James Hackney
#11 Oklahoma State (4-0) vs #7 NC State (9-1)
Watch Live: ESPN+, January 5th 6PM CT
The Cowboys get their toughest test yet, taking on top ten NC State on the road. Originally set to be held in Italy, it was moved for an unknown reason earlier this year. Both teams have all ten wrestlers ranked, and if everyone is healthy this dual could come down to bonus. There are injury questions for OK State, but the expectation is that Tagen Jamison should be back. This kicks off a brutal stretch for the team, and should be an immediate measuring stick about how they match up against top competition in duals. To show NC State’s depth, they gave up pins in three consecutive matches against Ohio State and still only lost by one point.
125: #21 Troy Spratley (10-2) vs #17 Jakob Camacho (7-3)
Recently I said Spratley didn’t have the best resume with his lack of offense against unranked competition lately. Well that may be close to changing, as Luke Stanich just went on a great run to win Midlands and Trever Anderson beat Camacho. Both wrestlers will be looking to bounce back here, as three-time qualifier Camacho is on a three loss losing streak. Camacho is good in all three positions, and is a bigger 125. Spratley will be tested on bottom in this match, and may need multiple takedowns. Spratley can do it, but I’m taking the veteran here.
Prediction: Camacho Dec. Spratley (OKST 0 NCST 3)
133: #3 Daton Fix (2-0) vs #6 Kai Orine (8-1)
The only expected rematch, Fix beat Orine 7-4 at the 2022 NCAA quarterfinals. Orine made the podium last year, finishing 8th to Fix’s 4th. He has a wide open style with some dangerous moves. Fix didn’t look his best against Wyoming, but it’s hard to pick against him here. He’s had more time to recover and get back to form, and I think he gets another decision here.
Prediction: Fix Dec. Orine (OKST 3 NCST 3)
141: #8 Tagen Jamison (8-2)/Cael Hughes (4-0) vs #4 Ryan Jack (10-2)
The timeline was for Jamison to make his return here from his elbow injury, and this is another big opportunity. Ryan Jack is a two-time qualifier who has looked like a podium contender over the years who has only lost to Jesse Mendez this year. If Jamison is healthy, he’s shown an ability to score and scramble with some of the best at the weight. Jack has only lost in one dual the past two years, and I think coming off injury he beats Jamison in an entertaining match. If Jamison doesn’t go look for Hughes to start another dual, but as good as he looked against Wyoming this would be a massive step up in competition….
