James Hackney
#2 Oklahoma State (13-0) vs #25 Oklahoma (5-6)
Watch Live: ESPN+, February 18th, 2PM CT
With less than a month until the Big 12 tournament it’s time for the second round of Bedlam. OK State won this dual 28-9 in Norman at the start of the year, winning eight matches overall. Coming into the year I thought Oklahoma could match up well, but the two teams have gone in very different directions this season. The Cowboys have the ranking advantage in nine weights and points may be hard to come by for Oklahoma. Bedlam is called that for a reason however, and there are some potential toss up matches mixed in.
125: #10 Troy Spratley (17-4) vs Conrad Hendriksen (12-9)
In the first dual Spratley won 4-1 with the lone takedown of the match. Since then he has risen up the rankings into the top ten, while Hendriksen has had some lower ranked wins but hasn’t been able to stay in the rankings. Both wrestlers have shown development this season, and Hendriksen has the defensive skills to keep things closer. Unfortunately until some of these close losses start turning to wins I’m taking Spratley to repeat a win here.
Prediction: Spratley Dec. Hendriksen (OKST 3 OU 0)
133: #3 Daton Fix (11-0) vs Jace Koelzer (13-10)
This match didn’t actually happen last Bedlam as Fix was still injured at the time. Koelzer actually wrestled Reece Witcraft and lost 8-1. Last year he wrestled Fix twice and lost by decision and a tech fall. Koelzer is coming off a solid upset win over Derrick Cardinal and showed some good ability from top, but Fix with bonus is an easy pick here.
Prediction: Fix Maj. Koelzer (OKST 7 OU 0)
141: #8 Tagen Jamison (13-5) vs Kaden Smith (9-5)/Carter Schmidt (8-5)
In the last Bedlam match Jamison wrestled Smith to a close 6-3 decision after an elbow injury. Now healthier, I think he opens up a lot more over either wrestler OU puts out. A younger wrestler like Schmidt or KJ Evans could potentially make the match more interesting, but Jamison is a podium contender this season and will be difficult to upset.
Prediction: Jamison Maj. Zimmer (OKST 11 OU 0)
149: #15 Jordan Williams (10-5) vs #21 Willie McDougald (10-6)
One of OU’s few wins last time out came here as McDougald won 5-4 after Williams head scratching decision to attempt a backflip single leg defense. Neither wrestler has been super consistent since then but recent wins have given them opportunity and momentum. Williams has wrestled with much more confidence lately and even in losses has shown an ability to score. McDougald is tough to score on and can wear on opponents with his pressure. I think pressure like t…
