Iowa will be taking on Illinois Friday night at 8pm at Carver Hawkeye Arena. The dual can be streamed live on Big Ten Network+.
Projected Matchups:
125- Spencer lee vs Maximo Renteria
Given the caliber of Lee’s opponent and him already having a major decision loss to Ayala there is a chance they throw Ayala in.
Should Lee wrestle this is either a tech or a pin, just depends which way Lee feels like taking it.
133- Cullan Schriever vs Lucas Byrd
These two only met once during their collegiate careers and that was back in January of 2022. Byrd won that match by way of a 5-0 decision.
If I had to say, this should be a closer match than most people expect, however there really isn’t a chance for Schriever to get the win here in my eyes.
141- Real Woods s Danny Pucino
Woods has been looking better and better every single match. He should have no real trouble getting through Pucino here, and bonus points would be nice.
149- Max Murin vs Kevon Davenport
Should not be too close of a match here with Murin being able to get the win. Bonus points maybe doubtful in this one but entirely possible.
157- Cobe Siebrecht vs Joe Roberts
Siebrecht has been wrestling very well so far this season and looks to have jumped levels after his pin vs Penn’s Anthony Artalona.
He should have no trouble winning this match and it looks like he will be able to secure a major decision.
165- Patrick Kennedy vs Dan Braunagel
This is going to be a very big test for Kennedy here. Braunagel picked up a massive win over Peyton Hall at the Midlands Championships with his only loss coming to Quincy Monday of Princeton.
Kennedy has looked very impressive so far this season with a 9-1 record. His only loss is to 2021 national champion David Carr 9-4.
Kennedy would have to be the favorite here but this could very well go in the favor of Braunagel.
174- Nelson Brands vs Edmond Ruth
Another match that is massive for Illinois. Ruth has burst on the scene after finally getting to wrestle on a team. He has an 18-1 record thus far with his only loss coming to Ethan Smith.
Nelson Brands of course is very good and consistent, but with that being said the way Ruth has been looking it is very hard to pick against him.
184- Abe Assad vs Dylan Connell
Assad should have no trouble getting the win here over Connell. These two have never met before but Connell has bonus point losses to a lot of top ranked guys.
197- Jacob Warner vs Zach Braunagel
This match is very interesting, Braunagel is coming off of a big win vs Braxton Amos at the Midlands Championships.
Warner is ranked between number 5-7 on every site while Braunagel is approaching the top 10. This match is in favor of Warner but it should be a low scoring affair and Braunagel could very well pull off a massive upset.
285- Tony Cassioppi vs Matt Wroblewski
Cassioppi should be cruising here with bonus points against Wroblewski. At this point the only people who can contest him are Kerk, Parris, and Davison.
Maybe a fall here should he be able to get things going on top.
