Yep, it’s not just beating your opponent 1v1. You can get bonus points for your team depending on how badly you beat down your opponents. Winning by 8 points or more is a major decision. Beating your guy by at least 15 is considered a tech fall and the match ends due to your superiority, and then, of course, if you pin your opponent that is called a fall.
In dual meets, a win by 7 or less nets 3 team points. A major decision by 8-14 points nets 4 team points. A tech fall will net 5 team points, and finally a pin will net your team 6 team points. If your opponent forfeits, that’s also 6 team points.
The same principles apply in conference or championship tournaments. Each round is scored by your victory plus any bonus points you get. In the case of Penn State, they have several dudes that can and will rack up bonus points, which will inevitably cause a disparity. The term “hammer” is used frequently when describing someone who has the history and seemingly effortless skill to pile on points. Even if one loses in the championship bracket, they still have the ability to bonus their way through on the consolation side to claim at best 3rd.
Mitch Mesenbrink is someone I would consider a hammer for them. The kid is absolutely relentless, and fun to watch to be honest. They have others as well. They have kids redshirting and simply waiting for their turn that would start at their respective weight class at any other school save for a few.
So when Mike says they are 20-25 points better, he means wins plus bonus points. It’s really not that close. They are so good up and down their roster.
