I’m going to hurt feelings

[jack66]

Have the robes come back out since the wreck at rec?

Wreck? 19-18 with a last second turn by Bo and an upset at 197.

The Buckeyes are for real, and they definitely have a path to victory.

We are favored at 149, 165, 174, and 197. They get the nod at 141 and 285. With bonus possibilities at 165 and 197, they will likely have to win all 4 toss-ups, but they at least have a puncher's chance.

As for TanTom sitting some of his starters ... not a chance ... this is his Super Bowl.

 

[kingstown]

Wouldn't Peterson's win last year put him in Lilledahl's caliber?

Also not getting why funky pins are being discounted here. We celebrated them from Bo Nickal, for example. Bouzakis has had some funky pins, but he's not exactly Soldano out there winning largely on junk. But even if he were, so what? Dylan Ness was a 2x finalist because he could hit that elevator from any position, and either he did or everyone feared it.

I don't discount funky pins but the number of losses Nick suffers are not comparable to Bo. Nick hasn't even placed. He came in with Mendez. I fully agree he is scary but his win/loss record doesn't make me think he is a guy who can string them together. Put that with a tough cut and day two quarter finals may not see a very energetic guy.

 

[kingstown]

Wreck? 19-18 with a last second turn by Bo and an upset at 197.

The Buckeyes are for real, and they definitely have a path to victory.

We are favored at 149, 165, 174, and 197. They get the nod at 141 and 285. With bonus possibilities at 165 and 197, they will likely have to win all 4 toss-ups, but they at least have a puncher's chance.

As for TanTom sitting some of his starters ... not a chance ... this is his Super Bowl.

165 isn't a bonus possibility but rather a certainty. I think PSU gets 6 bonus points in this dual and tOSU gets 3. 27-12 yawner.

 

[Zacrissy]

I think you are underestimating Luke. Luke didn't become a three time world champ because he had such a tough time adjusting to strong opponents. The teammate Luke lost too is significantly better than the one Nick lost against. Luke beat Ramos twice last year who was far more dangerous and skilled than Bouzakis. Throw in the epic tOSU meltdown at the mere thought of a dual against PSU and you have the perfect recipe for a lack luster tOSU performance. Ryan is probably already making his excuse speech. The dual will be a massacre and all the hype in the world won't prevent what even the buckeye wrestlers know is going to happen. "Same old buckeyes-same old lions" some names have changed but the excuses by Tom Ryan are ageless.

Saying Luke lost to a kid SIGNIFICANTLY better than the one Bouzakis lost to considering that kid Bouzakis lost to literally stuck and pinned Luke last year is kinda funny read out loud.

Even though you are probably right… still funny on the surface.

 

[Zacrissy]

Bouzakis can absolutely pin anybody, but he just isn't likely to win a match against a guy as high level as Luke without a pin. Has he ever beaten anybody of Luke's caliber? I know he beats guys like Stevo and Dean Peterson, but has he beaten any top three place winners in his career?I know he has lost a lot. I don't think it will be very competitive as Luke will own him, but there is always the chance Bouzakis hits a home run and takes Luke feet to back. He isn't winning a takedown battle.

Jore Volk, Peterson, Poulin, and Knox (who would be top 5 if wrestling this year) so far this early season.

Nic has found his folk style niche at 125 pounds if he can keep making the cut effectively.

He’s an entirely different wrestler this year at 125 than he was last year at 33.

I think Nic winning U23 nationals the past 2 summers in ‘24 and ‘25 has changed his confidence and mindset for the better on the mat…. Especially after this past summer.

 

[kingstown]

No post.

When did he beat Drake? Yes that qualifies. Was it in high school?

 

[kingstown]

Saying Luke lost to a kid SIGNIFICANTLY better than the one Bouzakis lost to considering that kid Bouzakis lost to literally stuck and pinned Luke last year is kinda funny read out loud.

Even though you are probably right… still funny on the surface.

I understand how it sounds....yet it sure seems to me that Nate is significantly better than McCrone at this time. I haven't bothered looking up all of Nick's losses but I'm guessing they haven't all been to top 3 guys. I know Teske beat him once. McCrone has beat him. He has lost many. He had an overtime win over Volk this year and Volk is very good. That is his best career win that I know of.

 

[Zacrissy]

Regarding Bouzakis and his weight cut, it’s pretty remarkable how well he’s been able to handle it so far.

Many people (I being one) scoffed at the notion of he going down to 125 when it was brought up as a possibility last year.

This is a video of him after winning U23’s just 6 months ago and making light of how hard it was for him to get down to the 134 pounds (61kg) the. Night before his match.

I mean I’m obviously a Ohio State fan but I think any wrestling fan in general, in particular ones who have gone through this similar, we can all respect what he’s done done getting down to 125.

Kudos to the kid on the sacrifice he’s made for the team and himself to find a way into the lineup and have success in doing so so far to this point.

 

[Zacrissy]

When did he beat Drake? Yes that qualifies. Was it in high school?

No I changed it to no post because I was confusing him with Davino, so my bad on that.

But I did say in another post Nic has won U23’s 2 years in a row and this year has beaten Volk, Peterson, Knox and Poulin already.

Does that mean he’ll beat Luke? Absolutely not. But I think at the very least that qualified Nic as a formidable opponent to Luke, and far from an automatic loss as you seem to be alluding to it being saying Nic isn’t in the same class talent wise as Luke.

I could be completely wrong however, and you spot on. Guess we will see.

 

[McScoreley]

Tom Ryan if he wins the toss will obviously start at 133 or 141 to give Bouzakis time off the scale. That could be a factor against Luke.

I get it's what he needs to do but not doing him any favor in a tournament setting. You have to make weight 3 days and you wrestle 1 hour off the scale.

Kind of funny Tom complained Zain got extensive time off the scale at OTT but is doing the same thing for all of Bouzakis' match. He basically had a day of recovery against Peterson and a few hours against Poulin.

 

[WV lion]

Ramos pinned Spencer Lee. Who of the skill set has Nick beat? Did I miss something? It must have been in high school because he hasn't been much in college. What is Nick's best pin? Any top three guys? Top 4?

Agree to disagree. Nick gets anyone in a cradle, it is lights out. Stronger than Ramos.

 

[WV lion]

I agree that Lilledahl is probably better than Bouzakis but without much wiggle room between them, in either a dual or tournament setting.

I'd expect a rematch in the B10 finals, and possibly again in the NCAA semis or finals depending on seeds. Both are definitely making at least the quarters, and are gonna be tough outs from there.

Futile arguing with some people.

 

[WV lion]

Tom Ryan if he wins the toss will obviously start at 133 or 141 to give Bouzakis time off the scale. That could be a factor against Luke.

I get it's what he needs to do but not doing him any favor in a tournament setting. You have to make weight 3 days and you wrestle 1 hour off the scale.

Kind of funny Tom complained Zain got extensive time off the scale at OTT but is doing the same thing for all of Bouzakis' match. He basically had a day of recovery against Peterson and a few hours against Poulin.

I thought both coaches had to agree. Could be wrong. Looked it up, if coaches disagree, then coin flip, winner picks weight. If meet starts at 133 or 141, meet will be over by 125lbs.

 

[mvattivo]

The sad thing is, I watched Troy wrestle in high school, he was slick.

His senior year in college he was a heavy favorite to win, but even he admitted that he froze up in the finals.

Troy is one of the nicest guys I've ever met.

 

[King of Poland II]

Makes no difference to me. I was just letting you know in case you didn't . 125 is a toss up match currently

Not a toss up in my eyes… Ramos pinning Spencer > McCrone pinning Luke. Ramos pinned a much stronger guy than Bouzakis, but couldn’t pin Luke. The freshman flakiness will not show up for Luke in this one. I think he’ll work Nick through the mat with speed.

 

[King of Poland II]

I like our guys as well, but what evidence are you giving for this????

I hope Nate ends up there as well, but with two common opponents with McCrone - Luke and Flynn - McCrone has done even better than Nate.

Doesn’t it just feel like McCrone has regressed though?

 

[King of Poland II]

Regarding Bouzakis and his weight cut, it’s pretty remarkable how well he’s been able to handle it so far.

Many people (I being one) scoffed at the notion of he going down to 125 when it was brought up as a possibility last year.

This is a video of him after winning U23’s just 6 months ago and making light of how hard it was for him to get down to the 134 pounds (61kg) the. Night before his match.

I mean I’m obviously a Ohio State fan but I think any wrestling fan in general, in particular ones who have gone through this similar, we can all respect what he’s done done getting down to 125.

Kudos to the kid on the sacrifice he’s made for the team and himself to find a way into the lineup and have success in doing so so far to this point.

All you had to say was, “I’m an Ohio State fan.” Sorry about your luck. By the way, there are a lot of State schools in Ohio, no “THE.”

 

[King of Poland II]

Agree to disagree. Nick gets anyone in a cradle, it is lights out. Stronger than Ramos.

How is he stronger than Ramos? Is Nic stronger than Spencer? I’ll double or nothing the Pepsi Challenge that he isn’t. Dang, you have me shilling for Spencer now but that’s a ridiculous comment. He might have a chance to catch Luke, but I’ll take PA strength over FLA strength any day.

 

[Atrain83]

You’ve got some of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

LL vs. Bouzakis
Blaze vs. Davino
Duke vs. Cannon
Rocco vs. Fishback

Hard not to look ahead but this will be the duel of the season across the sport can’t wait.

 

[kingstown]

Not a toss up in my eyes… Ramos pinning Spencer > McCrone pinning Luke. Ramos pinned a much stronger guy than Bouzakis, but couldn’t pin Luke. The freshman flakiness will not show up for Luke in this one. I think he’ll work Nick through the mat with speed.

Some people need something to sweat about. This dual will not be competitive. There is one guy saying Mitch has a "chance" at bonus. Poor Paddy would pay Mitch's phone bill just to have that match not happen. 133 is not a toss up either, but ok. If 125 goes last so Nick can walk the dual will be so lop sided nobody but the janitor and those of us arguing over who is better between Luke and Nick will care. I understand trying to create drama where there is none, so count me in. Dual of the century!

 

[Nitlion1986]

I have yet to figure out the "never AAed" v "last year's 3rd placer" is a toss-up, thought process?

 

[dicemen99]

Doesn’t it just feel like McCrone has regressed though?

No. Not in the least.

Again, where is the evidence that Nate is better right now than McCrone? I can’t see any evidence of that from results. We like our guy?? Yes, of course, so do I, but an objective observer is not going to agree with that. I’m hoping that’s the case but that’s yet to be confirmed by anything that’s transpired on the mat.

 

[El_Jefe]

Doesn’t it just feel like McCrone has regressed though?

How are we defining "regression"?

McCrone went 1-2 at NCAAs each of the last 2 years, so to me, that would mean he's not qualifying this year if named the starter.

This year he's 7-1 with the loss to the defending national champ. Not the greatest competition (except for Robinson and Bouzakis), but what are we seeing that would tell us he's a DNQ if Bouzakis got hurt?

 

[King of Poland II]

No. Not in the least.

Again, where is the evidence that Nate is better right now than McCrone? I can’t see any evidence of that from results. We like our guy?? Yes, of course, so do I, but an objective observer is not going to agree with that. I’m hoping that’s the case but that’s yet to be confirmed by anything that’s transpired on the mat.

I don’t think one has anything to do with the other and I was talking about McCrone, not Nate. You can’t see evidence of the lat from results? The cat had a 64% win percentage over the last 2 years. I guess you’re right, 23-11 last year was slightly better than 20-13 the year before. Maybe that proves he hasn’t regressed, but that doesn’t make him a good wrestler either. Maybe I just hate kids from Willoughby and it has nothing to do with “our guys.” How would you possibly know?

 

[funkisfun10]

You’ve got some of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

LL vs. Bouzakis
Blaze vs. Davino
Duke vs. Cannon
Rocco vs. Fishback

Hard not to look ahead but this will be the duel of the season across the sport can’t wait.

Solid post, then you ruined it with "duel"....

 

[King of Poland II]

How are we defining "regression"?

McCrone went 1-2 at NCAAs each of the last 2 years, so to me, that would mean he's not qualifying this year if named the starter.

This year he's 7-1 with the loss to the defending national champ. Not the greatest competition (except for Robinson and Bouzakis), but what are we seeing that would tell us he's a DNQ if Bouzakis got hurt?

I’ll give him even more credit because I’m pretty sure he’s 9-1 this year.

He could qualify, Boss, but to qualify and go 1-2, then 1-2, and probably 1-2 (if he started this year) is regression to me (or would it be more appropriate to say, “stalling” or “treading water” or “idling”). If you’re not going forward in sports you’re usually going backwards.

 

[Biffkin]

I feel like nobody (well, not many) on this board has watched Bouzakis wrestle this year at 125. He's been impressive and is not just relying on big moves (although he still has them in his arsenal).

Luke can well beat him, but he will have to be better than he was this weekend to do so.

I like Luke's chances here. Luke wrestles his best when he's moving in and out and circling. He's gotten into trouble when going toe to toe. being a stationary target. Luke gets two TD's win 6-3

 

[District 4]

How is he stronger than Ramos? Is Nic stronger than Spencer? I’ll double or nothing the Pepsi Challenge that he isn’t. Dang, you have me shilling for Spencer now but that’s a ridiculous comment. He might have a chance to catch Luke, but I’ll take PA strength over FLA strength any day.

Ryan will send mccrone out wait and see.

 

[Nitlion1986]

I like Luke's chances here. Luke wrestles his best when he's moving in and out and circling. He's gotten into trouble when going toe to toe. being a stationary target. Luke gets two TD's win 6-3

I believe Bouzakis is going to wrestle Luke aggressively with the intention of winning. The motion, movement and aggressiveness will present Luke plenty of opportunities to get to his offense. Luke wins this match going away. This will be a bonus win.
Ohio State and Bouzakis will have a different plan in the post season.

 

[WV lion]

I believe Bouzakis is going to wrestle Luke aggressively with the intention of winning. The motion, movement and aggressiveness will present Luke plenty of opportunities to get to his offense. Luke wins this match going away. This will be a bonus win.
Ohio State and Bouzakis will have a different plan in the post season.

I think that is the best scenario for Luke, to have Bouzakis attack. Much more openings for Luke's counter attacks.

 

[Jordy99]

Wreck? 19-18 with a last second turn by Bo and an upset at 197.

The Buckeyes are for real, and they definitely have a path to victory.

We are favored at 149, 165, 174, and 197. They get the nod at 141 and 285. With bonus possibilities at 165 and 197, they will likely have to win all 4 toss-ups, but they at least have a puncher's chance.

As for TanTom sitting some of his starters ... not a chance ... this is his Super Bowl.

The wreck at Rec win was without Nolf. With Nolf in the lineup, this match wouldn't have been close.

 

[funkisfun10]

The wreck at Rec win was without Nolf. With Nolf in the lineup, this match wouldn't have been close.

And that's why Tommy broke out the robes, hw smelled blood in the water. Didn't work out...

 

[dicemen99]

I don’t think one has anything to do with the other and I was talking about McCrone, not Nate. You can’t see evidence of the lat from results? The cat had a 64% win percentage over the last 2 years. I guess you’re right, 23-11 last year was slightly better than 20-13 the year before. Maybe that proves he hasn’t regressed, but that doesn’t make him a good wrestler either. Maybe I just hate kids from Willoughby and it has nothing to do with “our guys.” How would you possibly know?

I am talking about comparing McCrone with Nate and the statement that Nate is much better than McCrone. How do we come to that conclusion?

 

[Goggles Paisano]

Mendez is teching who ever psu throws out. Blaze beats davino.

I think both Davis and Nagao can avoid a tech.

 

[Goggles Paisano]

PS - by February 60% of our team may be ranked #1. Try going through these exercises from the perspective of a tOSU fan who has lived through the past decade of soul draining matches with PSU. They are just going to be hoping it isn't a 8-2 embarrassment.

 

[a_mshaffer]

I'm well aware. McCrone turned him and pinned him. It is the one path to victory for a guy like McCrone against a guy like Luke. That is so unlikely to be repeatable that we already know Ryan won't feed McCrone to Luke. Luke went on to place first at BIG, third at the NCAA, and win a World title while Nick was busy beating a few guys far below Luke in wrestling skill and achievement. Should we compare losses or wins between these two guys?

caught him... mcrone was losing at the time, right? Luke had the only TD if memory serves

 

[a_mshaffer]

Makes no difference to me. I was just letting you know in case you didn't . 125 is a toss up match currently

I don't think so. I think Luke is or should be favored greater than 60%... toss up is 50/50

 

[Lil Nicky Scarfo]

And that's why Tommy broke out the robes, hw smelled blood in the water. Didn't work out...

Yup - that team and fans were riding high. It was great to wipe the smugness from their faces - both at home and in Cleveland of all places.

The dual was great, but the tournament topped it. Aside from Bo’s epic pin was Nolf just kicking the crap out of Micah Jordan - helping to turn the tide on Friday night.

 

[Reiterate]

I'm still wondering why Nick Scarfo cares about feelings

 

[WexfordWarrior]

I'm still wondering why Nick Scarfo cares about feelings

It's: