While the Big 12 can feel preordained, there are several matchups in the Big Ten that will allow for fans to have a better indication of how the postseason race will proceed. The Iowa Hawkeyes will be the clear favorites to win the Big Ten, but their ascension and predetermination as the best team might make any failures by their top wrestlers seem like a sign of weakness. Similarly, the expectations around Penn State's season have been mooted, but with new heavy hitters in the lineup a good outcome this weekend might give credence to the idea the Nittany Lions can unseat the Hawkeyes.
I'm skeptical. As you'll see below I have Iowa winning five weight classes, and even if Penn State overperforms and wins three (or four) they are at a disadvantage in total points scored and access to bonus points. The Iowa team really does seem to be significantly more dominant.
As it was last week, I think the biggest idea to keep in mind is that we are making it to the end of the year. The NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships will happen and it will be a massive success for the wrestlers, administrators, coaches, and fans.
To your questions ...
Q: Who are your predicted champs for this weekend's Big Ten Championships?
-- Mike C.
Foley: See predictions below.
Individual:
125: Spencer Lee (Iowa)
133: Roman Bravo Young (Penn State)
141: Jaydin Eierman (Iowa)
149: Max Murin (Iowa)
157: Ryan Deakin (Northwestern)
165: Alex Marinelli (Iowa)
174: Mike Kemerer (Iowa)
184: Aaron Brooks (Penn State)
197: Myles Amine (Michigan)
285: Gable Steveson (Minnesota)
Team:
1. Iowa
2. Penn State
3. Michigan
4. Ohio State
Greg Kerkvliet enters the postseason with a 2-0 record and No. 6 national ranking (Photo/PSU Athletics)Q: What do you think of Greg Kerkvliet being seeded seventh at the Big Tens? He will likely face Mason Parris in the quarters. On one hand you could argue Kerkvliet is seeded too high based on wrestling only two matches. On the other hand you could argue that he should be a top four seed because of his talent and past accomplishments.
-- Mike C.
Foley: Fair! I think the committee actually balanced the skill and promise with his two wins. While that might feel unfair to Mason Parris, I hardly think that the Michigan Wolverine staff is bemoaning or complaining. Mason is one of the best heavyweights in the country and if you think they are 2-3 then they will fall that way regardless of where they meet in the lower bracket.
This year was a mess with allocations, conference seeding, and a myriad other items of general discontent. I think there are greater injustices and that an early round meetup between two titans is a net positive for the fans.
I have Mason winning the match, but I also have to admit that I haven't seen enough of Greg Kerkvliet this season to know if he's a generational talent who has just lacked the spotlight in a down year.
Q: Do you expect Zahid Valencia to win the Matteo Pellicone again?
-- Mike C.
Foley: Here is the entry list for 86 kilograms:
Hunter Lee (Canada)
Clayton Pye (Canada)
Chahar Parveen (Indiana)
Azamat Dauletbekov (Kazakhstan)
Yeskali Dauletkazy (Kazakhstan)
Ethan Ramos (Puerto Rico)
Fatih Erdin (Turkey)
Mark Hall (USA)
Myles Martin (USA)
Zahid Valencia (USA)
While Zahid is almost certain to medal, I'm not sure I would predict him winning the tournament. Erdin is a monster, Mark Hall is a problem, and Myles Martin can beat anyone at any time. The tournament doesn't have a ton of foreign talent so the Americans will be seeing a lot of each other. Familiarity with an opponent can make for weird outcomes.
Hoping for some awesome action.
Q: Any idea what ESPN's streaming plan will be for the NCAAs? I'm assuming its similar to the past but I have not heard anything yet.
-- Mike C.
Foley: Same.
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