On to Bigs and beyond

[GogglesPaizano]

Well I couldn't be more Jazzed. It's time and what I think we all wanted is to head into the post season at full strength, and we have that wish.

Iowa is loaded in both experience and bonus potential with few weaknesses. Seasoned veterans looking to put a stamp on their careers these next two years, and with the Brands looking to put their seal on a team denied last year.

Or guys having lost 6 national champs over the past 3 years, head into this one healthy, very young, with many guys untested but full of potential. We are about to answer the questions, how good are we, how good can we become?

With the addition of Beau and Kerk we are putting our strongest combination on the mat. May CV not even enter into the conversation for any of the teams or kids out there competing.

It's going to be one hell of a battle, let the chips fall where they may, and may the best team win.

PS - Beware, we never peak at Big 10s, and we have never gone into the post season so young, with so few matches under our belts. I see a lot more room for growth in the next 30 days. If we can qualify all 10 for Nationals, LOOK OUT!

 

[Ja1339]

If you’re Tan Tom, is it ‘to infinity and beyond’ 😁

 

[pish69]

If we can qualify all 10 for Nationals, LOOK OUT!

If healthy I give us 99.99% of this happening

 

[jack66]

The Big 10s is mostly about getting as many NQs as we can, IMO.

Taking 6 Fr to NCAAs will be a big ask, but to my recollection Cael has had 9 Fr finish on the top half of the podium, and a few other Fr AAs.

Obviously if Iowa wrestles to seed they will be hard to beat, but the Hawks wrestling below seed is not unheard of. If we can take a healthy team to NCAAs TnT won't have a whole lot of wiggle room.

 

[nitlion6]

The Big 10s is mostly about getting as many NQs as we can, IMO.

Taking 6 Fr to NCAAs will be a big ask, but to my recollection Cael has had 9 Fr finish on the top half of the podium, and a few other Fr AAs.

Obviously if Iowa wrestles to seed they will be hard to beat, but the Hawks wrestling below seed is not unheard of. If we can take a healthy team to NCAAs TnT won't have a whole lot of wiggle room.

Just a guess, but Iowa between 125 and 130. That sets a high bar. Not surpassable, but it is on PSU to wrestle the perfect tournament not Iowa. The Hawks can misstep a couple times without it being an issue, if the Lions do not wrestle a damn near perfect tournament.

 

[RoarLions1]

Just a guess, but Iowa between 125 and 130. That sets a high bar. Not surpassable, but it is on PSU to wrestle the perfect tournament not Iowa. The Hawks can misstep a couple times without it being an issue, if the Lions do not wrestle a damn near perfect tournament.

The math has Iowa at 134 using the current Flo rankings, not considering bonus. Penn State and everyone else, is far behind, though at least for the Lions, the freshmen potential is high as they haven't reached the ranking equilibrium of a longer season. Kerk is even lower, at 14th in limited, final-weekend action.

The Big Ten tournament, while compressed compared to NCAA's, will give a hint to the challenges Iowa could face from the likes of Penn State and maybe Michigan at NCAA's. Anything can and does happen at tournaments!

 

[McScoreley]

I will say this about Iowa ... they have been very focused and not taking their position for granted. Remember how much Ohio State was chirping on twitter on 2018? Mr. Snyder himself talking about how many points they were ahead of Penn State, the pin chains, the robes, the bringing hell while knowing damn well PSU had a team full of hammers and that ultimately finished with 8 AAs.

Iowa looks like WAY more of a prohibitive favorite and their guys aren't talking about it. They know the work needs to be done. Props for them and great leadership by their seniors and TnT. Ohio State ultimately put the targets on their own backs and I sensed some ... tightness in their wrestling by end of NCAAs.

 

[raslen007]

I will say this about Iowa ... they have been very focused and not taking their position for granted. Remember how much Ohio State was chirping on twitter on 2018? Mr. Snyder himself talking about how many points they were ahead of Penn State, the pin chains, the robes, the bringing hell while knowing damn well PSU had a team full of hammers and that ultimately finished with 8 AAs.

Iowa looks like WAY more of a prohibitive favorite and their guys aren't talking about it. They know the work needs to be done. Props for them and great leadership by their seniors and TnT.

That is what getting talent from the best wrestling state will afford you.

 

[soonerbd]

That is what getting talent from the best wrestling state will afford you.

Again, just think what Iowa would be currently without the PA wrestlers. That’s not a knock on TnT it’s just a fact.

 

[jmadden1998]

Again, just think what Iowa would be currently without the PA wrestlers. That’s not a knock on TnT it’s just a fact.

 

[Ian]

It will be very hard for the Nits to get to the Hawkeyes whose lineup is pretty much top 3 seeds but for Brands. Seedings will especially hurt PSU at 125, 149, and 285. Its a shame these guys weren't there for the entire schedule because they'd probably be in the top 5, at least, maybe even top 3 in their weight classes. As it is, they will probably be around #7-#11 seed which pretty much means an early bout with a #1 or #2 seed.

 

[nerfstate]

Reposting from the pinned streaming thread because pinned threads are often overlooked.

does anyone know if the decision to air all of the Big Ten tournament on BTN will impact the ability to watch via individual mats on BTN plus?

 

[backdrft76]

View embedded media

I see he made his way over here now... LOL.

 

[ccdiver]

It will be very hard for the Nits to get to the Hawkeyes whose lineup is pretty much top 3 seeds but for Brands. Seedings will especially hurt PSU at 125, 149, and 285. Its a shame these guys weren't there for the entire schedule because they'd probably be in the top 5, at least, maybe even top 3 in their weight classes. As it is, they will probably be around #7-#11 seed which pretty much means an early bout with a #1 or #2 seed.

As long as they’re all healthy and there, I’m okay with however the seeds may fall. I’m hoping all of the youngsters get looks against the best the B1G has to offer in prep for the NCAA’s, and if that comes via a lower seed, then so be it.

 

[jqforster]

It will be very hard for the Nits to get to the Hawkeyes whose lineup is pretty much top 3 seeds but for Brands. Seedings will especially hurt PSU at 125, 149, and 285. Its a shame these guys weren't there for the entire schedule because they'd probably be in the top 5, at least, maybe even top 3 in their weight classes. As it is, they will probably be around #7-#11 seed which pretty much means an early bout with a #1 or #2 seed.

I agree with you to a point. 125 is where its going to hurt us the most because most likely Howard will be in same bracket as Lee. I do believe Howard can beat Heiselman and Barnett but not sure about Foley and Rasgusin. 149-Bartlett can Murin and Storr but not sure about Sasso. 285-Kerk can beat almost anyone. Stephenson I havent seen wrestle yet this year but looks like he got in better shape then when Cassar handled him.

 

[82bordeaux]

I see he made his way over here now... LOL.

@jmadden1998, you could get a little more imaginative with the GIFs. Like posting the French version...

 

[82bordeaux]

I do believe Howard can beat Heiselman and Barnett but not sure about Foley and Rasgusin.

He beat him 10-2 two years ago in High School. I doubt Robbie goes into that match thinking he can't win it.

 

[jqforster]

If healthy I give us 99.99% of this happening

How many places they taking to Nationals per weight class? Whats allocated per weight?

 

[jmadden1998]

@jmadden1998, you could get a little more imaginative with the GIFs. Like posting the French version...

I’m just a beginner. It will take some time to reach your level! 😀😀

 

[nerfstate]

View embedded media

As long as it's true, we're going to keep pointing it out, I'm afraid. Combination of #PAPride and well, we enjoy imagining ways to make Hawkeye fans squirm, even if it doesn't actually do so.

 

[jmadden1998]

As long as its true, we're going to keep pointing it out, I'm afraid. Combination of #PAPride and well, we enjoy imagining ways to make Hawkeye fans squirm, even if it doesn't actual do so.

I would take an Iowa lineup of 10 PA wrestlers if it means National Titles. But I know you guys have that PA pride which is deserved these days.

 

[dmm53]

Getting 10 guys to NCAAs is a tall but do-able task. When was the last time it happened at Penn State? Has it ever happened under Cael? Off hand, I can't recall, but I may be in error here.

 

[dunkej01]

I would take an Iowa lineup of 10 PA wrestlers if it means National Titles. But I know you guys have that PA pride which is deserved these days.

Im going to talk to the board later but whomever is responsible for trading you for wildturk has my vote for a raise. If you bring a strong .gif game to the business, well then maybe we can get you some scratch from the slush fund or casino chips.

 

[82bordeaux]

And speaking of the "Beyond" part of this thread, the seeding will all change for the NCAA tournament. And there will be a lot more land mines in the field. It will be nearly impossible for PSU to challenge Iowa at B1Gs. But when you sprinkle in all the competition at the big show, anything can happen. And after winning the B1G title, the expectations will be huge for the Hawks...

 

[dmm53]

Home field (house) advantage at Big Tens. Wonder if it will make a difference in an empty venue where you can hear your echo scream when you win or lose.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/c4/36/9ac43608f7bbef94cbe2d94c7955b458.gif

 

[jmadden1998]

And speaking of the "Beyond" part of this thread, the seeding will all change for the NCAA tournament. And there will be a lot more land mines in the field. It will be nearly impossible for PSU to challenge Iowa at B1Gs. But when you sprinkle in all the competition at the big show, anything can happen. And after winning the B1G title, the expectations will be huge for the Hawks...

This is true in “normal years” but with the Ivy opting out that leaves less land mines for the top guys to get through.

 

[PSU Mike]

Again, just think what Iowa would be currently without the PA wrestlers. That’s not a knock on TnT it’s just a fact.

 

[82bordeaux]

Home field (house) advantage at Big Tens. Wonder if it will make a difference in an empty venue where you can hear your echo scream when you win or lose.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/c4/36/9ac43608f7bbef94cbe2d94c7955b458.gif

FIFY...

 

[jqforster]

Getting 10 guys to NCAAs is a tall but do-able task. When was the last time it happened at Penn State? Has it ever happened under Cael? Off hand, I can't recall, but I may be in error here.

I believe Cael had 9 in 2016. But dont think he ever had 10. But dont quote me lol.

 

[jmadden1998]

Im going to talk to the board later but whomever is responsible for trading you for wildturk has my vote for a raise. If you bring a strong .gif game to the business, well then maybe we can get you some scratch from the slush fund or casino chips.

Prefer if you just tell Cael to not recruit Bouzakis and Chittum. They would look a lot better in black and gold.

 

[nerfstate]

Prefer if you just tell Cael to not recruit Bouzakis and Chittum. They would look a lot better in black and gold.

You're going to have to take that up w/ Smalls.

 

[82bordeaux]

Prefer if you just tell Cael to not recruit Bouzakis and Chittum. They would look a lot better in black and gold.

See, the problem with Chittum is that we will need to reload there by the class of 2023. And well, Bouzakis is wrestling in State College tonight...

 

[jmadden1998]

See, the problem with Chittum is that we will need to reload there by the class of 2023. And well, Bouzakis is wrestling in State College tonight...

 

[82bordeaux]

View embedded media

Your GIF game is improving as fast as our NCAA Championship odds!

 

[jmadden1998]

Your GIF game is improving as fast as our NCAA Championship odds!

 

[James P. Whitters III]

The seeds will really help Iowa at the conference tournament. It is much easier to navigate the field from a 1 or 2 spot than a spot outside of the top 8. PSU could wind up with drastic seed improvement for Nationals if they take care of business and place top 3-4 from those seeds outside of the top 8. This won't catch Iowa at conference but could close the gap at the NCAA. I think PSU needs the perfect storm. 133,141,149,157,174,197,285 all need to wrestle extremely well and need to place ahead of Iowa in 5 of these 7 weights. Doable yes/Easy no. 174 looks uphill and Iowa is so good at all of these weights and PSU is so young. The shortened season favors the veterans a in a big way. I objectively think Iowa wins BIG pretty easy and by 10-15 points at NCAA.

 

[regularfan]

Come on guys. We just went through a similar thing yesterday with the OK sign. You can't beat dead horses anymore. It hurts their feelings: https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/TK_Idiom_Posters_300-00000002.pdf

 

[RoarLions1]

It will be very hard for the Nits to get to the Hawkeyes whose lineup is pretty much top 3 seeds but for Brands. Seedings will especially hurt PSU at 125, 149, and 285. Its a shame these guys weren't there for the entire schedule because they'd probably be in the top 5, at least, maybe even top 3 in their weight classes. As it is, they will probably be around #7-#11 seed which pretty much means an early bout with a #1 or #2 seed.

I agree with you to a point. 125 is where its going to hurt us the most because most likely Howard will be in same bracket as Lee. I do believe Howard can beat Heiselman and Barnett but not sure about Foley and Rasgusin. 149-Bartlett can Murin and Storr but not sure about Sasso. 285-Kerk can beat almost anyone. Stephenson I havent seen wrestle yet this year but looks like he got in better shape then when Cassar handled him.

Making hay on the backside (wrestlebacks) is important. It can win a tournament or lose a tournament. The prize is a trip to St. Louis, so the compression at B1G's may be too much to overcome. Without doing the math, we probably have a closer chalk score at NCAA's than at the Big Ten's.

 

[WildTurk]

Again, just think what Iowa would be currently without the PA wrestlers. That’s not a knock on TnT it’s just a fact.

You mean the PA wrestlers that not many here wanted anyway besides Spencer? And many were just fine not having him because you had Jerseyshore Nick. I remember, not that it's a big deal now.

 

[backdrft76]

You mean the PA wrestlers that not many here wanted anyway besides Spencer? And many were just fine not having him because you had Jerseyshore Nick. I remember, not that it's a big deal now.

He was on your site trolling yesterday. So why do you have to engage him here?