James Hackney
Two days after another ACC dual the Cowboys head to West Virginia to take on the Mountaineers in their third conference dual of the year. Last year OK State won this dual 28-7, winning eight matches. West Virginia looks like one of the more improved teams this season, and could present tough tests at multiple weights. The team has five ranked wrestlers, with multiple others on the bubble. The short turnaround could make this interesting, but the Cowboys should be heavy favorites.
125: #19 Troy Spratley (10-3) vs Jett Strickenberger (8-2)/Jace Schafer (5-4)
This match could be interesting or end up being one-sided depending on who WVU sends out. Strickenberger was a NJCAA champ last season and made a splash this year with a win over last year’s Big 12 Champ Stevo Poulin. He is long, a funky scrambler, and tough on top that makes for a tough matchup for anyone. However, he had a rough 0-2 showing at Midlands then wrestled the next dual at 133. Schafer stepped up in his stead, but the junior has been pinned in three of his losses this season and not on the same level. I think Strickenberger at 133 may be the move for WVU, so I’ll take Spratley getting a big win here.
Prediction: Spratley Fall Schafer (OKST 6 WVU 0)
133: #3 Daton Fix (3-0) vs Jett Strickenberger (8-2)/Davin Rhoads (1-7)
As said before, Strickenberger can be dangerous and likely improved at 133 but Daton Fix is another level. There is Rhoads, but he has been bonused in every match against ranked opponents. I’ll take Fix by major over Strickenberger…
