Wrestling Preview: No. 1 Penn State at Purdue

It’s been a number of years since Purdue has captured more than one match at a dual meet against Penn State - and if this year’s similar, the one loss for the Lions will again be one of the bookended matches.

PSU has looked rather lackluster these last few weeks; to be sure, dual wins against ranked Wisconsin and Nebraska squads are nothing to sneeze at - but with injuries to starting wrestlers, surprising upsets of ranked Nittany Lions, and a distinct lack of bonus points (which happens when opposing ranked wrestlers simply step on the mat to avoid getting pinned), it’s just felt like this team hasn’t lived up to its hype so far this calendar year.

As my esteemed colleague Clay said, we’re just so spoiled.

Ten years ago, this preview would have been quite different. And hoo boy, am I glad to be the spoiled one, no matter how much I may complain - as fans, we’re blessed. In many ways.

Onto the preview!

How To Watch

What: #1 Penn State vs Purdue

Where: Holloway Gymnasium, West Lafayette, IN

When: Friday, January 25, 7 pm

Audio: Free, Jeff “Ironhead” Byers, via GoPSUSports

Video: BTN+

125 LBS

I was very tempted to pick Schnupp to pull this one out late. He seems slow to get tired this year, and is still looking to score late in the third against a gassing opponent - even if they’re ranked. Schroeder is the heir to Purdue’s longtime starter Luke Welch, and he’s stepped in well. But he won’t get a forfeit like Welch did last year - and Schnupp’ll make him work (or dance away) for the victory.

Prediction: Schroeder by decision

Score: PSU 0, Purdue 3

133 LBS - Match of the Meet

Bravo-Young is just so exciting - you’ll never know what he may end up doing. And this week, I’m predicting he’ll put an absolute clinic on a fellow ranked wrestler, learning from his loss at the Scuffle. On paper this should be the closest match of the day - but in reality, it’ll be far from that.

Prediction: RBY by major decision.

Score: PSU 4, Purdue 3

141 LBS

A week after a hard-fought, heartening win over high school foe Chad Red, Nick Lee dropped in the rankings—I’m not sure why UNI’s Josh Alber jumped him when Lee actually beat a ranked wrestler. But, oh, well, it’ll all sort out on the end - and confidence from last week should bolster Nick this week, when I see him dominating from the first whistle - with back points over a foe he majored last year, when Lee wasn’t as good as he is now.

Prediction: Lee by major decision.

Score: PSU 8, Purdue 3

149 LBS

I grappled with whether to predict Brady gets bonus in this dual, and I went with my lack of confidence after the last few weeks. I think Berge wins comfortably, but by about 6 points - and a lot of riding time.

Prediction: Berge by decision

Score: PSU 11, Purdue 3

157 LBS

What happens when your opponents are so far behind you that their entire strategy in the match is to hang on for dear life, accept stall calls, try to twist your knee and drape yourself any which way you can in order to not get teched or pinned? If you’re Jason Nolf, you smile at their attempts, staying bored out on the mat as you beat them convincingly, then tap your ankle bands and raise your index fingers to the air. Then methodically march your way towards a third national title.

Prediction: Nolf by tech fall

Score: PSU 16, Purdue 3

165 LBS

Cenzo was back last week! And facing an unranked wrestler with a losing season so far, he’ll have a chance to make a splash - and I expect him to do so. He’s the heavy favorite in a very stocked weight for a reason, folks - and Wysocki was pinned by Nolf last year, so he’s got a streak going.

Prediction: Joseph by fall

Score: PSU 22, Purdue 3

174 LBS

Hall’s cut down on the bonus points recently, but has been winning some of the most dominant regular decisions possible. I think this streak continues this week, and he’ll go back to scoring upon scoring come tourney time.

Prediction: Hall by decision

Score: PSU 25, Purdue 3

184 LBS

If Shakur’s better, he’ll win big tonight. If his injury is still an issue and Manville fills in again, I think he’ll make it close - and unlike last week, even though he’d give up weight, I actually think Manville would pull it out.

Prediction: Rasheed by major decision

Score: PSU 29, Purdue 3

197 LBS

I would like Bo to pin the #12 wrestler in the nation. I do not think it’ll happen, but it should be fun watching him try.

Prediction: Nickal by major decision

Score: PSU 33, Purdue 3

285 LBS

How many pounds will Cassar give up? Should be a good betting game. It won’t matter too much - Anthony is one of the best at heavyweight this year, despite his smaller stature, and his only test before the tourneys will be the BJC dual vs Michigan.

Prediction: Cassar by major decision

Score: PSU 37, Purdue 3