Michigan

[Spicolli]

Flo preview

Man, pretty solid lineup. B1G is just loaded this year.

Michigan 2017-18 Lineup
125: Austin Assad
133: No. 2 Stevan Micic
141: No.18 Sal Profaci
149: Malik Amine
157: No. 8 Alec Pantaleo
165: No. 3 Logan Massa
174: No. 4 Myles Amine
184: No. 5 Domenic Abounader
197: No. 6 Kevin Beazley
285: No. 2 Adam Coon

 

[pablow]

They have a habit of under-performing. Massa losing to Joseph last year pissed me off - but it typical of them.

 

[LaxHawk174]

Also have a pretty solid 2018 recruiting class. Silva, and Lewan committed with Parris rumored as a Michigan lean.

 

[MSU158]

They have a habit of under-performing. Massa losing to Joseph last year pissed me off - but it typical of them.

I have had a few arguments over the years with the UofM faithful over exactly this perception. The response I would often get is, the focus is not solely on wrestling performance. As a result they wouldn't quite get to the results many thought they should. Things like redshirts were often "wasted" because graduating in 4 years and moving on was more important than getting the highest 4 years of wrestling production. They have also had some pretty bad runs with the injury bug when the team is expected to be better. This may also be a byproduct of wrestling centric focus.

However, most of that was pre-Bormet and Pritzlaff(although he left soon thereafter). NoJow, it looks like Michigan has focused a bit harder on getting those results. Injuries are an uncontrollable factor, but this team is going to take home a trophy this season . Book it.

Also, calling Massa losing to Joseph as underperforming is beyond a stretch. Joseph wrestled a very smart tourney and ended up beating a 2X Champ with 1 career loss the next match.

Trust me, I HATE defending Michigan. It goes against the grain for me, but I am stuck doing it as they are the only ones keeping the top end High School talent In-State.

 

[crablegs1]

They have a habit of under-performing. Massa losing to Joseph last year pissed me off - but it typical of them.

Wouldn’t say that’s a great example of underperforming. Also, almost all of these guys are proven AAs, no reason to expect they can’t do it again.

 

[SansSouci]

Seeing the new powerhouses coming up just like football. Penn St, tOSU, and Michigan on the top tier. Iowa and everyone else fighting for scraps.

 

[Spicolli]

Seeing the new powerhouses coming up just like football. Penn St, tOSU, and Michigan on the top tier. Iowa and everyone else fighting for scraps.

Michigan's not top tier in wresting. They have a very good lineup this year,,but not like they've been a top 5 team on a regular basis.. last time they won a Big 10 championship was 1973.

 

[MSU158]

Wouldn’t say that’s a great example of underperforming. Also, almost all of these guys are proven AAs, no reason to expect they can’t do it again.

Yep. This is definitely the most proven(and best) lineup Michigan has had since 2005(2nd).

2005
125NQ
133:Moos 1-2
141:Churella 8th
149:Tannenbaum 4th
157:Bertin 1st
165:Churella 4th
174:Roy 1-2
184:Weitzel 0-2
197NQ
285:Wagner 4th

 

[DirkTang1]

They have a habit of under-performing. Massa losing to Joseph last year pissed me off - but it typical of them.

Unfortunately we have had this same problem the last few years.

That being said, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Massa won it all this year. I'd be surprised if Joseph ever beats Massa again honestly.

 

[jvclark]

They have a habit of under-performing. Massa losing to Joseph last year pissed me off - but it typical of them.

Yeah that match got me too. Massa looked the better wrestler and more aggressive as well. It pains me to say it but Joseph found a way to win.

Massa will be fun to watch as he gets older. Hope he stay aggressive, unless of course he is wrestling us.

 

[hawkeyefan75]

I believe Parris ends up at Michigan

 

[CradleKing26]

They have a solid lineup for sure. The injury bug always seems to bite them hard.

 

[SansSouci]

Michigan's not top tier in wresting. They have a very good lineup this year,,but not like they've been a top 5 team on a regular basis.. last time they won a Big 10 championship was 1973.

They will be and your post makes no sense. What does the past have to do with what I stated? Where were Penn St and tOSU ten years ago?

 

[SetonHallPirate]

They will be and your post makes no sense. What does the past have to do with what I stated? Where were Penn St and tOSU ten years ago?

Since you asked, Penn State was 11th at NCAA's ten years ago, Ohio State was 10th. The next year, they finished 3rd and 2nd, respectively, at NCAA's (behind only the team this board is supposed to be about).

 

[DayHawk18]

Agreed Sans. A lot of these top wrestlers are being coached by guys who are preaching go to a school that is academically AND athletically top notch. It's why some Ivy League teams are just now starting to get better recruits.

Michigan fits in that role where it's a public university with a great football team and you can have that "normal college experience," but get a great education as well as wrestle in the B1G with great partners. I think we will see more Michigan teams like this going forward.

Edit: We aren't looking for scraps though. We just need to keep putting together solid recruiting classes and continue to churn out studs. I am worried about losing momentum but that can all be changed with salvaging this recruiting class and getting a strong one the next year.

 

[Spicolli]

They will be and your post makes no sense. What does the past have to do with what I stated? Where were Penn St and tOSU ten years ago?

You stated Mich is a top tier .. they're not. They're a top 10 team.. might change this year as they have a pretty salty lineup...on paper.

 

[StParis]

They have a solid lineup for sure. The injury bug always seems to bite them hard.

They don't have enough f*n.

 

[LBlindHawk]

They don't have enough f*n.

They'd get more f*ns if they had more f***.

 

[minnhawkeye]

Michigan could very well be the spoiler at big tens and nationals..
It will all depend on the seeding and can see them doing damage to
Ohio State or Penn State will be very interesting.

 

[HawkFT]

This year's schedule for the Hawks is the most challenging I have seen. There is always a tough one or two (OSU, PSU, tOSU, formerly Minn), but with the lineups being assembled at OSU, tOSU, Michigan, PSU...there is alot of parity. Hard to say this would be the first year we could be considered by many to be under dogs against these teams. Stay healthy, win! "Let's Go Hawks!"

 

[MSU158]

Iowa wrestles Michigan the last weekend in January. Will Stoll be wrestling by then? Will Downey? Excluding guys like Lee coming out of redshirt, lets put together a best available dual comparison.

125: Assuming it will be Perez, I expect a controlled win for Assad, but with the way Mich view RS's don't be surprised if Mattin is the guy if he progresses. MICH 3-0
133: Micic is a hammer. Expect a MD here. MICH 7-0
141: Not sold on Profaci. If Freeman stays in RS, Iowa wins here. MICH 7-3
149: Sorensen is too much here. 12-2ish type match. TIED 7-7
157: Marquee Match #1. This one should be fun to watch. Both are really strong on their feet. I will give the edge to Kemerer since Pantaleo is bumping up, but Kemerer better be firing on all cylinders. IOWA 10-7
165: Massa is too much. I really like Marinelli, but Logan is a Finalist this season. TIED 10-10
174: I like Young, but Amine made a huge jump last season. Young may catch up to him after a season, but this year Amine wins comfortably. MICH 13-10
184: Marquee Match #2. Unless Downey is cleared and utilized the week prior against tOSU, this could be a huge coming out for him. Abounader is tough during the regular season, so this should be a great gauge. I will give it to PDIII. TIED 13-13.
197: Wilcke shows a ton of heart, but he just can't beat the top tier being undersized. Beazley with a controlled victory. 16-13 MICH.
285: Marquee #3. I really like Stoll. Inf act, other than Marinelli he is my favorite Hawkeye. However, Coon is just bigger, better and healthier. MICH 19-13.

If Lee does somehow wrestle, I really hope he doesn't(so he can truly get back to 100% and fully acclimate to 125), Iowa wins the dual!

 

[TarpHawk]

Per wrestlestat (and give andegre some credit and love for creating and maintaining an excellent site):

OSU over Iowa 25-11
PSU over Iowa 37-0
tOSU over Iowa 34-3
Mich over Iowa 26-10

WS has Wilcke at 84 and Holloway at 97.

We have some upside because we have a lot of unproven guys in the lineup. But it's definitely a rebuilding year.

 

[Ihawkd9times]

Iowa could be a team nobody sees coming at NCAAs if Lee wrestles then its possible that 125,149,157,184 could all be finalists. say 20x 4 = 80 points, add in if Stoll and the Bull get 10 each x2 = then there is 100 team points. If one of those 5 win the finals add 5 then get something from either 133,141,174,197 and maybe 110-115 could get it done.

Very longshot but just saying there is more than a rebuild and this team could look very different in Feb/March

 

[crablegs1]

Per wrestlestat (and give andegre some credit and love for creating and maintaining an excellent site):

OSU over Iowa 25-11
PSU over Iowa 37-0
tOSU over Iowa 34-3
Mich over Iowa 26-10

WS has Wilcke at 84 and Holloway at 97.

We have some upside because we have a lot of unproven guys in the lineup. But it's definitely a rebuilding year.

WS also has Minnesota over Iowa by 1, and Iowa by 1 over Rutgers. Both duals have some swing matches.

 

[LaxHawk174]

Iowa could be a team nobody sees coming at NCAAs if Lee wrestles then its possible that 125,149,157,184 could all be finalists. say 20x 4 = 80 points, add in if Stoll and the Bull get 10 each x2 = then there is 100 team points. If one of those 5 win the finals add 5 then get something from either 133,141,174,197 and maybe 110-115 could get it done.

Very longshot but just saying there is more than a rebuild and this team could look very different in Feb/March

With that lineup, I think we beat OSU, and Michigan in duals. Split 5-5 with tOSU. and get 2-4 wins against PSU, but fall short. Certainly plenty of firepower in March. With Lee we are almost a lock for top 3 IMO (assuming everyone stays healthy).

 

[HawkFT]

Per wrestlestat (and give andegre some credit and love for creating and maintaining an excellent site):

OSU over Iowa 25-11
PSU over Iowa 37-0
tOSU over Iowa 34-3
Mich over Iowa 26-10

WS has Wilcke at 84 and Holloway at 97.

We have some upside because we have a lot of unproven guys in the lineup. But it's definitely a rebuilding year.

I want to echo your comments about wrestlestat! Enjoy it. Glad wrestle stat and the computer won't be wrestling these meets!

 

[funkisfun12]

With that lineup, I think we beat OSU, and Michigan in duals. Split 5-5 with tOSU. and get 2-4 wins against PSU, but fall short. Certainly plenty of firepower in March. With Lee we are almost a lock for top 3 IMO (assuming everyone stays healthy).

Everything would have to go right for Iowa to get a 5-5 split with tOSU. Iowa is a clear underdog at 133, 141, 174, 197, and Hvy. Lee, coming off of surgery, beating Tomato as a true freshman is no gimme putt. Kemerer beating Micah is no guarantee, and Downey will have more than his hands full with Martin. Even 165, no one really knows where Marinelli is at, although I would favor him in that one.

 

[MSU158]

Does Iowa really want, or honestly need, 3rd place that badly. I know the wrestling mentality is to always believe you can win, but tOSU and PSU are just so far ahead of the field, you have to be realistic. The reason I say this is, Lee should not be the guy to change the redshirt norm. I don't care how good he has looked in the practice room. Too many things like surgery recovery and filling out to 125 as well as adjusting to a College Curriculum are non-conducive.

I know people have brought up saving the redshirt to protect against things, but is that really the mentality to have? Save it in case I get injured again? I would rather say use it to get your body and mind as strong as possible and then go tear it up. Hell, he could still use the Olympic redshirt as well. Plus, having Lee around for a guaranteed 5(maybe 6 with Oly Shirt) years could only benefit recruiting. He may be chomping at the bit, but I would be doing everything possible to keep him reined in til next season!

 

[Jackhawk87]

Does Iowa really want, or honestly need, 3rd place that badly. I know the wrestling mentality is to always believe you can win, but tOSU and PSU are just so far ahead of the field, you have to be realistic. The reason I say this is, Lee should not be the guy to change the redshirt norm. I don't care how good he has looked in the practice room. Too many things like surgery recovery and filling out to 125 as well as adjusting to a College Curriculum are non-conducive.

I know people have brought up saving the redshirt to protect against things, but is that really the mentality to have? Save it in case I get injured again? I would rather say use it to get your body and mind as strong as possible and then go tear it up. Hell, he could still use the Olympic redshirt as well. Plus, having Lee around for a guaranteed 5(maybe 6 with Oly Shirt) years could only benefit recruiting. He may be chomping at the bit, but I would be doing everything possible to keep him reined in til next season!

Have to agree with you RE Lee. He is going to be awesome, but filling out, fully rehabbing and starting next year should be the way to go. As good as he is, winning as an undersized 125 less than a year post ACL repair at the time of nationals would be tough (and potentially dangerous). Be patient, wait the year and be a 4 time undefeated NC.

 

[DayHawk18]

I say if Lee is ready to go and looking really good in the room, then let him go. That means going 50/50 with Gilman on their feet, winning Midlands, and being 100%.

 

[el dub]

I say if Lee is ready to go and looking really good in the room, then let him go. That means going 50/50 with Gilman on their feet, winning Midlands, and being 100%.

So you think Lee should have to be at same level as Gilman currently to get the nod?

 

[24 so far]

I'm all for not redshirting certain guys, but Spencer Lee is not on that list. He is smallish, and been injured. He of all people needs to Redshirt. Especially with the team we are putting out there this year.

 

[JohnBasedow]

ACL recoveries are getting much faster nowadays. Look at Brandon Snyder in football, he is going to be back playing Safety for Iowa in 6 months. If Lee is healthy and ready then I say let's roll. He has had some injury issues so it might be better for him to save the redshirt for if he has an early season injury like Hayes did last year.

That is only if he can get some quality mat time and he goes to Midlands and rolls people, which I think he will.

 

[DirkTang1]

ACL recoveries are getting much faster nowadays. Look at Brandon Snyder in football, he is going to be back playing Safety for Iowa in 6 months. If Lee is healthy and ready then I say let's roll. He has had some injury issues so it might be better for him to save the redshirt for if he has an early season injury like Hayes did last year.

That is only if he can get some quality mat time and he goes to Midlands and rolls people, which I think he will.

I'd be surprised if Brandon Snyder plays. If he does I'd be really happy if they played Hooker at SS over Taylor.

Now on to Lee. Let the guy redshirt. I don't care if he wins Midlands. I'd like him to take the year bulking up and giving us a strong four years after redshirt.

 

[purescurve]

How is Lee on bottom?

 

[JohnBasedow]

I'd be surprised if Brandon Snyder plays. If he does I'd be really happy if they played Hooker at SS over Taylor.

Now on to Lee. Let the guy redshirt. I don't care if he wins Midlands. I'd like him to take the year bulking up and giving us a strong four years after redshirt.

Snyder is practicing already and will play soon. Probably after the bye week. As for Lee, I can get down with both options, whatever decision they make is cool with me. I'm just pumped to see him wrecking fools.

 

[slushhead]

. . . I know people have brought up saving the redshirt to protect against things, but is that really the mentality to have? Save it in case I get injured again? I would rather say use it to get your body and mind as strong as possible and then go tear it up . . .

You couldn't have used a different expression?

 

[DirkTang1]

Snyder is practicing already and will play soon. Probably after the bye week. As for Lee, I can get down with both options, whatever decision they make is cool with me. I'm just pumped to see him wrecking fools.

After the bye week makes me feel much better. I can't wait to see him playing again. Not as much as I want to see Lee wrecking dudes though.

 

[DayHawk18]

So you think Lee should have to be at same level as Gilman currently to get the nod?

I think he's pretty damn close right now (I think he will be a far better mat wrestler than Gilman) but yes I do. NATO and Suriano are hammers.

 

[JustWrestle133]

How is Lee on bottom?

No idea. He has never been on bottom long enough for me to get a good evaluation of him in that position. I've seen him in the Ironman twice and he steamrolled some very highly ranked guys, but even against those high ranked wrestlers, he spent next to no time on bottom. Even in his infamous loss to Austin Desanto in the State Finals, Lee was let up immediately by Austin when he got to the down position, to start the period when Lee chose down as well as post takedown.

I think he will need to get some experience down there like a lot of top recruits. However, unlike some guys like Micah Jordan, it clearly isn't a glaring weakness right now.