James Hackney
#4 Oklahoma State (8-0) vs #20 Northern Iowa (3-4)
Watch Live: ESPN+, January 26th 7PM CT
The Cowboys start a tough weekend with a dual against Northern Iowa before taking on Iowa State at home the next day. Last year OK State won a tight 19-17 dual, splitting matches 5-5. The Panthers may not have the same strength as they did last year with Colin Realbuto taking an Olympic redshirt. There are still top matches, specifically at 184 with #1 Parker Keckeisen and #2 Dustin Plott. Tagen Jamison will have a big test, and Konner Doucet will be looking to flip a result from last season. Northern Iowa is a consistently tough team that is always looking for the upset, so the Cowboys will have to be sure to not be looking ahead to Iowa State.
125: #20 Troy Spratley (13-4) vs #30 Trever Anderson (8-6)
We saw this match happen earlier this year when Spratley beat Anderson 7-2 at CKLV. That score is a bit deceptive however, as Anderson had a full second period rideout but gave up a late seven point move to Spratley. Anderson broke out with a win over Kakob Camacho in the NC State dual, similar to Spratley. He is best on top and a solid scrambler. Spratley has looked much improved since their last match, even after his match against Oregon State. He will get tested from bottom again, but I think Spratley can get the very important conference win here.
Prediction: Spratley Dec. Anderson (OKST 3 UNI 0)
133: #3 Daton Fix (6-0) vs #23 Julian Farber (12-5)
A junior in his first year as a starter, Farber broke into the rankings this season with a win over Ohio State’s Nic Bouzakis. Like most UNI wrestlers he is strong, a good scrambler, and tough to finish on. Unfortunately for him he matches up with Daton Fix, who has bonused nearly everyone this year. I’ll take Fix to keep that up with a major decision here but don’t rule out an inside trip for six…
