The Cowboys failed to crown a national champion for the first time in six years as OSU went 0-for-2 in the finals. The last time Oklahoma State did not have a national champion was in 2000 when the Cowboys placed three All-Americans and finished fifth.
The Cowboys also placed fifth as a team in 2002, but they followed that with the next four national team titles.
Coleman Scott scored the only takedown in the 133-pound final against second-seeded Matt Valenti of Pennsylvania. Valenti, however, reversed Scott before the end of the first period to tie the match. Valenti took control in the second period with a full two minute ride. Scott was forced to cut Valenti to start the third and he could not get the decisive takedown in the final period.
"I felt good the whole time I was out there," Scott said. "My mind set was good and then I gave up the reversal and got ridden out. It was that whole second period that cost me.
"He did not get hit for stalling, but what are you going to do. It is my fault, I lost it for myself."
Johny Hendricks seemed to be in control of Iowa's Mark Perry after a full second period ride. He then scored a reversal in the third period to go up 2-0, but Perry tied the match with a reversal of his own. The match came down to the final 20 seconds and Perry was able to tilt him for two back points, which proved to be the difference in the match.
"I beat myself," a dejected Hendricks said afterward.
Minnesota held off Iowa State for the team title in an extremely close race that came down to the 197-pound final. Iowa State's Kurt Backes lost to American's Josh Glenn, which clinched the title for Minnesota. Cole Konrad then went out and recorded a fall in the heavyweight final for good measure.
Oklahoma State returns nine starters and three All-Americans, and will make a run at its 35th national championship in 2008 in St. Louis.
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