Grades

[Omahahawk86]

Gillman-B. He was in position to beat Mega later in the match and tried something high risk that he didn't need to. It really doesn't matter bc he has to beat two of the big 4 to win it anyways. See ya in the semis NATO
Clark-A Taylor was as game as they come and we came out on top. Richards is boring and hard to score on. Cory didn't give up an easy go behind this time so that's improvement. They'll see each other in the semis
Brody-thanks for the memories
49-B+-Zain is just better and too good. I see a similar match at nationals
Coop-A-two huge wins for seeding at nationals. He need more takedowns though. Btw why does everyone want to fight him. He seems like a decent enough guy
65-b+great job Patrick. Let's get this guy a wildcard
74-F- toughen up and wrestle. He almost lost to Barns if he doesn't get tripped and land directly behind him. If the cut is too much for you then don't wrestle the weight class. Everyone in the country knows your a hell of a lot better then this crap.
84-A. Great tourney. Wrestled smart and kept moving forward. He hit two beautiful high singles on Dudley. That is where he needs to be vs him. Not in on an outside single with Dudley in his butt(Dudley is dangerous from there).
97-A beat pfarr which was great. I just don't think he can beat Mac. He wrestled tough though.
Hwt-Incomplete. Two weeks to rehab and let's get you on that podium big fella. Your not beating the top 5 but when healthy your the best of the rest.

 

[Azchief32]

Not much to argue with Omaha. Here's my take on NATO/Gilman...Gilman was beating him and his only loss was at B1Gs. NATO got the early TD and ran the rest of the match. Nico didn't do much either. Probably Gilman's toughest opponent is Dance even though he beat him in the quarters last year. Dance has a nice little slide by that Gilman always seems to fall into. It took a yeoman's effort to come back and beat him. Otherwise, the match between the Gilman/NATO or Gilman/Nico will be a replay decided in OT.

 

[Omahahawk86]

I like Gillman vs NATO. I know lot in college but Gillman had beaten him like 8 times prior. I think this bracket works in Gillmans favor.

Speaking of slide byes Taylor from Wisconsin has about the dirtiest one I've ever seen. I think he hit Clark with it 3 times and Conaway is still having nightmares about it.

 

[championhawk]

74-F- toughen up and wrestle. He almost lost to Barns if he doesn't get tripped and land directly behind him. If the cut is too much for you then don't wrestle the weight class. Everyone in the country knows your a hell of a lot better then this crap.
.

Uncalled for and out of line.

 

[Stanley75]

Clark did the unthinkable and beat an all everything, that exists anywhere, wrestler. There are no Grades to describe that.

 

[Azchief32]

Uncalled for and out of line.

I don't think so. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is exactly what Alex is doing. It's almost like he is refusing to make adjustments because his matches are like Groundhog Day. Give up a lead and try and come back. Shoot at guys straight on etc. Even his stance is killing me...almost straight up and is easy to get through his head hands defense.

All of that said, we are all rooting for Alex but he only needs to look at his teammates to see some of the adjustments they have made. Cory Clark...how many times in the past did he make it quite easy for guys to get in on him deep. Did Wonderboy from Illinois even get in on his legs? I just know I have noticed it less with Clark. Brooks has had the same problems as well but Meyer isn't close to Brooks in his ability to defend it.

 

[Jaybird319]

I'd be surprise if Meyers makes Rd 12 at this pt. He's sloppy w his feet and hand positioning. His setups have been reduce to 2 on 1 and shoot from 4-5' away!

 

[madmustang4]

following are individual weight grades of Brands effort to put us in best position to win BIGs and Nationals. These grades are based on BIG performance. They DO NOT reflect the effort of the wrestlers themselves all of whom gave their hearts.
125 B+
133 A+
141 F
149 B+
157 B-
165 C
174 B-
184 A+
197 B+
hwt Inc
I think Hwt would have received decent grade had it not been for the injury.

NATIONAL QUALIFIER GRADES
10 = A
9 = B to B+
8 = C
7 = F

 

[texas twister]

To me, it looks like Meyer is on the small side for the weight. Sometimes he gets out horsed.

 

[Fansince1960]

To me, it looks like Meyer is on the small side for the weight. Sometimes he gets out horsed.

I have to give the coaches an F for putting Sorenson under Retherford.

 

[UndercoverHawk]

I have to give the coaches an F for putting Sorenson under Retherford.

This isn't the one that matters. Rather learn now and be prepared for nationals or know not to go under at nationals. That's when it really counts. I have no problem with him going under. Learning experience.

 

[bravehawks1]

This isn't the one that matters. Rather learn now and be prepared for nationals or know not to go under at nationals. That's when it really counts. I have no problem with him going under. Learning experience.

Agree, need to learn. PSU does as good of job of anyone of putting the leg in early in ride and getting that ankle and/or knee. Iowa does a terrible job of getting the legs in for a ride and thus doesn't get guys flattened out like PSU. As much as I don't like PSU, it is pretty damn tough to get out when someone is sitting on your lower back and then starts working on your arms and shoulders. Many people don't like this ride, but they totally control the match when they get there and have that control of the hips.

 

[hawkaeg80]

I got a picture with COOOOOOOOOOP! after all was done. He was outside in the parking lot talking to his family and so I walked up to him and asked if it would be OK to get a picture with him. He seemed genuinely surprised that I would asked. He asked what my name was and even addressed me as "sir" (to much gray hair I think.
We talked for a couple of moments and then one of his family members took the picture. What was really neat was as I was getting a picture with him one of his family members took a picture of me with him. Dang I love wrestling!
By the way, I asked him if he had gotten the fastest fall award. He said no that is an award for nationals. This was my first Big Tens so I assumed their was such an award. The aforementioned fall was in 24 seconds!
So you thinking that Coop was a decent enough guy: he is way more than decent!!!!

 

[pumpdog20]

Agree, need to learn. PSU does as good of job of anyone of putting the leg in early in ride and getting that ankle and/or knee. Iowa does a terrible job of getting the legs in for a ride and thus doesn't get guys flattened out like PSU. As much as I don't like PSU, it is pretty damn tough to get out when someone is sitting on your lower back and then starts working on your arms and shoulders. Many people don't like this ride, but they totally control the match when they get there and have that control of the hips.

There was nothing to learn. Sorensen has struggled with elite riders in the past, and Retherford is on another level. Don't go down, and take your chances that he slows down a little on his feet in the 2nd and 3rd.

 

[Azchief32]

There was nothing to learn. Sorensen has struggled with elite riders in the past, and Retherford is on another level. Don't go down, and take your chances that he slows down a little on his feet in the 2nd and 3rd.

Disagree...one can watch film etc but truly have to feel that ride. Also, they now have film of Sorensen suffering so they have something to work with. Really thought it was a smart move, big picture.

 

[MVPFAN]

To me, it looks like Meyer is on the small side for the weight. Sometimes he gets out horsed.

No way on that, he cuts a ton. If he is weak it is because he cuts too much.

 

[MARION_HAWK]

I have to give the coaches an F for putting Sorenson under Retherford.

Would you rather BS wait until Nationals to see if he can get out from underneath Zain? Had to be done.

 

[MVPFAN]

I have to give the coaches an F for putting Sorenson under Retherford.

He was not going to win at that point anyway, he needs to at least get some exposure to it so in the future if he gives up a TD he has a snowballs chance to get away. His only shot to win is to not get taken down and hopefully pot shot a TD to steal a win.

 

[Sandor45]

Hopefully, Clagon is on Rutherfords side

 

[Nashville_Hawkeye]

following are individual weight grades of Brands effort to put us in best position to win BIGs and Nationals. These grades are based on BIG performance. They DO NOT reflect the effort of the wrestlers themselves all of whom gave their hearts.
125 B+
133 A+
141 F
149 B+
157 B-
165 C
174 B-
184 A+
197 B+
hwt Inc
I think Hwt would have received decent grade had it not been for the injury.

NATIONAL QUALIFIER GRADES
10 = A
9 = B to B+
8 = C
7 = F

How can you give Grothus an F for the tourney? He was the 14 seed and wrestled the 1 and 2 seed (ranked 4th and 7th in the country) and lost to each by 2 points. Yet you give Rhoads, an 8 seed, a C, yet he was pinned by the 1 seed and beaten by 2 points by the 5 seed (ranked 1st and 8th in the country). What am I missing? Oh, that's right, BG got a horrible seeding and then more bad luck when the 2 seed was beat in the first round. BG actually wrestled respectably in the tourney, all things considered...

 

[Fansince1960]

Would you rather BS wait until Nationals to see if he can get out from underneath Zain? Had to be done.

It doesn't take a genius to realize that he's not getting out ( ever). He has to take him down at least twice after giving up the takedown in the first period,so why waste time trying to escape. Rethford's a beast on top. Why wrestle him in his best position. He not only can ride anyone if he so chooses, he also turns 95% of the guys he wrestles.
t

Would you rather BS wait until Nationals to see if he can get out from underneath Zain? Had to be done.

 

[Novakht]

"I have to give the coaches an F for putting Sorenson under Retherford."

This is funny-- Guess what, I always know the right plays the NFL coaches should call after the games also.

1. The coaches had to see for themselves how BS would do from underneath.
2. BS had to see how it felt .

Im not saying our coaches make every decision right, but lets assume since we all know ZR is a GREAT rider, the our staff knew this as well. Im sure they talked about the pros/cons of BS going underneath, and I have to think they had good reasons for thinking that at the time.

 

[Fansince1960]

It doesn't take a genius to realize that he's not getting out ( ever). He has to take him down at least twice after giving up the takedown in the first period,so why waste time trying to escape. Rethford's a beast on top. Why wrestle him in his best position. He not only can ride anyone if he so chooses, he also turns 95% of the guys he wrestles.
t

I guess we just have different opinions. I just think Sorensen shouldn't be wrestling Retheford in his strongest position.

 

[pinters]

Zain most definitely will choose top. Omg why is this an issue.

 

[Omahahawk86]

Does it really matter guys? Sorenson isn't scoring on him in any position. I think it was absolutely the right call to go down. Not because he was going to win the match but to see if he can actually get away from him. He actually almost did get away a couple times. I think coaches take neutral in a couple weeks.

 

[madmustang4]

How can you give Grothus an F for the tourney? He was the 14 seed and wrestled the 1 and 2 seed (ranked 4th and 7th in the country) and lost to each by 2 points. Yet you give Rhoads, an 8 seed, a C, yet he was pinned by the 1 seed and beaten by 2 points by the 5 seed (ranked 1st and 8th in the country). What am I missing? Oh, that's right, BG got a horrible seeding and then more bad luck when the 2 seed was beat in the first round. BG actually wrestled respectably in the tourney, all things considered...

you obviously didn't read what i said or you werent able to understand it

 

[gravattj]

This isn't the one that matters. Rather learn now and be prepared for nationals or know not to go under at nationals. That's when it really counts. I have no problem with him going under. Learning experience.

I thought he was under him enough in the first period to know what he needed to know. This guy did ride out Logan as a freshman...

 

[Nashville_Hawkeye]

you obviously didn't read what i said or you werent able to understand it

I read it all...and understood it just fine. I understand 141 is an F for the season...no issues here. But I still wanted to give BG his day in court. He simply got a bad draw...kind of like Sammy Brooks in last years NCAAs (if the wrong person gets in the loser's bracket, you're FUBAR).

 

[oldhawk56]

No way on that, he cuts a ton. If he is weak it is because he cuts too much.

The man needs a better mullet, no question.

 

[oldhawk56]

It doesn't take a genius to realize that he's not getting out ( ever). He has to take him down at least twice after giving up the takedown in the first period,so why waste time trying to escape. Rethford's a beast on top. Why wrestle him in his best position. He not only can ride anyone if he so chooses, he also turns 95% of the guys he wrestles.
t

Retherford is a beast everywhere, We couldn't take him down, ride him, or escape . Someone posted the phone number for the wrestling office earlier, perhaps you could talk to one of the Brands and explain that whole genius thing...

 

[Stanley75]

If you wrestle under your seed you can't receive a good grade. Gilman gets a D he is as good as the other two guys just didn't do enough to beat Mega. So he beat the other guys seeded lower in the back side? Not enough to warrant a good grade.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Am I missing something here? Brandon did escape in that match, did he not? Seems like some folks are overlooking that. Unless I had a total brain fart while watching that match, I could have sworn Brandon got an escape.

I was very impressed with Brandon's work in the bottom position. I bet he did better than just about anyone who has faced Retherford this season. I also agree that it was important to work underneath Retherford and get the feel of his ride.

I'm a little surprised and disappointed in the lack of belief in Brandon's ability to beat Retherford, frankly. The history of wrestling is littered with examples of "lesser" wrestlers upsetting the favorite. Happens all the time. It will happen a number of times next week. Who ever thought Steve Marianetti could beat Lincoln McIlravy? And the list goes on and on.

In terms of strategy, I don't think there's any question that Brandon has to take the bottom position. It's enough of a challenge to take Retherford down once; the odds of beating him go down dramatically when you force yourself to take him down twice. I'd say the plan would be to work like heck reviewing film of that match and making sure the plan is sound for securing the escape. Hand fight like crazy in the first and keep him off of your legs. Gotta get that escape. Put on the toughest spiral ride you've ever put on anyone for as long as possible when on top. As soon as an opening comes along in neutral, take that shot with all you got.

Sure, Retherford's a stud, but so is Brandon. This is a match we can win.

 

[hawkssox1]

Am I missing something here? Brandon did escape in that match, did he not? Seems like some folks are overlooking that. Unless I had a total brain fart while watching that match, I could have sworn Brandon got an escape.

I was very impressed with Brandon's work in the bottom position. I bet he did better than just about anyone who has faced Retherford this season. I also agree that it was important to work underneath Retherford and get the feel of his ride.

I'm a little surprised and disappointed in the lack of belief in Brandon's ability to beat Retherford, frankly. The history of wrestling is littered with examples of "lesser" wrestlers upsetting the favorite. Happens all the time. It will happen a number of times next week. Who ever thought Steve Marianetti could beat Lincoln McIlravy? And the list goes on and on.

In terms of strategy, I don't think there's any question that Brandon has to take the bottom position. It's enough of a challenge to take Retherford down once; the odds of beating him go down dramatically when you force yourself to take him down twice. I'd say the plan would be to work like heck reviewing film of that match and making sure the plan is sound for securing the escape. Hand fight like crazy in the first and keep him off of your legs. Gotta get that escape. Put on the toughest spiral ride you've ever put on anyone for as long as possible when on top. As soon as an opening comes along in neutral, take that shot with all you got.

Sure, Retherford's a stud, but so is Brandon. This is a match we can win.

How could you be "impressed"with his work on the bottom?I thought he should have gotten a stalling call.

 

[bdcolt45er]

How could you be "impressed"with his work on the bottom?I thought he should have gotten a stalling call.

Brandon did get dinged with a stall warning. This may not be a popular opinion but my frustration was with Retherford's ride. He broke Sorensen down and had him flat, that is good on him but then he covered the hips the rest of the ride. He never came off to the side. Never even worked toward the upper body. It's very difficult to do anything on the bottom when your flat and the top man is laying on your hips. IMO the top man needs to do more when I guy is broken down than lay on the hips and grab at arms.

 

[hawkssox1]

Brandon did get dinged with a stall warning. This may not be a popular opinion but my frustration was with Retherford's ride. He broke Sorensen down and had him flat, that is good on him but then he covered the hips the rest of the ride. He never came off to the side. Never even worked toward the upper body. It's very difficult to do anything on the bottom when your flat and the top man is laying on your hips. IMO the top man needs to do more when I guy is broken down than lay on the hips and grab at arms.

If the roles had been reversed we would not be hearing about it.

 

[akaoni]

I thought that Brandon did some good work on the bottom and almost escaped a couple of times but then sort of gave up after being ridden out.. Rutheford was largely parallel during his ride, but he didn't have the boots in the entire time. However, it didn't look like there was any serious attempt to turn him, I would have liked a quicker stalemate in those situations. I only saw it live from CHA I probably need to go back and watch again.

 

[Lsanders20]

Am I missing something here? Brandon did escape in that match, did he not? Seems like some folks are overlooking that. Unless I had a total brain fart while watching that match, I could have sworn Brandon got an escape.



I was very impressed with Brandon's work in the bottom position. I bet he did better than just about anyone who has faced Retherford this season. I also agree that it was important to work underneath Retherford and get the feel of his ride.

I'm a little surprised and disappointed in the lack of belief in Brandon's ability to beat Retherford, frankly. The history of wrestling is littered with examples of "lesser" wrestlers upsetting the favorite. Happens all the time. It will happen a number of times next week. Who ever thought Steve Marianetti could beat Lincoln McIlravy? And the list goes on and on.

In terms of strategy, I don't think there's any question that Brandon has to take the bottom position. It's enough of a challenge to take Retherford down once; the odds of beating him go down dramatically when you force yourself to take him down twice. I'd say the plan would be to work like heck reviewing film of that match and making sure the plan is sound for securing the escape. Hand fight like crazy in the first and keep him off of your legs. Gotta get that escape. Put on the toughest spiral ride you've ever put on anyone for as long as possible when on top. As soon as an opening comes along in neutral, take that shot with all you got.

Sure, Retherford's a stud, but so is Brandon. This is a match we can win.

The final score was 4-0 so no he did not escape. Poor decision to go underneath. We were under him Long enough to learn in the first period. Brandon needs to get back to that lightening quick hi crotch he was hitting early in the season. He took T Shirt down at Midlands and it was impressive. Only chance to beat Zain is on the feet and it wouldn't take a genius to realize that after watching him in his successes and the few failures that he had 2 years ago at Nationals. Hope Brandon at least gives it a go if he sees him at Nationals.

 

[bdcolt45er]

I thought that Brandon did some good work on the bottom and almost escaped a couple of times but then sort of gave up after being ridden out.. Rutheford was largely parallel during his ride, but he didn't have the boots in the entire time. However, it didn't look like there was any serious attempt to turn him, I would have liked a quicker stalemate in those situations. I only saw it live from CHA I probably need to go back and watch again.

Agreed I think a restart at least encourages some action.

If the roles had been reversed we would not be hearing about it.

Oh, I think had Brandon put on a lengthy spiral ride, without much action dropping to ankles pushing out etc, I think PSU fans would have been quite vocal about Brandon's stall ride.

 

[Schwick]

I'm for the riding time point only being awarded after one minute and back points being earned. This would provide more incentive for turns. Maybe it would just lead to more stalling on the bottom though.

 

[Omahahawk86]

The final score was 4-0 so no he did not escape. Poor decision to go underneath. We were under him Long enough to learn in the first period. Brandon needs to get back to that lightening quick hi crotch he was hitting early in the season. He took T Shirt down at Midlands and it was impressive. Only chance to beat Zain is on the feet and it wouldn't take a genius to realize that after watching him in his successes and the few failures that he had 2 years ago at Nationals. Hope Brandon at least gives it a go if he sees him at Nationals.

That high-C he took Tsirtis down with at Midlands and hit a lot earlier in the year is a huge key to him reaching his ultimate potential. It's pretty easy...having an effective shot to both legs is a lot more effective then having a shot to only one leg.