125: #1 McDonough (13-0) vs. #2 Megaludis (16-1)
Previous Meetings:
2012 Dual, McD 3 - Megaludis 1 (OT)
2012 NCAAs, McD 4 - Megaludis 1
While he's not scoring bonus with the frequency we're used to, McD is still the man. While he normally seems to get stronger as the match goes on, this season he's tended to have even slower starts than usual. While he was down early last weekend to Thorn (down 0-3 early in the 2nd) he was never really threatened (Thorn scored his only TD on a failed headlock by McD). Guy just grinds out victories - his "will to win" is probably the strongest in the country regardless of weight. After a pretty surprising run to the 2012 NCAA finals (came in as a 10th seed and knocked off the #7, #2 and #6 seeds on his was to the finals), Megaludis has had a strong start to the season (Ws over #6 Garrett, #7 Kraisser, #8 Snyder, #15 Eppert; L to Pitt's Zanetta who's redshirting this year) and has been much stronger offensively than he was as a true freshman. His defense is still unbelievable - he uses his length well to avoid giving up TDs (so far he's only given up 1 TD on the year in PSU duals). McD needs to be strong with his finishes here. In the NCAA finals, Megaludis really slowed McD using his ties. McD's only TD in the match was via a single leg where he switched off to a double. If Megaludis actually comes out looking to score in this match, I think it favors McD, as he's one of the best scramblers I've ever seen. Megaludis knows this and will most likely use the same strategy he used against McD in both last year's dual and the NCAA final - slow him down and avoid giving McD any angles. McD will find away and wins 4-1.
Iowa 3 - PSU 0
133: #2 Ramos (16-0) vs. Conaway (10-4)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Good to see Tony take it to a top 10 opponent in his match vs. Dardanes after winning in a nail-biter in his only previous match against top competition (a 3-2 win over #4 Morrison). I think Tony is going to come out like a house on fire, looking to score bonus points in order to attempt to keep pace with some of PSU's studs. It's imperative in a dual like this that we get the bonus points when the opportunity is there. Only a RS Freshman, Conaway's had a fairly successful year, however, his only W over a ranked opponent was a 10-8 SV win over #5 Graff. Don't let that result make you think he's better than he actually is. Graff really controlled the match through the first 2 periods with 3 TDs and a 7-3 lead. However, he absolutely fell apart in the 3rd, gassing hard and Conaway took advantage. That's not going to happen to Tony and I think Ramos comes out with the much needed MD, winning 13-4.
Iowa 7 - PSU 0
141: #8 Ballweg (15-1) vs. Pearsall (16-6)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Ballweg has really been strong so far this season. Only loss was to the #2 Stieber by 6-4 score. I'd like to see Ballweg open up a bit more in his matches against top competition (while the win vs. Dardanes was nice, ideally he'd put together more shot attempts in the first 2 periods rather than letting it come down to the very end), but he gets results. Ballweg is clearly the better wrestler in this matchup (for comparison's sake, Pearsall lost to Feikert of Okie St by a 7-4 score while Ballweg knocked off the Cowboy 8-3), but Pearsall can be dangerous, especially from the top position. Provided Ballweg sticks with his technique and doesn't get in any high-risk moves, I think he's going to dominate this match, with potential to score a MD. This will be a real step-up in competition for Pearsall who has yet to matchup with anyone in the current Intermat top 20. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict a MD for Ballweg, winning 12-4.
Iowa 11 - PSU 0
149: Kelly (10-6) vs. #8 Andrew Alton (17-1)
Previous Meetings: N/A
What more can be said about Kelly this season - he hasn't shown any ability to go toe-to-toe with even top 15 guys at this weight let alone someone in the top 10. Guy doesn't put together much in the way of shot attempts and makes some really questionable choices at times in the way of defense and upper body locks. The Hawkeyes can't afford for Kelly to have another brain freeze out there on Friday night as Andrew Alton will definitely capitalize on any mistakes. After a month on the bench (the Altons were involved in an altercation over Christmas break involving booze and the police) his first match back was a loss by fall to #7 Sueflohn in last weekend's Nebraska dual. In that match he was fast out of the gate, scoring a TD in the first 15 seconds and getting a quick tilt from a crab ride for 2 backs. After that it was all Sueflohn as he really poured it on in the 2nd and 3rd and just wore Alton out, getting the score to 6-5 at the time of the Fall. Alton is a big move guy and seems to look for big scores early in the match because his offense will really tail off in the latter half of the match due to his poor conditioning. He did the same thing vs. Marion in the 2011 dual, hitting a 5-point move with a neck wrench in the 1st period only to lose 11-9 as he gassed hard in the 3rd period. Kelly has shown he can avoid getting blown out of the gym against some uber-talented guys this year (holding both #1 Oliver and #10 Ness to decisions) and despite a propensity to give up back points against top guys, has never been pinned while in an Iowa singlet. If Kelly can limit any offensive explosion in the 1st period, he's got a great chance at limiting this to a decision - there's virtually no chance at an upset here. I'll say Alton wins 5-2.
Iowa 11 - PSU 3
157: #1 St. John (16-0) vs. #5 Dylan Alton (17-2)
Previous Meetings:
2012 Big 10s, DSJ 3 - Alton 1 (OT)
2012 NCAAs, DSJ 3 - Alton 1 (OT)
While not blowing up the scoreboard, DSJ has looked really strong so far this season. Had a tough match vs. Demas (an explosive guy with the kind of quickness DSJ will at times struggle with), but other than that hasn't really been threatened so far. After a surprising 3rd place finish in 2012 as RS freshman, this Alton brother doesn't seem to be showing any signs of a sophomore slump. His only losses so far have been to #3 Napoli (4-2, for comparison DSJ beat Napoli 6-0) and #4 Fleming (9-4 in SV). Dylan Alton seems to be much less aggressive than his brother and hasn't had the same conditioning issues. However, he can definitely be ridden (Napoli rode him for almost 3 minutes in their matchup) and that lack of aggression can also bite him. In last year's matches vs. DSJ, he tried to grind out wins only to lose via last minute scrambles in both the Big 10 semis and NCAA quarters. I think this match is similar to both of last year's matches - DSJ gets the only TD and wins 4-1, this time getting the RT point as well.
Iowa 14 - PSU 3
165: #13 Moore (11-3) vs. #2 Taylor (17-1)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Moore has really shown a lot of improvement since last year, looking to score more and just being much more solid in all positions. However, he's going up against an absolute machine who's scored bonus points in every single win (8 pins, 7 TFs and 2 MDs), including a W over #3 Caldwell (by MD, 10-0). Though Moore and Taylor have yet to face off collegiately, they did meet up at the 2010 Fila Junior Freestyle Nationals (Moore as a high school senior, Taylor as a true freshman at PSU), with Taylor winning 3-0, 2-2, 2-0. As a side note, DSJ knocked off Taylor the very next round (3-0, 2-5, 3-2) before losing to eventual champ Ethen Lofthouse in the semis (3-0, 1-1). Taylor did win the rematch vs. St. John in the wrestlebacks 0-1, 3-2, 1-1. Interesting names to see when going back through that bracket. Anyway, I think Moore is going to have a tough time holding off bonus points. Taylor wins 12-2.
Iowa 14 - PSU 7
174: #6 Evans (11-2) vs. #4 Brown (17-2)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Despite the Hawks not wrestling at Midlands, Evans has wrestled a pretty tough schedule so far this season (one-point Ls to #1 Perry and #2 Storley, Ws over #7 Heflin, #18 Cannon and #7 (@165) Sulzer). He was so close vs. Storley and almost scoring the winning TD as time ran out. It's been said, but Evans must figure out how to keep the elite guys from getting the escape/reversal. And this match against Brown is no different as he's fairly explosive from the bottom position. This match is going to be an absolute brawl; we know Evans's reputation already, but Brown is arguably just as physical. Always aggressive, Brown can get sloppy at times and get himself out of position - Evans is the more technical wrestler and needs to use that advantage to take over the match. Fantastic in Brown doesn't have a resume that matches Evans (best W is probably over #13 Zanetti, Ls to #2 Storley (by pin) and #3 Kokesh (score of 10-7), but will keep coming regardless of the score in the match. I think Evans's experience/technique/home mat advantage (never lost at CHA) wins out and he wins a thriller, 6-4.
Iowa 17 - PSU 7
184: #14 Lofthouse (12-4) vs. #1 Ruth (18-0)
Previous Meetings:
2011 Dual, Ruth 10 - Lofthouse 3
2011 Big 10s, Ruth 3 - Lofthouse 2
2012 Dual, Ruth 10 - Lofthouse 1
Stating the obvious here, but Lofthouse is clearly a wrestler without confidence right now. Out-sized, out-muscled, out-everything, he just hasn't been competitive lately losing 3 out of his last 4 matches. He didn't even attempt a TD against #5 Steinhaus last weekend. And now he's going up against #1 Ruth. Moving up a weight class in the offseason, Ruth has continued to dominate at 184 scoring bonus points in 15 of his matches (7 pins, 3 TFs and 5 MDs). The only guys to hold him to decision were #3 Hamlin, #4 Bosak, #7 Sheptock. Ruth just TF'd the #8 guy (and 2012 Big 10 runner-up) Josh Ihnen in last weekend's Nebraska dual. Dake and Taylor get all the headlines, but IMO Ruth is the most talented guy in the country. Ethen is going to get worked here. Ruth by Pin.
Iowa 17 - PSU 13
197: #19 Burak (12-8) vs. #3 Wright (18-0)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Burak has really come on strong during the Big 10 season with a 3-2 record (W over #14 Campolattano, Ls to #12 Schiller and #18 Atwood). I think he's going to surprise a lot of people in March. Unfortunately, he's going against an uber-talented and dangerous guy on Friday. Wright is looking to finish his career as a 4-time AA (6th, 1st, 2nd so far) and has looked good so far this year notching 8 Pins and 2 MDs while going undefeated. He did get pinned by #2 Wilps in an exhibition match at the All Star Classic at the beginning of the season, but you can't take much away from that result as Wright was looking to put on a show, going for all sorts of high risk moves before getting decked (he trailed 9-11 at the time of the fall). Knowing how important bonus points will be on Friday night, Wright's going to come out aggressive and look for a big move to take out Burak. Burak's normal aggressiveness could be a detriment here; he needs to really control the tie-ups with Wright (watch the inside trip, Nathan!), not giving him space to try a big throw. Look for Burak to aggressively go after his normal 2-on-1; it's Burak's best offensive move but it also can really slow down Wright. I think Burak's still a little too wet behind the ears to keep this from going to bonus points - Wright wins 13-2.
Iowa 17 - PSU 17
HWT: #6 Telford (11-3) vs. #17 Gingrich (14-5)
Previous Meetings: N/A
After starting the season 10-0 (albeit against less than impressive competition, none of those matches were against wrestlers currently ranked in the top 20), Bobby has really fallen off of late losing 3 of his last 4. Granted, part of that may have been due to the upgrade in competition (losses were to #2 Nelson, #3 Gelogaev, and #12 Capone) and part of it may have been due to illness (Bobby's been battling the flu), but it's still cause for concern. Especially with the midseason fade last year and the fact Bobby's looked passive in all 3 of those matches plus the match he actually won (4-1 vs. White of Purdue). Gingrich has come along well as a first time starter, with Ws over 3 ranked wrestlers (#7 McClure, #13 Chalfant and #14 Delaney). Gingrich has a nice double leg (he hit a beauty to knock off McClure), but Bobby is definitely the more talented guy. Bobby needs to look to get a TD early in this match to set the tone and then put on a tough ride. I think Bobby shakes off the rust and gets a much needed (for Big 10 seeding, Bobby's confidence and the team score) win, by a score of 4-2.
Iowa 20 - PSU 17
Previous Meetings:
2012 Dual, McD 3 - Megaludis 1 (OT)
2012 NCAAs, McD 4 - Megaludis 1
While he's not scoring bonus with the frequency we're used to, McD is still the man. While he normally seems to get stronger as the match goes on, this season he's tended to have even slower starts than usual. While he was down early last weekend to Thorn (down 0-3 early in the 2nd) he was never really threatened (Thorn scored his only TD on a failed headlock by McD). Guy just grinds out victories - his "will to win" is probably the strongest in the country regardless of weight. After a pretty surprising run to the 2012 NCAA finals (came in as a 10th seed and knocked off the #7, #2 and #6 seeds on his was to the finals), Megaludis has had a strong start to the season (Ws over #6 Garrett, #7 Kraisser, #8 Snyder, #15 Eppert; L to Pitt's Zanetta who's redshirting this year) and has been much stronger offensively than he was as a true freshman. His defense is still unbelievable - he uses his length well to avoid giving up TDs (so far he's only given up 1 TD on the year in PSU duals). McD needs to be strong with his finishes here. In the NCAA finals, Megaludis really slowed McD using his ties. McD's only TD in the match was via a single leg where he switched off to a double. If Megaludis actually comes out looking to score in this match, I think it favors McD, as he's one of the best scramblers I've ever seen. Megaludis knows this and will most likely use the same strategy he used against McD in both last year's dual and the NCAA final - slow him down and avoid giving McD any angles. McD will find away and wins 4-1.
Iowa 3 - PSU 0
133: #2 Ramos (16-0) vs. Conaway (10-4)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Good to see Tony take it to a top 10 opponent in his match vs. Dardanes after winning in a nail-biter in his only previous match against top competition (a 3-2 win over #4 Morrison). I think Tony is going to come out like a house on fire, looking to score bonus points in order to attempt to keep pace with some of PSU's studs. It's imperative in a dual like this that we get the bonus points when the opportunity is there. Only a RS Freshman, Conaway's had a fairly successful year, however, his only W over a ranked opponent was a 10-8 SV win over #5 Graff. Don't let that result make you think he's better than he actually is. Graff really controlled the match through the first 2 periods with 3 TDs and a 7-3 lead. However, he absolutely fell apart in the 3rd, gassing hard and Conaway took advantage. That's not going to happen to Tony and I think Ramos comes out with the much needed MD, winning 13-4.
Iowa 7 - PSU 0
141: #8 Ballweg (15-1) vs. Pearsall (16-6)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Ballweg has really been strong so far this season. Only loss was to the #2 Stieber by 6-4 score. I'd like to see Ballweg open up a bit more in his matches against top competition (while the win vs. Dardanes was nice, ideally he'd put together more shot attempts in the first 2 periods rather than letting it come down to the very end), but he gets results. Ballweg is clearly the better wrestler in this matchup (for comparison's sake, Pearsall lost to Feikert of Okie St by a 7-4 score while Ballweg knocked off the Cowboy 8-3), but Pearsall can be dangerous, especially from the top position. Provided Ballweg sticks with his technique and doesn't get in any high-risk moves, I think he's going to dominate this match, with potential to score a MD. This will be a real step-up in competition for Pearsall who has yet to matchup with anyone in the current Intermat top 20. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict a MD for Ballweg, winning 12-4.
Iowa 11 - PSU 0
149: Kelly (10-6) vs. #8 Andrew Alton (17-1)
Previous Meetings: N/A
What more can be said about Kelly this season - he hasn't shown any ability to go toe-to-toe with even top 15 guys at this weight let alone someone in the top 10. Guy doesn't put together much in the way of shot attempts and makes some really questionable choices at times in the way of defense and upper body locks. The Hawkeyes can't afford for Kelly to have another brain freeze out there on Friday night as Andrew Alton will definitely capitalize on any mistakes. After a month on the bench (the Altons were involved in an altercation over Christmas break involving booze and the police) his first match back was a loss by fall to #7 Sueflohn in last weekend's Nebraska dual. In that match he was fast out of the gate, scoring a TD in the first 15 seconds and getting a quick tilt from a crab ride for 2 backs. After that it was all Sueflohn as he really poured it on in the 2nd and 3rd and just wore Alton out, getting the score to 6-5 at the time of the Fall. Alton is a big move guy and seems to look for big scores early in the match because his offense will really tail off in the latter half of the match due to his poor conditioning. He did the same thing vs. Marion in the 2011 dual, hitting a 5-point move with a neck wrench in the 1st period only to lose 11-9 as he gassed hard in the 3rd period. Kelly has shown he can avoid getting blown out of the gym against some uber-talented guys this year (holding both #1 Oliver and #10 Ness to decisions) and despite a propensity to give up back points against top guys, has never been pinned while in an Iowa singlet. If Kelly can limit any offensive explosion in the 1st period, he's got a great chance at limiting this to a decision - there's virtually no chance at an upset here. I'll say Alton wins 5-2.
Iowa 11 - PSU 3
157: #1 St. John (16-0) vs. #5 Dylan Alton (17-2)
Previous Meetings:
2012 Big 10s, DSJ 3 - Alton 1 (OT)
2012 NCAAs, DSJ 3 - Alton 1 (OT)
While not blowing up the scoreboard, DSJ has looked really strong so far this season. Had a tough match vs. Demas (an explosive guy with the kind of quickness DSJ will at times struggle with), but other than that hasn't really been threatened so far. After a surprising 3rd place finish in 2012 as RS freshman, this Alton brother doesn't seem to be showing any signs of a sophomore slump. His only losses so far have been to #3 Napoli (4-2, for comparison DSJ beat Napoli 6-0) and #4 Fleming (9-4 in SV). Dylan Alton seems to be much less aggressive than his brother and hasn't had the same conditioning issues. However, he can definitely be ridden (Napoli rode him for almost 3 minutes in their matchup) and that lack of aggression can also bite him. In last year's matches vs. DSJ, he tried to grind out wins only to lose via last minute scrambles in both the Big 10 semis and NCAA quarters. I think this match is similar to both of last year's matches - DSJ gets the only TD and wins 4-1, this time getting the RT point as well.
Iowa 14 - PSU 3
165: #13 Moore (11-3) vs. #2 Taylor (17-1)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Moore has really shown a lot of improvement since last year, looking to score more and just being much more solid in all positions. However, he's going up against an absolute machine who's scored bonus points in every single win (8 pins, 7 TFs and 2 MDs), including a W over #3 Caldwell (by MD, 10-0). Though Moore and Taylor have yet to face off collegiately, they did meet up at the 2010 Fila Junior Freestyle Nationals (Moore as a high school senior, Taylor as a true freshman at PSU), with Taylor winning 3-0, 2-2, 2-0. As a side note, DSJ knocked off Taylor the very next round (3-0, 2-5, 3-2) before losing to eventual champ Ethen Lofthouse in the semis (3-0, 1-1). Taylor did win the rematch vs. St. John in the wrestlebacks 0-1, 3-2, 1-1. Interesting names to see when going back through that bracket. Anyway, I think Moore is going to have a tough time holding off bonus points. Taylor wins 12-2.
Iowa 14 - PSU 7
174: #6 Evans (11-2) vs. #4 Brown (17-2)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Despite the Hawks not wrestling at Midlands, Evans has wrestled a pretty tough schedule so far this season (one-point Ls to #1 Perry and #2 Storley, Ws over #7 Heflin, #18 Cannon and #7 (@165) Sulzer). He was so close vs. Storley and almost scoring the winning TD as time ran out. It's been said, but Evans must figure out how to keep the elite guys from getting the escape/reversal. And this match against Brown is no different as he's fairly explosive from the bottom position. This match is going to be an absolute brawl; we know Evans's reputation already, but Brown is arguably just as physical. Always aggressive, Brown can get sloppy at times and get himself out of position - Evans is the more technical wrestler and needs to use that advantage to take over the match. Fantastic in Brown doesn't have a resume that matches Evans (best W is probably over #13 Zanetti, Ls to #2 Storley (by pin) and #3 Kokesh (score of 10-7), but will keep coming regardless of the score in the match. I think Evans's experience/technique/home mat advantage (never lost at CHA) wins out and he wins a thriller, 6-4.
Iowa 17 - PSU 7
184: #14 Lofthouse (12-4) vs. #1 Ruth (18-0)
Previous Meetings:
2011 Dual, Ruth 10 - Lofthouse 3
2011 Big 10s, Ruth 3 - Lofthouse 2
2012 Dual, Ruth 10 - Lofthouse 1
Stating the obvious here, but Lofthouse is clearly a wrestler without confidence right now. Out-sized, out-muscled, out-everything, he just hasn't been competitive lately losing 3 out of his last 4 matches. He didn't even attempt a TD against #5 Steinhaus last weekend. And now he's going up against #1 Ruth. Moving up a weight class in the offseason, Ruth has continued to dominate at 184 scoring bonus points in 15 of his matches (7 pins, 3 TFs and 5 MDs). The only guys to hold him to decision were #3 Hamlin, #4 Bosak, #7 Sheptock. Ruth just TF'd the #8 guy (and 2012 Big 10 runner-up) Josh Ihnen in last weekend's Nebraska dual. Dake and Taylor get all the headlines, but IMO Ruth is the most talented guy in the country. Ethen is going to get worked here. Ruth by Pin.
Iowa 17 - PSU 13
197: #19 Burak (12-8) vs. #3 Wright (18-0)
Previous Meetings: N/A
Burak has really come on strong during the Big 10 season with a 3-2 record (W over #14 Campolattano, Ls to #12 Schiller and #18 Atwood). I think he's going to surprise a lot of people in March. Unfortunately, he's going against an uber-talented and dangerous guy on Friday. Wright is looking to finish his career as a 4-time AA (6th, 1st, 2nd so far) and has looked good so far this year notching 8 Pins and 2 MDs while going undefeated. He did get pinned by #2 Wilps in an exhibition match at the All Star Classic at the beginning of the season, but you can't take much away from that result as Wright was looking to put on a show, going for all sorts of high risk moves before getting decked (he trailed 9-11 at the time of the fall). Knowing how important bonus points will be on Friday night, Wright's going to come out aggressive and look for a big move to take out Burak. Burak's normal aggressiveness could be a detriment here; he needs to really control the tie-ups with Wright (watch the inside trip, Nathan!), not giving him space to try a big throw. Look for Burak to aggressively go after his normal 2-on-1; it's Burak's best offensive move but it also can really slow down Wright. I think Burak's still a little too wet behind the ears to keep this from going to bonus points - Wright wins 13-2.
Iowa 17 - PSU 17
HWT: #6 Telford (11-3) vs. #17 Gingrich (14-5)
Previous Meetings: N/A
After starting the season 10-0 (albeit against less than impressive competition, none of those matches were against wrestlers currently ranked in the top 20), Bobby has really fallen off of late losing 3 of his last 4. Granted, part of that may have been due to the upgrade in competition (losses were to #2 Nelson, #3 Gelogaev, and #12 Capone) and part of it may have been due to illness (Bobby's been battling the flu), but it's still cause for concern. Especially with the midseason fade last year and the fact Bobby's looked passive in all 3 of those matches plus the match he actually won (4-1 vs. White of Purdue). Gingrich has come along well as a first time starter, with Ws over 3 ranked wrestlers (#7 McClure, #13 Chalfant and #14 Delaney). Gingrich has a nice double leg (he hit a beauty to knock off McClure), but Bobby is definitely the more talented guy. Bobby needs to look to get a TD early in this match to set the tone and then put on a tough ride. I think Bobby shakes off the rust and gets a much needed (for Big 10 seeding, Bobby's confidence and the team score) win, by a score of 4-2.
Iowa 20 - PSU 17
