Final X - I + I: Vito vs. Jax

[The-Dude-Abides]

First match is at 3:50 pm CDT, streaming on Flo. Match two is 5pm CDT. If needed, match three is only 30 minutes after second match (could be a factor if it goes three).

Anyone think Forrest can do it? I have no idea what Vito's injury situation is, so maybe it gets interesting. If Vito is even close to healthy though, I have to pick him. Should be some exciting matches regardless. I think we are a medal threat at the weight either way.

 

[dtripp26]

Jax has as much funk and big score capability as anyone in the country. However, with Vito's combination of quickness and finishing, he'll have to be very injured for Jax to have a chance.

Now I'm going to take a nap at the Holiday Inn Express.

 

[sdvike]

What is/was Vito's injury?

 

[The-Dude-Abides]

Scoring was Vito TD, then Jax TD. Vito in deep on a shot, but Jax scrambles well to keep it to a push out. Vito in deep a few more times, but Jax with great defensive positioning. Vito gets attention for not staying engaged late, takes a sloppy shot, avoids the counter, but then Jax gets the go behind on the edge with just a few seconds left. Vito gassing pretty hard late, long time off the mat for him.

 

[dt21]

it's all those free plane rides

 

[The-Dude-Abides]

What is/was Vito's injury?

He's been pretty quiet about it publicly, but he posted something that he had two surgeries. One was a finger. I've heard the other was a vertebra issue that was affecting his arm, but not sure.

 

[Libertylover]

Scoring was Vito TD, then Jax TD. Vito in deep on a shot, but Jax scrambles well to keep it to a push out. Vito in deep a few more times, but Jax with great defensive positioning. Vito gets attention for not staying engaged late, takes a sloppy shot, avoids the counter, but then Jax gets the go behind on the edge with just a few seconds left. Vito gassing pretty hard late, long time off the mat for him.

Wasn’t even close in second match. Looked like Vito had no gas tank from the beginning, and kind of looked like he didn’t want to be there. I know he can be very hot and cold. Today he was frigid.

 

[The-Dude-Abides]

Match 2 now. Jax with a quick TD and turn for 4-0. A few good attempts from Vito, but Jax with tough defense, 4-0 at the break.

Vito warned for passivity, takes a shot, Jax counters and gets a step out, 5-0. Vito very tired. Vito with a drag for a late TD, tries for a turn and Jax ends up getting 2 more for the exposure. Jax wins 7-2 to make the team.

Vito definitely lacking his usual speed and absolutely gassed, but Jax was very impressive. Medal threat for sure.

 

[Tiltman]

Our crop of young studs is crazy good!

 

[Mattski]

Would have lost that bet for sure. Jax is just so unorthodox and relentless. He's going to be a handful. I do think he'll need to eventually bump to 41 and will need to add some strength but no reason to think he won't be successful no matter what weight he's at.

 

[dtripp26]

Vito did not look good. Maybe not 100%? Definitely not in shape.

If you don't finish quickly on Jax, you're going to give up points. He is on another level with his scrambling!

Solid win for Jax! All that extra training paid off, he didn't choke in his big match!

 

[LineDriveHawk]

Who is that wearing the Hawkeye shirt?

 

[InTheCircle]

If Jax avoids major injuries and continues his laser focus, his accomplishments will be greater than Bo’s.
It’s not because Bo left Iowa. Bo has too much clutter going on upstairs and the mental game is crucial for success.
This certainly doesn’t help the process of recruiting top level talent at Iowa any easier.
Hats off to Jax.

 

[UNIHawk]

Who is that wearing the Hawkeye shirt?

Owen McMullen probably.

 

[js8793]

If Jax avoids major injuries and continues his laser focus, his accomplishments will be greater than Bo’s.
It’s not because Bo left Iowa. Bo has too much clutter going on upstairs and the mental game is crucial for success.
This certainly doesn’t help the process of recruiting top level talent at Iowa any easier.
Hats off to Jax.

Jax is also just better than Bo.

But that last sentence is so true. Tom needs to wake up. The RTC is the path to success. They need top 3-5 guys on the ladder at every weight, no exceptions. You have the money. Get it done.

 

[Praguehawk]

I wanted Jax more than Bo. Very disappointed we don't have either. I think Jax is going to have the better overall career, but they are both complete studs.

 

[Anon1746362370]

Bo would have brought Melvin and lil bro, probably a little pipeline as well. I agree Jax will have a better career but I'm sure Bo will be just fine, I'm gonna throw out a Metcalf type career.

 

[Anon1746362370]

Jax is also just better than Bo.

But that last sentence is so true. Tom needs to wake up. The RTC is the path to success. They need top 3-5 guys on the ladder at every weight, no exceptions. You have the money. Get it done.

Who should be the main targets for the HWC? Realistically, who do you think we should/could go after?

 

[js8793]

Who should be the main targets for the HWC? Realistically, who do you think we should/could go after?

Keckeisen is a guy I'd throw a lot of money at.

But you're right. There aren't that many big names theoretically available because OSU swept them all up last year. McKenna and Valencia would have been perfect fits.

Could Otoguro help bring in some Japanese guys? Maybe Kiyooka at 65? Ishiguro at 86? Could they lure Gomez away from Michigan? Bartlett just signed with NYRTC, but maybe they could beat that offer? Would Yianni be open to a fresh start? He's had a rough couple years in Ithaca. Does Nebraska have the resources to keep Lovett?

 

[dtripp26]

Keckeisen is a guy I'd throw a lot of money at.

But you're right. There aren't that many big names theoretically available because OSU swept them all up last year. McKenna and Valencia would have been perfect fits.

Could they lure Gomez away from Michigan? Bartlett just signed with NYRTC, but maybe they could beat that offer? Would Yianni be open to a fresh start? He's had a rough couple years in Ithaca. Does Nebraska have the resources to keep Lovett?

Who is our coach again? Oh right, none of that will happen until TnT are gone.

 

[Anon1750896976]

Who is our coach again? Oh right, none of that will happen until TnT are gone.

And dan dennis! Ridiculous hire!

 

[Scrubby]

Bo and Jax have very different styles and reasons for their success. Bo is an endless motor with hard hand fighting to set up most of his offense. Jax is a scrambling wizard who also has incredibly quick reflexes and attack speed as well. I tend to think Jax style will translate better at higher levels but both are studs. Amazing to see such young men see this level of success. Vito didn't look anywhere close to 100% but Jax still looks like a menace to anyone out there. Will be interesting to see how these young guys do at worlds this year.

 

[Anon1750896976]

Look what Mich RTC HAS PRODUCED! Yes talent entering but hes made leaps. Okie st in a yr. NLWC AND WE DAN DENNIS. Nothing to show for yrs and $. What a waste of time money set program back yrs!

 

[MSU158]

Look what Mich RTC HAS PRODUCED! Yes talent entering but hes made leaps. Okie st in a yr. NLWC AND WE DAN DENNIS. Nothing to show for yrs and $. What a waste of time money set program back yrs!

As good as Cliff Keen has been, it is mostly because they embraced coaching guys from the US that are wrestling for different countries. Is that something you would even remotely want to embrace?

Until DT took over, OkState had a nearly non-existent RTC. Prior to that, it was basically just the NLWC that was any kind of a legit draw for High School recruits. Let's not act like the HWC was losing recruits all over the place due to RTC's. It was pretty much just PSU that was gaining from it.

Now, yes, I agree that I would absolutely love it if the Brands put more emphasis on making the HWC look appealing to all recruits, but its not like they can't get guys to medal that are actually good enough to do so. Their history down low still is pretty damn solid going back from Lee, to, who guessed it, Dan Dennis...