James Hackney
Watch Live: ESPN+, February 7th 7PM CT
After a long break the Sooners return to action with a home dual against South Dakota State. Last year OU scored a big 18-13 upset of SDSU on the road with Tate Picklo getting a big upset. Now sitting just outside the top ten, the Jackrabbits are impressively undefeated in Big 12 duals with eight wrestlers in the rankings. Oklahoma has lost their last three duals and will finish their dual season with SDSU and OK State. Either dual would take a number of upsets to go their way, but this matchup is likely their best shot between the two.
125lbs: #33 Conrad Hendriksen (14-8) vs #15 Tanner Jordan (19-5)
Hendriksen continues to bounce in and out of the back half of the rankings and is looking like a potential qualifier. Tanner Jordan qualified with a 17-16 record last year but is looking like one of many improved Jackrabbit wrestlers. He’s long for 125, great on the mat, and a good scrambler. Jordan not only can ride and turn opponents but is dangerous from bottom with reversals. Hendriksen is defensively tough and is rounding out his offense but I think Jordan may be too much. I’ll take Hendriksen keeping it within a decision though. Prediction: Jordan Dec. Hendriksen (OU 0 SDSU 3)
133lbs: Jace Koelzer (12-10) vs #16 Derrick Cardinal (17-5)
Another SDSU wrestler that took a jump, Cardinal went from an 11-15 record last season to a 15-5 one this season. He hasn’t reached the top tier of the weight yet, but has consistently won over solid opponents. Last year Koelzer actually beat Cardinal in the dual with a 6-4 overtime win. Unfortunately it’s looking like Cardinal has made massive improvements and is a heavy favorite in this rematch….
