History
Last year Penn State won 7 of the 10 bouts to beat Michigan State 28-12 in East Lansing. Penn State has won the last three meetings with Michigan State's last victory coming in 2005. The only rematch from last year's dual could come at 197 if Stedman wrestles, last year Clay beat Michigan State's Tyler Dickenson 4-1.
Key Matchups
149: #4 Frank Molinaro (25-3) vs. #12 David Cheza (20-8) MSU
Last season Frank was down a weight at 141 and Cheza wrestled Bubba Jenkins. Things didn't work out to well for Cheza, Jenkins won by Tech fall 21-6. It's a different year though and Cheza is ranked and it should be a good test for Molinaro. With the Big Ten's looming on the horizon seating will be very important so Frank needs to beat Cheza, this weight class is very loaded in the Big Ten.
141: Adam Lynch (10-9) vs. Dan Osterman (18-10) MSU
While this won't be a huge match in terms of the dual's outcome it's a big match for Lynch. Adam is riding a four match win streak and needs to keep the momentum going. Osterman has a decent record so a win over a capable opponent will be a nice boost for Lynch heading into the final dual.
Wt: PSU vs. MSU
125: #13 Brad Pataky (22-6) vs. Brenan Lyon (3-13)
Pataky likes a fast start and we should see one here. Lyon is seriously outmatched and will be trying to just give up a regular decision. I expect Pataky to get a quick takedown and then look for back points. Anything less than a major decision will be a disappointment.
-Major advantage Pataky
133: Bryan Pearsall (3-19) vs. #4 Franklin Gomez (17-1)
As ugly as the Pataky match could get, this one could get even uglier. The beat goes on for Pearsall he needs to wrestle hard, stay off his back and try to only give up a regular decision.
-Major advantage Gomez
157 #7 Cyler Sanderson (24-3) vs. Anthony Jones (8-13)
It’s getting exceedingly difficult to find a pic of Sanderson where he’s not defying gravity.
Sanderson comes into this match winning his last three by pin. The way he's wrestling now I wouldn't expect any less in this match. Jones is greatly outmatched and this should be bonus points for Penn State.
-Major advantage Sanderson
165: #7 Dan Vallimont (21-6) vs. Kyle Bounds (25-12)
Bounds is no slouch and should give Vallimont a quality opponent. Dan is in a bit of a funk lately losing 3 of the last 5 and barely squeaking by an unranked Aaron Hynes of Michigan 8-7 last week. Vallimont has to get his offense going if he's going to get win No. 100
-Advantage Vallimont
174: Justin Ortega (6-16) vs. Ian Hinton (14-13)
It's hard to believe that Ortega was the wrestler that beat David Erwin at the beginning of the season before Erwin moved to 184. Justin has been wrestling very poorly lately, he seems almost lifeless at times. He has a real shot at Hinton if he can get things going but I think it's a mental thing more than anything with Ortega and I don't expect that to change any time soon.
-Advantage Hinton
184: #10 David Erwin (24-6) vs. Curran Jacobs (11-7) OR Nick Palmieri (13-10)
David is wrestling very well right now winning 5 straight and 7 of his last 8 matches with wins over 3 ranked wrestlers. I don't think it matters who Michigan State trots out expect at least a major from Erwin.
-Major advantage Erwin
197: Clay Steadman (8-10) or David Crowell (17-12) vs. Tyler Dickenson (15-14)
I wouldn't be surprised to see Crowell tonight, he always gets the nod against ranked wrestlers and he's held up well. I would expect Sanderson to reward him by letting him go against a beatable opponent in Dickenson. Although I'd like to see Crowell I think either wrestler can win.
-even
285: #11 Cameron Wade (17-6) vs. Alan O'Donnell (10-10)
Like Erwin, Wade has wrestled really well recently. Cameron has won 6 of the last 7 with the last two coming by fall. Wade is finally starting to accept Sanderson's aggressive, offense-first mentality and has started to take it to guys like O'Donnell. I wouldn't be surprised if Wade continues his pin streak.
-Major advantage Wade
Prediction
This is a no-brainer, Michigan State doesn't stack up well against Penn State and will need a lot of help if they are going to pull the upset. With a trip to Minnesota on the horizon, the Nittany Lions need to work on offense and take care of business. This shouldn't be close.
Final Score: PSU 26 – MSU 9
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