if Green comes out firing on all cylinders Green will be a finalist. Iowa fans couldn't be happier with DSJ's draw but if you look closer there are some opponents in there that have giving Derek problems in the past. I think DSJ will wrestle Josh Demas (OSU) in quarters and then will wrestle the #11 Walter Peppelman (HARV). Peppelman is a solid wrestler from all positions so that is why I have him making it to the semi's where DSJ should win in a battle.
Finals: #4 James Green vs #2 Derek St. John
Nothing made me more mad than this match at B1G's where Green beat DSJ 5-4. Green stalled his rear end off and then when the match was over their coach flipped off Iowa fan's 5-10 times. Classy and act like you have been there before. Well DSJ will have the last laugh and before you start thinking I am bias picking Iowa wrestlers you are wrong. A lot of people pull the 'this is a bad matchup' card for DSJ but I don't see it that way. This is a great matchup for DSJ and if he pushes the action ALL match and not wait until the third he won't have any issues. Ok maybe I am a little bias but the hawks having four national champs is not a pipe dream. YEP I said four national champions.
165
1) Kyle Dake, Cornell
2) David Taylor, Penn State
3) Peter Yates, Virginia Tech
4) Tyler Caldwell, Oklahoma State
5) Steven Monk, North Dakota State
6) Bubby Graham, Oklahoma
7) Conrad Polz, Illinois
8) Nick Sulzer, Virginia
9) Josh Veltre, Bloomsburg
10) Nick Moore, Iowa
11) Cody Yohn, Minnesota
12) Taylor Massa, Michigan
Bracket Overview:
The matchup everyone has been waiting for comes at 165lbs. This bracket will be the Dake-Taylor show and don't see anyone standing in their way. Tyler Caldwell might wrestle Dake tough in the semi's but everyone else already knows they are going to the backside to battle for All-American status. Nick Moore comes into this tournament 18-8 and by wrestling great in the B1G's he earned himself a seed. After the redraw he will wrestle Michael Moreno (ISU). Both of these wrestlers are peaking and I expect a great first round matchup. Moore and Moreno are both natives and have experience inside the 'Well' so I don't think nerves will play a role on who comes out on top. Moore should get the win and then wrestle Conrad Polz (ILL) which Moore is capable of beating him but that is where his time on the front side of the bracket will end. If he can get past Polz I think he will end up wrestling Monk ultimately taking Moore out of AA contention. If he makes it this far it will be a win for Iowa fans and I think Nick Moore.
Finals: #1 Kyle Dake vs David Taylor
Dake is up 2-0 this year on Taylor setting up a 'revenge' spot for Taylor. I don't think there is any bad blood between these two so its not like UFC 487 matchup but its the marquee match of the night. This matchup was the most debated match I have ever been a part of this summer and it has continued even after Dake has won twice. If you watch all of Taylor's matches compared to his matches with Dake you will see a different wrestler. If Taylor can open up and get a takedown he will win this match. Any slip up by either one of these wrestlers will cost them the match because both are so hard to score on. At the end of the day I have to go with Dake because he finds a way to win. Can you imagine the pressure this man has on his shoulders? 3-time National Champ going for his fourth and four different weights against David Taylor.
174
1) Chris Perry, Oklahoma State
2) Matt Brown, Penn State
3) Mike Evans, Iowa
4) Robert Kokesh, Nebraska
5) Josh Asper, Maryland
6) Logan Storley, Minnesota
7) Jordan Blanton, Illinois
8) Nick Heflin, Ohio State
9) Nathaniel Brown, Lehigh
10) Dan Yates, Michigan
11) Blake Stauffer, Arizona State
12) Matt Miller, Navy
Bracket Overview:
This weight class was dominated by Storley all year and then he got to B1G's and wet the bed. People were saying he was hurt and others just saying he peaked at the wrong time. If you look at Storley's wins they were all very close throughout the season and could of gone the other way multiple times. So with Storley not showing up at B1G's he gives Chris Perry the #1 seed and should see the finals. Robert Kokesh (NEB), Josh Asper (MD) and Nick Heflin (OSU) have a shot at beating him so it will be fun to see the top side play out but no matter how it plays out I see Perry making it to the finals. On the bottom side of the brackets is Mike 'Fear the Stache' Evans who will have a big test Friday morning against Storley. Which Storley will show up? I am hoping the one that showed up at B1G's and by that happening helps Evans chances getting to the finals. Matt Brown some how came out as the 2nd seed and should have no issues until the semi-finals. Blanton is dangerous but he just hasn't put it together this year.
Finals: #1 Chris Perry vs #3 Mike Evans
I really like Mike to start the finals off with a bang. The crowd will be rocking and I think more pressure will be on Perry to knockoff an Iowa wrestler. Evans has been on the big stage before and hasn't had issues so lets hope Des Moines gets behind him and gets Iowa their first National Champ on the night. Fear the Stache!
184
1) Ed Ruth, Penn State
2) Ben Bennett, Central Michigan
3) Robert Hamlin, Lehigh
4) Steve Bosak, Cornell
5) Kevin Steinhaus, Minnesota
6) Ryan Loder, UNI
7) Jimmy Sheptock, Maryland
8) Josh Ihnen, Nebraska
9) Chris Chionuma, Oklahoma State
10) Jacob Swartz, Boise State
11) Mike Larson, Missouri
12) Ethen Lofthouse, Iowa
Bracket Overview:
For you first timers coming to watch wrestling you with be hearing what you think are but it will be Ruuuuuuuth all weekend long. Mostly from 70 to 80 year old boosters from PSU but they can still make some noise I tell you. Ruth is in contention for the Hodge Trophy with his dominating performance throughout the year and that dominance shouldn't end at nationals. Ruth is the clear favorite to win at 184lbs and should walk to the semi-finals. He'll face returning national champ Steve Bosak (CORN) whom will have a barn burner in the quarters against Kevin Steinhaus (MINN) whom gave Ruth a test at B1G's. Lofthouse wrestled the best he has all year a B1G's but drew Steinhaus in 2nd round. I don't think EL has a shot at beating Steinhaus but do see him battling back scoring a ton of team points and becoming an All-American. The bottom side of the bracket has a 3-time All-American Ben Bennett who should quietly make it into the finals. Your average wrestling fan hasn't heard of Bennett probably but they will all remember him after this tournament. I have Bennett easily getting to semi-finals to face Ryan Loder (UNI). I think Loder has a great tournament upsetting Robert Hamlin (LEHIGH) but can't get past the hammer of Ben Bennett.
Finals: #1 Ed Ruth vs #2 Ben Bennett
I think this match is going to be won by Ruth but it won't be as easy as you think. I expect Bennett to put up a dog fight and be winning at the start of the third but Ruth's athleticism gets the job done. Love to see Bennett pull off the upset by taking down a lion but it just won't happen.
197
1) Dustin Kilgore, Kent State
2) Quentin Wright, Penn State
3) Matt Wilps, Pittsburgh
4) Alfonso Hernandez, Wyoming
5) Taylor Meeks, Oregon State
6) Kyven Gadson, Iowa State
7) Nathan Schiedel, Binghamton
8) Micah Burak, Penn
9) Jake Meredith, Arizona State
10) Scott Schiller, Minnesota
11) Blake Rosholt, Oklahoma State
12) Brent Haynes, Missouri
Bracket Overview:
Burak ol Burak gets stuck wrestling #1 Dustin Kilgore (KENT) first round and doesn't have a shot at advancing unless Kilgore doesn't make it to Des Moines. Last time I checked on twitter he was still stuck in the airport. Jet lag won't even help Burak in this match and sends him on the backside where he will have another tough matchup vs Jace Bennett (CORN) or Mario Gonzalez (ILL) whom I both have beating him. Alfonso Hernandez (WYO) might push Kilgore for two minutes but Kilgore will prevail to wrestle in the finals. The bottom side has a few heavy hitters in Matt Wilps (PITT), Kyven Gadson (ISU) and of course Quentin Wright (PSU). Gadson is going to have a great tournament and see him upsetting #3 Wilps to make the semi's. There will be A LOT of people cheering for Gadson and I think he has what it takes to get the job done. Gadson is going to have to go hard all seven minutes to upset Wright.
Finals: #1 Kilgore vs #6 Gadson
I think this is going to be a very physical match but Kilgore is just a beast and will wear down Gadson. This is going to be a very physical and emotional tournament for Gadson and I think just getting to the finals will be an accomplishment and Kyven will know that going into this match. Kilgore puts the match out of reach in the second period.
285
1) Dom Bradley, Missouri
2) Tony Nelson, Minnesota
3) Alan Gelogaev, Oklahoma State
4) Chad Hanke, Oregon State
5) Mike McMullan, Northwestern
6) Bobby Telford, Iowa
7) Connor Medbery, Wisconsin
8) Mike McClure, Michigan State
9) Zac Thomusseit, Pittsburgh
10) Jarod Trice, Central Michigan
11) J.T. Felix, Boise State
12) Adam Chalfant, Indiana
Bracket Overview:
The 285lb weight class always has its surprises but this year I think I'll be surprised to see anyone else in the finals besides Dominque Bradley (MIZZ) and returning national champ Tony Nelson (MINN). Really wish Telford would of been on the top side of this bracket because he has a tough draw. Alan Gelogaev (OKST) just seems to have Bobby's number and even though Bobby's is wrestling his best all year I just don't think it is enough. Telford does have a great path in the consolation road and see him battling for 3rd and 4th. Nelson does have a tougher road than Bradley. Have him wrestling Jarod Trice (CMICH) in quarters and beating Gelogaev in the semi-finals.
Finals: #1 Dom Bradley vs #2 Tony Nelson
Bradley deserves a National Championship and I don't think he lets it slip through his fingers. It is tough to pick against a returning national champ but I just see Dom getting the job done. I see this one coming down to last 30 secs in the match and could go to over-time. Bradley gets the job done.
If everything goes as predicted Iowa will be your National Champions. Iowa will have to wrestle to their ability and if anyone falls off their game Penn State and Minnesota will be there for the taking. GO Hawks!!!
Thursday, March 21
11:00 AM - Session 1 (Eight Mats - Pigtails and First-Round) TV coverage: ESPN3.com
6:30 PM - Session 2 (Eight Mats - Preliminaries: Wrestleback Preliminaries, Wrestleback First Round; Championship Round: Second Round, Consolation Round) TV coverage: ESPN3.com
Friday, March 22
10:00 AM - Session 3 (Eight Mats - Quarterfinals and Wrestlebacks) TV Coverage: ESPNU and ESPN3.com
6:00 PM - Session 4 (Six Mats - Semifinals and Wrestlebacks) TV Coverage: ESPNU and ESPN3.com
Saturday, March 23
10:00 AM - Session 5 (Three Mats - Wrestleback Semifinals and 3rd-8th Medal Rounds) TV Coverage: ESPNU
7:00 PM - Session 6 (One Mat - Finals and Awards Ceremony) TV Coverage: ESPN
LINKS:
Brackets
List of Qualifiers
NCAA Championships Home
NCAA Fan Festival
Iowa Wrestling Notes
Iowa's First Round Matchups:
125 - #3 Matt McDonough (Iowa) vs. Ben Willeford (CLST)
133 - #2 Tony Ramos (Iowa) vs. Nick Wilcox (Bloomsberg)
141 - #7 Mark Ballweg (Iowa) vs. Daniel Neff (Lock Haven)
157 - #2 Derek St. John (Iowa) vs. Matthew Frisch (The Citadel)
165 - #10 Nick Moore (Iowa) vs. Michael Moreno (ISU)
174 - #3 Mike Evans (Iowa) vs. Craig Kelliher (Central Michigan)
184 - #12 Ethen Lofthouse (Iowa) vs. Stephen Doty (Virginia)/Boaz Beard (Iowa State)
197 - Nathan Burak (Iowa) vs. #1 Dustin Kilgore (Kent State)
HWT - #6 Bobby Telford (Iowa) vs. Joe Stolfi (Bucknell)
Preview/Predictions
125
1) Alan Waters, Missouri
2) Jesse Delgado, Illinois
3) Matt McDonough, Iowa
4) Nico Megaludis, Penn State
5) Jarrod Garnett, Virginia Tech
6) Nahshon Garrett, Cornell
7) Nathan Kraisser, North Carolina
8) Matt Snyder, Virginia
9) Trent Sprenkle, North Dakota State
10) Josh Martinez, Air Force
11) Nikko Triggas, Ohio State
12) Tyler Cox, Wyoming
Bracket Overview:
Alan Waters comes into the tournament as the only undefeated 125lber and will wrestle unseeded David Thorn (MINN) first round. Thorn is no slouch and could surprise a lot of people first round. If Thorn knocks off Waters right away thats good news for Matt McDonough if he reaches the finals but its bad news because that gives Minnesota opportunity to gain advancement points. At the end of the day I think Waters gets the job done in a tight match and will face Sean Boyle. Waters will have no issues getting through to the Friday nights semi-finals. Who he will face will be a toss up between Jarrod Garnett (VTECH) and Nico Megaludis (PSU). Both of these wrestlers could be in the NCAA finals but I am choosing Jarrod Garnett. I think he beats Mega and Waters to reach the Finals. On the bottom side I think we have two clear favorites as this side is weaker. Matt McDonough and Jesse Delgado should have no issues getting to the semi-finals. I know MCD hasn't been wrestling his best but a part of me feels like he has been holding back because of an injury. If Matt is hurt it makes sense for him not to take shots that can make his injury worse and keep him out of the NCAA's. I think we will see Matt opening up a lot more in these matches and have him getting to the finals solely on the fact he has been holding back.
Finals: #5 Jarrod Garnett vs #3 Matt McDonough
I think this is a great matchup for MCD and with this finals match being in Des Moines he will have no issues getting his third national championship. Matt McDonough will go down as one of the all time greats of Iowa wrestling. He will be Iowa's fourth four-time finalist and he will be the seventh wrestler in school history to win three NCAA championships. He joins the likes of Ed Banach, Tom Brands, Barry Davis, Lincoln McIlravy, Joe Williams and Jim Zalesky. Matt will also end his career 125-7 which is good enough for sixth on the all-time list for winning percentages in Iowa history.
133
1) Logan Stieber, Ohio State
2) Tony Ramos, Iowa
3) Tyler Graff, Wisconsin
4) A.J. Schopp, Edinboro
5) Chris Dardanes, Minnesota
6) Nathan McCormick, Missouri
7) Jon Morrison, Oklahoma State
8) Cody Brewer, Oklahoma
9) Levi Wolfensperger, UNI
10) Scotti Sentes, Central Michigan
11) George DiCamillo, Virginia
12) Jordan Conaway, Penn State
Bracket Overview:
Logan Stieber (OSU) is the many to beat in this bracket and he might get a test Friday morning with Cody Brewer (OKLA). Brewer beat Sieber 6-2, 6-3 at Fila Junior Nationals in 2011 so it is possible but that was in free style. These two have not wrestled since but I expect a battle. Brewer has a mean high crotch so look for that in the quarter-finals. Going down the bracket you'll see a matchup with Chris Dardanes (MINN) and Jordan Conaway (PSU). This matchup is great for hawk fans because it means one of them is getting sent to the back side. I think Dardanes will have no issues with Conaway but then will run into A.J. Schopp (EDIN). This will be a great match to watch and I think Dardanes will win with his experience against tough competition this year. On the bottom side we have some dangerous wrestlers that deserve a lot of credit. Everyone is already looking forward to Stieber vs Ramos rematch but he will have a tough road getting to the finals. Ramos should have no issues getting to the quarters where he will wrestle Scottie Sentes (CMICH) or Jonathon Morrison (OKST). Sentes beat Ramos 2-0 in 2011 and Ramos barely beat Morrison 3-2 in the dual earlier in the season. Based off conditioning and ability to score I think Ramos will wrestle Morrison Friday morning. Ramos has continued to grow as a wrestler and don't see him getting hung up but it will be a tough match. Tyler Graff (WISC) and Nathan McCormick (MIZZ) will be wrestling each other Friday morning. McCormick has had a great year but Graff has continued to get more gas in the tank and thats been his issue in the past.
Finals: #1 Logan Stieber vs #2 Tony Ramos
Wells will be rocking for this matchup because people love to hate the hawks and they know Ramos has a slim chance of beating Stieber. Ramos is 27-1 on the season and has really only been tested by Stieber. I know he has had some close matches but was in control of those matches. When Tony opens up he can beat anyone at this weight including Mr. Stieber. If you don't think getting blast double in overtime at Big Tens motivates Ramos you have another thing coming. Each time Ramos has closed the gap and for that reason I like Ramos to win this on a late takedown. You will be able to hear the crowd from downtown Des Moines.
141
1) Hunter Stieber, Ohio State
2) Kendric Maple, Oklahoma
3) Michael Mangrum, Oregon State
4) Mitchell Port, Edinboro
5) Evan Henderson, North Carolina
6) Undrakhbayar Khishgnyam, The Citadel
7) Mark Ballweg, Iowa
8) Nick Dardanes, Minnesota
9) Richard Durso, Franklin & Mitchell
10) Charles Cobb, Penn
11) Mike Nevinger, Cornell
12) Chris Mecate, Old Dominion
Braket Overview:
The 141lb Championship bracket features another Stieber who is 31-0 and arguably one of few locks there are in the NCAA wrestling tournament. Hunter Stieber (OSU) might have a test on his side of the bracket from Nick Dardanes (MINN) but that is about it. Mitchell Port (EDIN) is the #4 seed and comes in with a 30-3 record but doesn't face near the competition of Dardanes. I see Hunter walking through to the finals. The bottom side of the bracket is not the ideal spot for Ballweg. Ballweg has been wrestling great but has been up and down all season. Mark wrestles Daniel Neff (LOCKH) first round then will have a tough matchup against Kendric Maple (OKLA). Don't see Ballweg beating Maple but if he can keep it a tight match you might see an upset. Realistically though Ballweg will be wrestling back to AA. I put Ballweg wrestling for 5th place. Now back to the frontside of the bracket I think we will see Maple and Magrum (ORST) in semi-finals. In our fantasy draft everyone was on the Oregon State Beavers to have a great NCAA's and I will follow suit with picking Mangrum 36-4 will upset Maple to make it to the finals.
Finals: #1 Hunter Stieber vs #3 Michael Mangrum
Mangrum has a tough road to the finals and while I know he has the gas tank I think this tournament will wear on him and Stieber will be just too much for him. Stieber wrestles very smart from his feet and I think he will pick apart Mangrum in the finals. This one won't be close and everyone will already be looking forward to the next match after the 1st period.
149
1) Jordan Oliver, Oklahoma State
2) Jason Chamberlain, Boise State
3) Donald Vinson, Binghamton
4) Cole VonOhlen, Air Force
5) Steve Santos, Columbia
6) Dylan Ness, Minnesota
7) Scott Sakaguchi, Oregon State
8) Nick Brascetta, Virginia Tech
9) Jake Sueflohn, Nebraska
10) Ivan Lopouchanski, Purdue
11) Andrew Alton, Penn State
12) Eric Grajales, Michigan
Braket Overview:
Jordan Oliver is my favorite wrestler in the entire field to win a National Championship. I think Jordan has been over looked by a lot of fans and I look for him to put on a show. Jordan will become a 2-time National Champ and will score bonus points doing it. Cole VonOhlen was my sleeper last year and he has continued to impress me this year with his style but won't have a shot at JO. My sleeper for this year is Ian Paddock (OSU) who is wrestling #3 Donald Vinson (BING) in a pig tail match and see that being the first big upset of the day. From there Paddock will wrestle the winner of Andrew Alton (PSU) vs Dylan Ness (MINN). What is great about Andrew Alton having a horrible B1G's is that his seed put him in the 11th seed where he'll face Ness in quarters sending a PSU wrestler to the backside. Ness won't have any issues with my so called sleeper and make it into semi's where I believe he'll face Jason Chamberlain (BOISE). I think Ness's funk gets the best of him in this match. Chamberlain is a solid wrestler from every position and see him making it to the finals where Mr. Oliver is waiting.
Finals: #1 Jordan Oliver vs #2 Jason Chamberlain
I have already expressed my love for Mr. Oliver so I won't repeat myself. Oliver wins by major decision.
157
1) Jason Welch, Northwestern
2) Derek St. John, Iowa
3) Joey Napoli, Lehigh
4) James Green, Nebraska
5) James Fleming, Clarion
6) Alex Dieringer, Oklahoma State
7) Jesse Dong, Virginia Tech
8) Dylan Alton, Penn State
9) Frank Hickman, Bloomburg
10) R.J. Pena, Oregon State
11) Walter Peppelman, Harvard
12) Jedd Moore, Virginia
Bracket Overview:
I think the 157lb weight class is wide open for any one to All-American. The top side of the bracket could go many ways. I see Welch walking his way to the finals but can see him getting upset by Dylan Alton (PSU) in quarters or James Green (NEB) beating both of them to make it to the finals. If someone asked me to predict this same bracket 3 weeks ago I would have Alton beating Welch but after seeing him fall apart in Illinois I just can't do that now. This match is going to be very close but if Welch gets the first takedown Welch should have no issues finishing out the match. After that battle he'll have to face Green in the semi's which will be a great matchup. If Welch can wrestle tough into the third period he'll beat Green on technique and endurance but if Green comes out firing on all cylinders Green will be a finalist. Iowa fans couldn't be happier with DSJ's draw but if you look closer there are some opponents in there that have giving Derek problems in the past. I think DSJ will wrestle Josh Demas (OSU) in quarters and then will wrestle the #11 Walter Peppelman (HARV). Peppelman is a solid wrestler from all positions so that is why I have him making it to the semi's where DSJ should win in a battle.
Finals: #4 James Green vs #2 Derek St. John
Nothing made me more mad than this match at B1G's where Green beat DSJ 5-4. Green stalled his rear end off and then when the match was over their coach flipped off Iowa fan's 5-10 times. Classy and act like you have been there before. Well DSJ will have the last laugh and before you start thinking I am bias picking Iowa wrestlers you are wrong. A lot of people pull the 'this is a bad matchup' card for DSJ but I don't see it that way. This is a great matchup for DSJ and if he pushes the action ALL match and not wait until the third he won't have any issues. Ok maybe I am a little bias but the hawks having four national champs is not a pipe dream. YEP I said four national champions.
165
1) Kyle Dake, Cornell
2) David Taylor, Penn State
3) Peter Yates, Virginia Tech
4) Tyler Caldwell, Oklahoma State
5) Steven Monk, North Dakota State
6) Bubby Graham, Oklahoma
7) Conrad Polz, Illinois
8) Nick Sulzer, Virginia
9) Josh Veltre, Bloomsburg
10) Nick Moore, Iowa
11) Cody Yohn, Minnesota
12) Taylor Massa, Michigan
Bracket Overview:
The matchup everyone has been waiting for comes at 165lbs. This bracket will be the Dake-Taylor show and don't see anyone standing in their way. Tyler Caldwell might wrestle Dake tough in the semi's but everyone else already knows they are going to the backside to battle for All-American status. Nick Moore comes into this tournament 18-8 and by wrestling great in the B1G's he earned himself a seed. After the redraw he will wrestle Michael Moreno (ISU). Both of these wrestlers are peaking and I expect a great first round matchup. Moore and Moreno are both natives and have experience inside the 'Well' so I don't think nerves will play a role on who comes out on top. Moore should get the win and then wrestle Conrad Polz (ILL) which Moore is capable of beating him but that is where his time on the front side of the bracket will end. If he can get past Polz I think he will end up wrestling Monk ultimately taking Moore out of AA contention. If he makes it this far it will be a win for Iowa fans and I think Nick Moore.
Finals: #1 Kyle Dake vs David Taylor
Dake is up 2-0 this year on Taylor setting up a 'revenge' spot for Taylor. I don't think there is any bad blood between these two so its not like UFC 487 matchup but its the marquee match of the night. This matchup was the most debated match I have ever been a part of this summer and it has continued even after Dake has won twice. If you watch all of Taylor's matches compared to his matches with Dake you will see a different wrestler. If Taylor can open up and get a takedown he will win this match. Any slip up by either one of these wrestlers will cost them the match because both are so hard to score on. At the end of the day I have to go with Dake because he finds a way to win. Can you imagine the pressure this man has on his shoulders? 3-time National Champ going for his fourth and four different weights against David Taylor.
174
1) Chris Perry, Oklahoma State
2) Matt Brown, Penn State
3) Mike Evans, Iowa
4) Robert Kokesh, Nebraska
5) Josh Asper, Maryland
6) Logan Storley, Minnesota
7) Jordan Blanton, Illinois
8) Nick Heflin, Ohio State
9) Nathaniel Brown, Lehigh
10) Dan Yates, Michigan
11) Blake Stauffer, Arizona State
12) Matt Miller, Navy
Bracket Overview:
This weight class was dominated by Storley all year and then he got to B1G's and wet the bed. People were saying he was hurt and others just saying he peaked at the wrong time. If you look at Storley's wins they were all very close throughout the season and could of gone the other way multiple times. So with Storley not showing up at B1G's he gives Chris Perry the #1 seed and should see the finals. Robert Kokesh (NEB), Josh Asper (MD) and Nick Heflin (OSU) have a shot at beating him so it will be fun to see the top side play out but no matter how it plays out I see Perry making it to the finals. On the bottom side of the brackets is Mike 'Fear the Stache' Evans who will have a big test Friday morning against Storley. Which Storley will show up? I am hoping the one that showed up at B1G's and by that happening helps Evans chances getting to the finals. Matt Brown some how came out as the 2nd seed and should have no issues until the semi-finals. Blanton is dangerous but he just hasn't put it together this year.
Finals: #1 Chris Perry vs #3 Mike Evans
I really like Mike to start the finals off with a bang. The crowd will be rocking and I think more pressure will be on Perry to knockoff an Iowa wrestler. Evans has been on the big stage before and hasn't had issues so lets hope Des Moines gets behind him and gets Iowa their first National Champ on the night. Fear the Stache!
184
1) Ed Ruth, Penn State
2) Ben Bennett, Central Michigan
3) Robert Hamlin, Lehigh
4) Steve Bosak, Cornell
5) Kevin Steinhaus, Minnesota
6) Ryan Loder, UNI
7) Jimmy Sheptock, Maryland
8) Josh Ihnen, Nebraska
9) Chris Chionuma, Oklahoma State
10) Jacob Swartz, Boise State
11) Mike Larson, Missouri
12) Ethen Lofthouse, Iowa
Bracket Overview:
For you first timers coming to watch wrestling you with be hearing what you think are but it will be Ruuuuuuuth all weekend long. Mostly from 70 to 80 year old boosters from PSU but they can still make some noise I tell you. Ruth is in contention for the Hodge Trophy with his dominating performance throughout the year and that dominance shouldn't end at nationals. Ruth is the clear favorite to win at 184lbs and should walk to the semi-finals. He'll face returning national champ Steve Bosak (CORN) whom will have a barn burner in the quarters against Kevin Steinhaus (MINN) whom gave Ruth a test at B1G's. Lofthouse wrestled the best he has all year a B1G's but drew Steinhaus in 2nd round. I don't think EL has a shot at beating Steinhaus but do see him battling back scoring a ton of team points and becoming an All-American. The bottom side of the bracket has a 3-time All-American Ben Bennett who should quietly make it into the finals. Your average wrestling fan hasn't heard of Bennett probably but they will all remember him after this tournament. I have Bennett easily getting to semi-finals to face Ryan Loder (UNI). I think Loder has a great tournament upsetting Robert Hamlin (LEHIGH) but can't get past the hammer of Ben Bennett.
Finals: #1 Ed Ruth vs #2 Ben Bennett
I think this match is going to be won by Ruth but it won't be as easy as you think. I expect Bennett to put up a dog fight and be winning at the start of the third but Ruth's athleticism gets the job done. Love to see Bennett pull off the upset by taking down a lion but it just won't happen.
197
1) Dustin Kilgore, Kent State
2) Quentin Wright, Penn State
3) Matt Wilps, Pittsburgh
4) Alfonso Hernandez, Wyoming
5) Taylor Meeks, Oregon State
6) Kyven Gadson, Iowa State
7) Nathan Schiedel, Binghamton
8) Micah Burak, Penn
9) Jake Meredith, Arizona State
10) Scott Schiller, Minnesota
11) Blake Rosholt, Oklahoma State
12) Brent Haynes, Missouri
Bracket Overview:
Burak ol Burak gets stuck wrestling #1 Dustin Kilgore (KENT) first round and doesn't have a shot at advancing unless Kilgore doesn't make it to Des Moines. Last time I checked on twitter he was still stuck in the airport. Jet lag won't even help Burak in this match and sends him on the backside where he will have another tough matchup vs Jace Bennett (CORN) or Mario Gonzalez (ILL) whom I both have beating him. Alfonso Hernandez (WYO) might push Kilgore for two minutes but Kilgore will prevail to wrestle in the finals. The bottom side has a few heavy hitters in Matt Wilps (PITT), Kyven Gadson (ISU) and of course Quentin Wright (PSU). Gadson is going to have a great tournament and see him upsetting #3 Wilps to make the semi's. There will be A LOT of people cheering for Gadson and I think he has what it takes to get the job done. Gadson is going to have to go hard all seven minutes to upset Wright.
Finals: #1 Kilgore vs #6 Gadson
I think this is going to be a very physical match but Kilgore is just a beast and will wear down Gadson. This is going to be a very physical and emotional tournament for Gadson and I think just getting to the finals will be an accomplishment and Kyven will know that going into this match. Kilgore puts the match out of reach in the second period.
285
1) Dom Bradley, Missouri
2) Tony Nelson, Minnesota
3) Alan Gelogaev, Oklahoma State
4) Chad Hanke, Oregon State
5) Mike McMullan, Northwestern
6) Bobby Telford, Iowa
7) Connor Medbery, Wisconsin
8) Mike McClure, Michigan State
9) Zac Thomusseit, Pittsburgh
10) Jarod Trice, Central Michigan
11) J.T. Felix, Boise State
12) Adam Chalfant, Indiana
Bracket Overview:
The 285lb weight class always has its surprises but this year I think I'll be surprised to see anyone else in the finals besides Dominque Bradley (MIZZ) and returning national champ Tony Nelson (MINN). Really wish Telford would of been on the top side of this bracket because he has a tough draw. Alan Gelogaev (OKST) just seems to have Bobby's number and even though Bobby's is wrestling his best all year I just don't think it is enough. Telford does have a great path in the consolation road and see him battling for 3rd and 4th. Nelson does have a tougher road than Bradley. Have him wrestling Jarod Trice (CMICH) in quarters and beating Gelogaev in the semi-finals.
Finals: #1 Dom Bradley vs #2 Tony Nelson
Bradley deserves a National Championship and I don't think he lets it slip through his fingers. It is tough to pick against a returning national champ but I just see Dom getting the job done. I see this one coming down to last 30 secs in the match and could go to over-time. Bradley gets the job done.
If everything goes as predicted Iowa will be your National Champions. Iowa will have to wrestle to their ability and if anyone falls off their game Penn State and Minnesota will be there for the taking. GO Hawks!!!
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