After a dominating win over Iowa State last weekend, the (3) Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-1) jumped two spots to #3 in the NWCA Poll of national wrestling coaches.
The competition gets much easier Friday evening in Gallagher-Iba Arena, where they will face the relatively new program -University of Arkansas-Little Rock (3-9) at 7:00 p.m. It will be televised by ESPN+.
UALR is coached by former Cowboy Neil Erisman, and they have had some really nice wrestlers in the past couple of years, but outside of the Bianchi brothers, they all seem to get poached by bigger programs, which has hurt their momentum.
It’s a battle for perfection in Stillwater as #2 LaDarion Lockett faces his toughest test of the season against #5 Matty Bianchi. With both hammers carrying undefeated records into Gallagher-Iba Arena, this 165-pound main event is the definitive must-watch match of the dual.
This has been a particularly tough year, but they do have some bright spots.
Unfortunately, both UALR and OK State have listed several “ors” on the probable lineup, so we may not get to see several of our favorite Cowboys, or a couple of the intriguing matchups. Fingers crossed they will go. It’s going to be a rout no matter what.
Let’s get to the lineup and predictions. Rankings (Flo/Intermat).
125 (7/7) Troy Spratley (10-2) vs. Tyson Roach (5-10)
Even though not listed as an “or” Gary Steen is a Senior and the Cowboys may throw him out there for the last chance he might get to wrestle in college. Whoever toes the line will be a heavy favorite against Roach, who was bonused in 7 of his 10 losses.
PREDICTION: Spratley by major decision. OSU 4-0.
133 (10/11) Jax Forrest (7-0) vs. Dillon Cooper (2-9)
Forrest needs a few more matches to be seeded, and only has one more open date left before burning his redshirt. All signs point to him being the postseason guy, so if he wrestles tonight, I’d book it, as it is almost certain he will wrestle against Iowa in the last home dual. Either Forrest or Ramirez will make quick work of Cooper, whose only two wins have come against guys with losing records.
