PSU - Ohio State '26 Match thread

May 7, 2022
253
797
93
To the extent people care about the Big Ten Tournament team standings.

I'd be OK if no team score were kept. Its only purpose is qualification for nationals.
B1* title just another career achievement for the hawks to not be at the top of. Might be Zain or Mitch that breaks it ultimately but the lions at the top I can forsee
 

SleepyLion

All-Conference
Sep 1, 2022
2,491
3,730
113
Yes but it seldom makes a difference. On the other board I did a pretty in depth analysis of the big tens since 2015 and only in 2022 when Michigan won by 1.5 points could you say definitively the byes probably made a difference.
...and we all know that anything that is definitely, probably the reason something happens then it most likely, absolutely was the cause.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Col

HikeNatParks

Senior
May 12, 2023
172
816
93
As reward for finishing taxes, I rewatched some of Friday. Struck me that we marvel at Mitchell’s pace, but I wonder if Luke’s is higher. Not shot attempts, just cumulative motion. The left-right-left lateral footwork, the head snaps, the fakes to create angles or find corners. Only a whistle stops any of it. Where MM may pause to smile at a well-defended shot, stroll casually back to center after an escape, or slow his stalking to lull an opponent, Luke seems purely kinetic, an electron harassing a nucleus, mixing speed and misdirection to confound and rattle.
Almost as much as any loss by MM, and despite a very tough top 7 weight, it’s getting to where I’ll be equally astounded by anyone beating Luke.
 

AgSurfer

All-Conference
Aug 9, 2013
609
1,865
92
Regarding tOSU having 3 starters out for the dual, a little bit of simple math is in order. If those 3 missing starters had wrestled, they would have had to score three tech falls to win the dual. The score would have been 20-20 and I think tOSU would have won by criteria.

What are the odds that would have happened?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Danoftw
Jun 26, 2025
937
966
93
Regarding tOSU having 3 starters out for the dual, a little bit of simple math is in order. If those 3 missing starters had wrestled, they would have had to score three tech falls to win the dual. The score would have been 20-20 and I think tOSU would have won by criteria.

What are the odds that would have happened?

Forget about TFs - the odds of them even winning any of the 3 matches was the same.
 

JoeBagobagels

Senior
Jun 24, 2025
772
920
92
Yea it was like Rocco didn't want to go neutral in the first period after the take down , he was on his feet most of the ride out.
My favorite of all the matches I've seen in person . I have seen maybe 8-10 and the 2024 big tens.

It was close to a perfect match , winning all the tossups ending up with a huge scoring margin.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mh-larch

Eddiejmoedee

Freshman
Nov 9, 2018
28
59
13
Just finished up watching neb/indiana. I don’t dislike Nebraska but NOT fond of Manning so I was rooting against Nebraska. First match 5-0 ind than a total butt kicking by Nebraska. A lot of matches that were close almost an upset for Indiana. End of match I’m thinking even no some matches were close that was a butt kickin by Nebraska. I looked at the score and was thinking PSU beat OSU by more than Nebraska over Indiana.
 

Nitlion1986

All-Conference
Apr 13, 2024
1,573
4,682
113
Just finished up watching neb/indiana. I don’t dislike Nebraska but NOT fond of Manning so I was rooting against Nebraska. First match 5-0 ind than a total butt kicking by Nebraska. A lot of matches that were close almost an upset for Indiana. End of match I’m thinking even no some matches were close that was a butt kickin by Nebraska. I looked at the score and was thinking PSU beat OSU by more than Nebraska over Indiana.
PSU kicked the snot out of OSU. There may have been a handful of really tight matches, but there is a reason Penn State won all of those matches and it isn't because they were lucky. Moreso because they are better.
 
Oct 12, 2021
580
980
93
Regarding tOSU having 3 starters out for the dual, a little bit of simple math is in order. If those 3 missing starters had wrestled, they would have had to score three tech falls to win the dual. The score would have been 20-20 and I think tOSU would have won by criteria.

What are the odds that would have happened?
If you look at most likely scenarios say that at 149 Van Ness wins by decision, Duke loses by decision, and Haines wins by decision now tOSU has 9 points instead of 5. Penn State would then in turn have 26. I guess 26-9 seems a lot better but is it really?
 

Nitlion1986

All-Conference
Apr 13, 2024
1,573
4,682
113
If you look at most likely scenarios say that at 149 Van Ness wins by decision, Duke loses by decision, and Haines wins by decision now tOSU has 9 points instead of 5. Penn State would then in turn have 26. I guess 26-9 seems a lot better but is it really?
OSU would have 8. However I hardly think it can be assumed OSU likely wins 157. Maybe a 50-50 toss-up, but OSU wasn't winning 157.
 

McScoreley

All-Conference
Oct 31, 2021
343
1,751
93
Rocco's match was the definition of odd. However, the amount of times Dylan Fishback has been taken down 2 times or more in a match can probably be counted on one hand (maybe slight over exaggeration but McEnelly went to SV against him twice this year after a 1-1 match) That's the main reason I was worried, Fishback isn't super offensive but his bread and butter is usually when he can do it, he wins the match because his defense is elite.

For Rocco to need 2 and to get it in basically 90 seconds is something else and in my opinion bodes well for March. His first period strategy on bottom ... let's just say I think the coaches will get that revised
 

mcpat

All-American
Mar 12, 2021
1,767
7,111
113
If you look at most likely scenarios say that at 149 Van Ness wins by decision, Duke loses by decision, and Haines wins by decision now tOSU has 9 points instead of 5. Penn State would then in turn have 26. I guess 26-9 seems a lot better but is it really?
Unless you’re giving Cannon a major over Duke, it’s 8 points for tOSU. 26-8
 

Fatwoodchuck

Senior
Oct 19, 2023
396
572
93
Rocco's match was the definition of odd. However, the amount of times Dylan Fishback has been taken down 2 times or more in a match can probably be counted on one hand (maybe slight over exaggeration but McEnelly went to SV against him twice this year after a 1-1 match) That's the main reason I was worried, Fishback isn't super offensive but his bread and butter is usually when he can do it, he wins the match because his defense is elite.

For Rocco to need 2 and to get it in basically 90 seconds is something else and in my opinion bodes well for March. His first period strategy on bottom ... let's just say I think the coaches will get that revised
Everybody complains when Rocco wins a low scoring match against other top level guys. Since his win over Ferrari he has wrestled different, looser, not as defensive guys getting to his legs and causing a scramble losing some and wrestling back and wining. What is odd about trying to become a better all around wrestler in every position.

Again I truly believe he is listening to the coaches and trying to change his strategy from pure defensive to a more offensive style.

We may see the same Rocco from two years ago in March but atleast we will know he has a good possibility of a come from behind win if need be.
 
Last edited:
Jun 26, 2025
937
966
93
OSU would have 8. However I hardly think it can be assumed OSU likely wins 157. Maybe a 50-50 toss-up, but OSU wasn't winning 157.

Agreed, VanNess and Haines were virtual locks (the chances that one or both scored bonus is pretty high) - to put those in the same category as 157 and say PSU likely loses 157 is somewhat absurd. There is zero evidence that Cannon likely beats Duke.
 

Psalm 1 guy

All-Conference
Nov 3, 2019
1,150
4,410
113
Everybody complains when Rocco wins a low scoring match against other top level guys. Since his win over Ferrari he has wrestled different, looser, not as defensive guys getting to his legs and causing a scramble losing some and wrestling back and wining. What is odd about trying to become a better all around wrestler in every position.

Again I truly believe he is listening to the coaches and trying to change his strategy from pure defensive to a more offensive style.

We may see the same Rocco from two years ago in March but atleast we will know he has a good possibility of a come from behind win if need be.
Given how Rocco has adjusted his offensive strategy his first season with the Penn State coaches, it shows he is coachable. The fact he transferred here without any apparent promises from Cael regarding being a starter shows his willingness to make the adjustments the coaches suggest. Given his athleticism and strength, I think he is going to be an absolute terror his last two seasons. Remember the Ryder leaving pearl clutching? Me neither, as Rocco's performance this season has left those pearls lying quietly in the dust : )
 

Psalm 1 guy

All-Conference
Nov 3, 2019
1,150
4,410
113
Agreed, VanNess and Haines were virtual locks (the chances that one or both scored bonus is pretty high) - to put those in the same category as 157 and say PSU likely loses 157 is somewhat absurd. There is zero evidence that Cannon likely beats Duke.
Regarding Cannon, given how long he will have been out after his surgery doesn't bode well for him in the post season. Unlike someone like Carter, his strength is his offensive attack rate and not his defense and positioning. I very much doubt the version of Cannon we see at the NCAA tournament will be like the one prior to his injury. There is also no guarantee he will be healed up enough to wrestle, although I haven't heard any specifics on how his recovery is going. I do feel bad for him, though. He was having a phenomenal season, and injuries always suck.
 
Last edited:

Random4598375

All-Conference
Jan 10, 2020
591
1,704
93
Regarding tOSU having 3 starters out for the dual, a little bit of simple math is in order. If those 3 missing starters had wrestled, they would have had to score three tech falls to win the dual. The score would have been 20-20 and I think tOSU would have won by criteria.

What are the odds that would have happened?
No, they lose on criteria. I think the criteria are:

1. Match wins (still PSU 6-4)
2. Most pins (PSU 1-0)
3. Match points (probably tOSU if you’re giving them 3 TFs, but who knows).
 

GregPickel

Heisman
Staff member
Jul 25, 2021
44,277
95,765
113
No, they lose on criteria. I think the criteria are:

1. Match wins (still PSU 6-4)
2. Most pins (PSU 1-0)
3. Match points (probably tOSU if you’re giving them 3 TFs, but who knows).
It starts with total number of bout victories. If that is tied, it goes next to (in order):

b. Combined total number of falls, forfeits, defaults and disqualifications.

c. Total match points scored only from decisions, major decisions and technical falls.

d. Total near fall points scored only from decisions, major decisions and technical falls. (Example: N-2 + N-3 + N-4 = Total of 9 near fall points scored for one team.)

e. Total number of takedowns scored only from decisions, major decisions and technical falls. (Example: T-3 + T-3 + T-3 = Total of 3 takedowns scored for one team.)

f. Least number of unsportsmanlike conduct calls.

g. First takedown scored in the dual meet.
 

PSUAllTheWay

All-Conference
Jan 18, 2015
2,069
4,313
213
Given how Rocco has adjusted his offensive strategy his first season with the Penn State coaches, it shows he is coachable. The fact he transferred here without any apparent promises from Cael regarding being a starter shows his willingness to make the adjustments the coaches suggest. Given his athleticism and strength, I think he is going to be an absolute terror his last two seasons.
I couldn't agree more. Rocco said in an interview he came to PSU to learn how to scramble and become more offensive. So far, so great! He doesn't have the scrambling part down but his offensive firepower has grown by leaps and bounds. He's just not confident enough in his scrambling to take more shots against top top competitors yet, but if he keeps working it hard, it will come. Very high on what he can accomplish.
 

District 4

All-Conference
Feb 16, 2018
1,070
2,526
113
Rocco's match was the definition of odd. However, the amount of times Dylan Fishback has been taken down 2 times or more in a match can probably be counted on one hand (maybe slight over exaggeration but McEnelly went to SV against him twice this year after a 1-1 match) That's the main reason I was worried, Fishback isn't super offensive but his bread and butter is usually when he can do it, he wins the match because his defense is elite.

For Rocco to need 2 and to get it in basically 90 seconds is something else and in my opinion bodes well for March. His first period strategy on bottom ... let's just say I think the coaches will get that revised
I remember telling my buddy before the match that pretty much everyone had this going to overtime lol. Boy was that the wrong call. Loved the crowd after that match
 
  • Like
Reactions: SkiSkiSki

District 4

All-Conference
Feb 16, 2018
1,070
2,526
113
Given how Rocco has adjusted his offensive strategy his first season with the Penn State coaches, it shows he is coachable. The fact he transferred here without any apparent promises from Cael regarding being a starter shows his willingness to make the adjustments the coaches suggest. Given his athleticism and strength, I think he is going to be an absolute terror his last two seasons. Remember the Ryder leaving pearl clutching? Me neither, as Rocco's performance this season has left those pearls lying quietly in the dust : )
I will admit i was absolutely wrong about losing ryder and gaining rocco
 

PSUeng

Sophomore
Feb 5, 2003
62
116
33
Has Cannon been out longer than Nagao? Why are they even counting Cannon as out? We are not crying about Nagao being out. I think if healthy Nagao would not have given up a tech.