Iowa in the NCAAs

[Nashville_Hawkeye]

I agree. Just don’t understand. He got smoked by gable parris schultz and cass last year. Don’t understand why you believe that!

I guess with the subscriptions I purchased this year vice in the past (wife is still mad due to the excessive stuff on our bill), I can now frequently see the enemy in action even if it's after the fact. And Kerk's looked really good. As you or one of the other gents correctly stated, Kerk didn't look all that impressive against Fernandes (Cornell) and I don't disagree, but he's looked impressive against the others (and I know, they're much less talented). Like most I think Steveson runs away with it, but then I think it will be a battle between Parris, Cass and Kerk. And I think for no other reason than the healthy year in PSU's room and the way he's looked to me in matches I've seen (impressive speed and strength) that he will give Parris a run for his money. Hopefully we'll see Cass, Kerk and Parris battle it out during these upcoming duals so we have something more recent to evaluate them against.

 

[Nashville_Hawkeye]

Never mind took that wrong. Thought you were agreeing the penn st guy!! My bad he hasn’t said nothing since

My friend, unfortunately I think Kerk is just as good as Parris and Cass. So what's the bet? I'm all for opportunities to funnel money to the HWC. If I'm not mistaken you said there was no way Kerk wins 3 of 4 against Parris, Cass, Ordorff and Lance during the upcoming duals. Is that correct? If Kerk wins two or less I'll donate $50 to WFL; if Kerk wins 3 or 4 you donate $50 to the HWC? Also, regardless of the other outcomes I will donate $50 to the HWC on behalf of Big Tony if he beats Kerk during our dual. I get to watch it in person and that would make my night! Finally, to be fair, let's say that if all four of these matches don't materialize the bet is off. You in?

 

[MSU158]

Their 4 returning champs are 80-100 pts alone.

That is only true if they each actually win it. Many are so used to PSU having locks to win it like Taylor, Ruth, Nolf and Retherford that you forget that 3 of the 4 won their championships in OT and the other won by 1 due to stalling without a single offensive point.

Yes, those 4 are very good, but every one of them has guys in their weight that could beat them without it being a surprise.

RBY has Fix and the right version of DeSanto could win that match.

Lee has Eierman, Rivera and possibly Micic(if his best version can show up at 141). Real Woods shouldn’t be ignored, either.

Starocci has Kemerer, Lewis and Hidlay. If you had to pick this weight for substantial money would you feel comfortable picking him over those 3?

Finally, Brooks has Amine and Hidlay. Both are very tough outs and Keckeisen has made him work very hard multiple times so far.

PSU is definitely going to be hard to beat. But, they ARE beatable!

 

[Grip220]

I went with Mekhi. That was the toughest weight to figure out. Also I didn't want to go chalk with top seed winning everyone. Thought this would get a barometer of what things look like in the current landscape.

I get that pick, if he is healthy then he has to be in that conversation. I would love to see him take out Starroci. I think Kem matches up much better against Mekhi then Bull did.

 

[Nashville_Hawkeye]

I get that pick, if he is healthy then he has to be in that conversation. I would love to see him take out Starroci. I think Kem matches up much better against Mekhi then Bull did.

I was thinking the same thing, Grip. Despite what happened at NCAAs last year, I think Kem is the man...and I think a healthy Kem is the baddest man on our team.

 

[Exo]

That is only true if they each actually win it. Many are so used to PSU having locks to win it like Taylor, Ruth, Nolf and Retherford that you forget that 3 of the 4 won their championships in OT and the other won by 1 due to stalling without a single offensive point.

Yes, those 4 are very good, but every one of them has guys in their weight that could beat them without it being a surprise.

RBY has Fix and the right version of DeSanto could win that match.

Lee has Eierman, Rivera and possibly Micic(if his best version can show up at 141). Real Woods shouldn’t be ignored, either.

Starocci has Kemerer, Lewis and Hidlay. If you had to pick this weight for substantial money would you feel comfortable picking him over those 3?

Finally, Brooks has Amine and Hidlay. Both are very tough outs and Keckeisen has made him work very hard multiple times so far.

PSU is definitely going to be hard to beat. But, they ARE beatable!

This. I don't see them going 4/4 here. Give me Fix, Nick Lee, Kem (this is the true toss up weight IMO), and Amine.

Its not completely unrealistic they only get 1 champ.

 

[Grip220]

I was thinking the same thing, Grip. Despite what happened at NCAAs last year, I think Kem is the man...and I think a healthy Kem is the baddest man on our team.

I would still say Spencer is the baddest man, then again Big Cass just choked a guy out with one arm. 🤣
I absolutely think Kem is one of the best wrestlers in the NCAA, his ability to get to legs and finish is phenomenal. He may not have a title yet, but he is one of my favorite Hawks all time.

 

[blcoach80]

This nailed it. Non

That is only true if they each actually win it. Many are so used to PSU having locks to win it like Taylor, Ruth, Nolf and Retherford that you forget that 3 of the 4 won their championships in OT and the other won by 1 due to stalling without a single offensive point.

Yes, those 4 are very good, but every one of them has guys in their weight that could beat them without it being a surprise.

RBY has Fix and the right version of DeSanto could win that match.

Lee has Eierman, Rivera and possibly Micic(if his best version can show up at 141). Real Woods shouldn’t be ignored, either.

Starocci has Kemerer, Lewis and Hidlay. If you had to pick this weight for substantial money would you feel comfortable picking him over those 3?

Finally, Brooks has Amine and Hidlay. Both are very tough outs and Keckeisen has made him work very hard multiple times so far.

PSU is definitely going to be hard to beat. But, they ARE beatable!

This nailed it. Out of PSU's 4 returning champs I think all four are 50/50 at best this year to win again. Their studs in the past seemed to be 83/17 locks to win. Lee and RBY are probably the most likely imo. I would not be surprised at all if they only get 1 or 2 champs this year. They will have six and possibly 7 in the top 5 imo though, which is very solid. They are not getting 100 points out of 133, 141, 174, and 184. 80 would be realistic imo.

 

[LIV4GOD]

That is only true if they each actually win it. Many are so used to PSU having locks to win it like Taylor, Ruth, Nolf and Retherford that you forget that 3 of the 4 won their championships in OT and the other won by 1 due to stalling without a single offensive point.

Yes, those 4 are very good, but every one of them has guys in their weight that could beat them without it being a surprise.

RBY has Fix and the right version of DeSanto could win that match.

Lee has Eierman, Rivera and possibly Micic(if his best version can show up at 141). Real Woods shouldn’t be ignored, either.

Starocci has Kemerer, Lewis and Hidlay. If you had to pick this weight for substantial money would you feel comfortable picking him over those 3?

Finally, Brooks has Amine and Hidlay. Both are very tough outs and Keckeisen has made him work very hard multiple times so far.

PSU is definitely going to be hard to beat. But, they ARE beatable!

And then there is the rest of the season and the injury factor. After all, look at our team.

 

[DonHawkeye]

I was kidding with you a bit brother. That said, I hope I'm wrong, but Kerk has looked really good.

Kerk has always looked really good against guys he is better than. He has not looked so good against guys he is not

 

[Grip220]

Everyone maybe underestimating Dean at 197 in the psu predictions. He should be considered one of their best shots at a title unfortunately.

 

[MSU158]

Everyone maybe underestimating Dean at 197 in the psu predictions. He should be considered one of their best shots at a title unfortunately.

I have to agree. He is wrestling very well. But, Norfleet is the only guy he wrestled that is any good and his "constitution" is questioned, much similar to Anthony Valencia, when he wrestled high paced, very physical wrestlers.

Dean probably is a true contender. But, I want to see him against Ferrari, Elam, Warner, Brucki, Nino, Buchanan, Bulsak, Schultz or even Deprez. If he can beat some of these guys convincingly then you should start worrying.

 

[johnyt9]

That is only true if they each actually win it. Many are so used to PSU having locks to win it like Taylor, Ruth, Nolf and Retherford that you forget that 3 of the 4 won their championships in OT and the other won by 1 due to stalling without a single offensive point.

Yes, those 4 are very good, but every one of them has guys in their weight that could beat them without it being a surprise.

RBY has Fix and the right version of DeSanto could win that match.

Lee has Eierman, Rivera and possibly Micic(if his best version can show up at 141). Real Woods shouldn’t be ignored, either.

Starocci has Kemerer, Lewis and Hidlay. If you had to pick this weight for substantial money would you feel comfortable picking him over those 3?

Finally, Brooks has Amine and Hidlay. Both are very tough outs and Keckeisen has made him work very hard multiple times so far.

PSU is definitely going to be hard to beat. But, they ARE beatable!

Did anyone notice Parker Keckeisen Wrestled 197 this weekend? Is he moving up? or more of a 1- off?

 

[MVPFAN]

Did anyone notice Parker Keckeisen Wrestled 197 this weekend? Is he moving up? or more of a 1- off?

I would guess a 1 off but who knows. The guy who went 184 lost to Swafford at 174 earlier this year.

 

[so cal hawkfan]

I have to agree. He is wrestling very well. But, Norfleet is the only guy he wrestled that is any good and his "constitution" is questioned, much similar to Anthony Valencia, when he wrestled high paced, very physical wrestlers.

Dean probably is a true contender. But, I want to see him against Ferrari, Elam, Warner, Brucki, Nino, Buchanan, Bulsak, Schultz or even Deprez. If he can beat some of these guys convincingly then you should start worrying.

What may separate Dean from the field a bit is his ability to score on top. He can score in bunches. I thought he’d b a bit too small (evidently weighs in about 193-194), but thus far has been able to turn guys and get bonus. Bad news for Iowa as JWar has won a lot of close ones thus far.

 

[moug]

What may separate Dean from the field a bit is his ability to score on top. He can score in bunches. I thought he’d b a bit too small (evidently weighs in about 193-194), but thus far has been able to turn guys and get bonus. Bad news for Iowa as JWar has won a lot of close ones thus far.

I recall JWar being ridden by a couple Okie St guys in Ferrari and Wiegel, with a bunch of restarts. Was he turned at all. I don't recall if he was. Against most everyone else bottom hasn't really been a problem for Warner. Of course, I might be completely spacing on a match or two?

 

[MSU158]

What may separate Dean from the field a bit is his ability to score on top. He can score in bunches. I thought he’d b a bit too small (evidently weighs in about 193-194), but thus far has been able to turn guys and get bonus. Bad news for Iowa as JWar has won a lot of close ones thus far.

I recall JWar being ridden by a couple Okie St guys in Ferrari and Wiegel, with a bunch of restarts. Was he turned at all. I don't recall if he was. Against most everyone else bottom hasn't really been a problem for Warner. Of course, I might be completely spacing on a match or two?

Warner's best wrestling is on the mat. Now, that doesn't mean he scores a bunch on the mat, but he can ride enough to get riding time and rarely is down long enough for it to become a factor against him. He is good enough here that I don't see him losing a match due to his mat wrestling.

The simple truth is, he is a VERY fundamental wrestler, but he isn't very fast and his attacks have been well scouted. As such his opponents rarely attack from space(except Bastida who actually has world level experience and speed to clear before Warner could counter), negating his go behinds and keep their hips back in the ties, negating his go to leg attacks.

The above is where Warner's stamina and keeping his head come into play. When the stamina is there the confidence matches it and he doesn't force positions late. When it isn't you see him drop some odd matches during the regular season.

I get that he doesn't score a bunch and that is hard for many to watch, but let's not forget, he doesn't get scored on much either. Other than the big move Reenan hit early, Myles Amine was the only one to score 5 points against him all last season and Penola was the only other one to score 4 or more. Hell, he only gave up more than 4 points twice in 2020 and that was when he had his other Midland's meltdown losing to Aiello 9-7 in OT and to Bruckin 10-5. Even Kollin Moore only scored 5 points against him the year before.

I guess it comes down to if you are a glass half full or glass half empty kind of a guy. Yes, his style is prone to close scores. However, that doesn't always mean the matches are that close and you may think it means he is always in danger of losing, but it also means he was only 1 takedown away from beating Ferrari and Amine...

 

[pml_dad]

I expect JW to finish about 5th. Any worse and I'm gonna feel like he didn't wrestle up to his potential.

Murin had mono last year and still barely lost to Abas in rideouts. Mad Max fights every body on the mat everytime out. Makes me feel like training just watching the guy, he,'ll always be one of my favorites.

 

[so cal hawkfan]

Warner's best wrestling is on the mat. Now, that doesn't mean he scores a bunch on the mat, but he can ride enough to get riding time and rarely is down long enough for it to become a factor against him. He is good enough here that I don't see him losing a match due to his mat wrestling.

The simple truth is, he is a VERY fundamental wrestler, but he isn't very fast and his attacks have been well scouted. As such his opponents rarely attack from space(except Bastida who actually has world level experience and speed to clear before Warner could counter), negating his go behinds and keep their hips back in the ties, negating his go to leg attacks.

The above is where Warner's stamina and keeping his head come into play. When the stamina is there the confidence matches it and he doesn't force positions late. When it isn't you see him drop some odd matches during the regular season.

I get that he doesn't score a bunch and that is hard for many to watch, but let's not forget, he doesn't get scored on much either. Other than the big move Reenan hit early, Myles Amine was the only one to score 5 points against him all last season and Penola was the only other one to score 4 or more. Hell, he only gave up more than 4 points twice in 2020 and that was when he had his other Midland's meltdown losing to Aiello 9-7 in OT and to Bruckin 10-5. Even Kollin Moore only scored 5 points against him the year before.

I guess it comes down to if you are a glass half full or glass half empty kind of a guy. Yes, his style is prone to close scores. However, that doesn't always mean the matches are that close and you may think it means he is always in danger of losing, but it also means he was only 1 takedown away from beating Ferrari and Amine...

Perhaps I misspoke, I don’t mean to imply I foresee Dean turning JWar head to head. I see the potential for Dean to out produce JWar at National tourney time. JWar is prone to the upset loss, but my main point is Dean can get bonus points by turning inferior wrestlers, JWar tends to keep it close with those guys. When they go head to head, my *sshole will be tighter than a nun’s on Easter.

 

[HawkMachine]

I’m going to get roasted for this but oh well.

PSU is going to win it.

Cael has his guys more ready when the big lights come on.

Hate saying this but PSU coaching staff > IA coaching staff.

 

[jmadden1998]

I’m going to get roasted for this but oh well.

PSU is going to win it.

Cael has his guys more ready when the big lights come on.

Hate saying this but PSU coaching staff > IA coaching staff.

 

[Jrjt0518]

My friend, unfortunately I think Kerk is just as good as Parris and Cass. So what's the bet? I'm all for opportunities to funnel money to the HWC. If I'm not mistaken you said there was no way Kerk wins 3 of 4 against Parris, Cass, Ordorff and Lance during the upcoming duals. Is that correct? If Kerk wins two or less I'll donate $50 to WFL; if Kerk wins 3 or 4 you donate $50 to the HWC? Also, regardless of the other outcomes I will donate $50 to the HWC on behalf of Big Tony if he beats Kerk during our dual. I get to watch it in person and that would make my night! Finally, to be fair, let's say that if all four of these matches don't materialize the bet is off. You in?

I’m in!! Love it

 

[jrod65]

I’m going to get roasted for this but oh well.

PSU is going to win it.

Cael has his guys more ready when the big lights come on.

Hate saying this but PSU coaching staff > IA coaching staff.

 

[Nashville_Hawkeye]

I would still say Spencer is the baddest man, then again Big Cass just choked a guy out with one arm. 🤣
I absolutely think Kem is one of the best wrestlers in the NCAA, his ability to get to legs and finish is phenomenal. He may not have a title yet, but he is one of my favorite Hawks all time.

That goes without saying, Grip. I count Spencer as a demi-god so he doesn't count. I think a healthy Spencer would make for five very frustrating years at 125 for all non-Hawks' fans.

 

[Nashville_Hawkeye]

I’m in!! Love it

Just put it in my calendar. I hope I have to pay it all!

 

[Nashville_Hawkeye]

Everyone maybe underestimating Dean at 197 in the psu predictions. He should be considered one of their best shots at a title unfortunately.

I hate that he joined PSU. I was a fan until then. LOL!

 

[Jrjt0518]

Just put it in my calendar. I hope I have to pay it all!

All for a great cause either way!!

 

[Grip220]

I have to agree. He is wrestling very well. But, Norfleet is the only guy he wrestled that is any good and his "constitution" is questioned, much similar to Anthony Valencia, when he wrestled high paced, very physical wrestlers.

Dean probably is a true contender. But, I want to see him against Ferrari, Elam, Warner, Brucki, Nino, Buchanan, Bulsak, Schultz or even Deprez. If he can beat some of these guys convincingly then you should start worrying.

Yeah agreed, for what I seen so far AJ is still clear number one after that it’s very open.

 

[Kidwicked]

Yeah agreed, for what I seen so far AJ is still clear number one after that it’s very open.

Could prolly say the same about 197 and say 4-5 different guys could be in the finals against Fast Car depending on draws.

 

[Grip220]

Could prolly say the same about 197 and say 4-5 different guys could be in the finals against Fast Car depending on draws.

I believe we are agreeing About 197.

 

[Tcalumet]

My friend, unfortunately I think Kerk is just as good as Parris and Cass. So what's the bet? I'm all for opportunities to funnel money to the HWC. If I'm not mistaken you said there was no way Kerk wins 3 of 4 against Parris, Cass, Ordorff and Lance during the upcoming duals. Is that correct? If Kerk wins two or less I'll donate $50 to WFL; if Kerk wins 3 or 4 you donate $50 to the HWC? Also, regardless of the other outcomes I will donate $50 to the HWC on behalf of Big Tony if he beats Kerk during our dual. I get to watch it in person and that would make my night! Finally, to be fair, let's say that if all four of these matches don't materialize the bet is off. You in?

I agree - kerk was hurt most of last year. Only guy to take gable down last year. He’s legit. I’m a cass fan but overlooking him based on cass beating his arse last year would be a huge mistake. Guy had like a week to train before bigs

 

[so cal hawkfan]

I agree - kerk was hurt most of last year. Only guy to take gable down last year. He’s legit. I’m a cass fan but overlooking him based on cass beating his arse last year would be a huge mistake. Guy had like a week to train before bigs

They are likely going to meet up multiple times with different outcomes being likely. Hopefully Cass ends on top in March.

 

[Kidwicked]

That is only true if they each actually win it. Many are so used to PSU having locks to win it like Taylor, Ruth, Nolf and Retherford that you forget that 3 of the 4 won their championships in OT and the other won by 1 due to stalling without a single offensive point.

Yes, those 4 are very good, but every one of them has guys in their weight that could beat them without it being a surprise.

RBY has Fix and the right version of DeSanto could win that match.

Lee has Eierman, Rivera and possibly Micic(if his best version can show up at 141). Real Woods shouldn’t be ignored, either.

Starocci has Kemerer, Lewis and Hidlay. If you had to pick this weight for substantial money would you feel comfortable picking him over those 3?

Finally, Brooks has Amine and Hidlay. Both are very tough outs and Keckeisen has made him work very hard multiple times so far.

PSU is definitely going to be hard to beat. But, they ARE beatable!

Some good takes for sure, but I disagree on the 133. I think ADS could wrestle RBY and Fix 10 times each and I don’t think he wins 2 matches total. RBY has put a lot of separation between him and ADS.

Brooks pace is gonna be hard to beat.

I don’t think Micic can go with Rivera or Lee, JE hasn’t looked good yet.

Starocci jumped levels, but Lewis, Hidley, and Kemerer is a steep climb for anyone.

 

[slushhead]

They are likely going to meet up multiple times with different outcomes being likely. Hopefully Cass ends on top in March.

Different outcomes = Kerk by Dec, Kerk by MajDec, Kerk by Fall?
😉

 

[slushhead]

. . . Dean probably is a true contender. But, I want to see him against Ferrari, Elam, Warner, Brucki, Nino, Buchanan, Bulsak, Schultz or even Deprez. If he can beat some of these guys convincingly then you should start worrying.

Scheduled to face:
- Bulsak 1/16
- Brucki 1/21
- Warner 1/28
- Schultz 2/6

He has no chance to face the other guys until Nationals, by which time the question is moot.

 

[ping72]

Yeah agreed, for what I seen so far AJ is still clear number one after that it’s very open.

Ugh... I don’t even want to think about a late round match between Dean and Ferrari at NCAAs... Ferrari is my least favorite wrestler in many years... and a Dean win would help Penn St in the team race.

Double DQ??

 

[js8793]

Yeah agreed, for what I seen so far AJ is still clear number one after that it’s very open.

for someone who doesn't score a ton of points, ferrari feels unbeatable to me. he's elite in every position. can get to legs when he needs to, good finisher, great rider, doesn't get ridden, and is almost impossible to take down. even if you get to his legs, which rarely happens, good luck finishing with his flexibility and balance. if i'm not wrong, i believe he's only given up 2 offensive points in his career. could be missing a match, but the only one that comes to mind is the 3-2 loss to adams.

even though there is a lot of talent at 197, he *feels* like a lock to me.

 

[jmadden1998]

for someone who doesn't score a ton of points, ferrari feels unbeatable to me. he's elite in every position. can get to legs when he needs to, good finisher, great rider, doesn't get ridden, and is almost impossible to take down. even if you get to his legs, which rarely happens, good luck finishing with his flexibility and balance. if i'm not wrong, i believe he's only given up 2 offensive points in his career. could be missing a match, but the only one that comes to mind is the 3-2 loss to adams.

even though there is a lot of talent at 197, he *feels* like a lock to me.

In the Big 12 final he beat Buchanan from Wyoming. Buchanan had a reversal in the 2nd and a TD in the 3rd. Other than that no other offensive points I could find.

 

[acuhawk]

That is only true if they each actually win it. Many are so used to PSU having locks to win it like Taylor, Ruth, Nolf and Retherford that you forget that 3 of the 4 won their championships in OT and the other won by 1 due to stalling without a single offensive point.

Yes, those 4 are very good, but every one of them has guys in their weight that could beat them without it being a surprise.

RBY has Fix and the right version of DeSanto could win that match.

Lee has Eierman, Rivera and possibly Micic(if his best version can show up at 141). Real Woods shouldn’t be ignored, either.

Starocci has Kemerer, Lewis and Hidlay. If you had to pick this weight for substantial money would you feel comfortable picking him over those 3?

Finally, Brooks has Amine and Hidlay. Both are very tough outs and Keckeisen has made him work very hard multiple times so far.

PSU is definitely going to be hard to beat. But, they ARE beatable!

Also don't underestimate the effect no fans had on last years NCAA's. I was in the arena and the blatant stalling that a few guys got away with may not happen with a full arena. I think 3 or 4 of the NCAA champs would not have won had their been fans. A couple of them might not have reached the finals. One example is AJ being allowed to repeatedly run bottom guys off the mat. The crowds at previous NCAA's have had an affect on this. Tony Nelson comes to mind when the crowd finally got a stall call. Just my opinion.

 

[Grip220]

Ugh... I don’t even want to think about a late round match between Dean and Ferrari at NCAAs... Ferrari is my least favorite wrestler in many years... and a Dean win would help Penn St in the team race.

Double DQ??

for someone who doesn't score a ton of points, ferrari feels unbeatable to me. he's elite in every position. can get to legs when he needs to, good finisher, great rider, doesn't get ridden, and is almost impossible to take down. even if you get to his legs, which rarely happens, good luck finishing with his flexibility and balance. if i'm not wrong, i believe he's only given up 2 offensive points in his career. could be missing a match, but the only one that comes to mind is the 3-2 loss to adams.

even though there is a lot of talent at 197, he *feels* like a lock to me.

The kid is good, I don’t like the attitude or the “acting for his brand” crap, but he is good.
He is a clear favorite, unfortunately I will hope for good seeds and Warner on the opposite side. If Warner can get these late rounds I do believe Warner can beat anybody at the weight if he wrestles and does not make mistakes.