I will start by saying I'm really proud of the effort from our guys, seriously amazing performances despite all odds. You can compile talent, PSU has done that. But at the end of the day I want to see effort and maybe that's the coach in me. Or the wrestler that never lost due to effort.
My heart broke for Dylan and Carson, they wrestled as hard of a fought match and thought out strategy they could have. The journey is not done though and they'll both have their shots at redemption, I just wanted to see them get their night in the Covelli. Specific thoughts below:
125: What a moment to open with a fall for McCrone! I had to hit the mute button on my optimism, but that was an amazing moment. He's a loose cannon in terms of overall results, but he is a cradle machine that you can't count out. Weight difference aside, he's like Ryder in that regard.
133: Bouzakis got robbed at 133, the officials were high or asleep at the wheel...not that it changed the outcome of the dual and overall officiating was good, but Nick wrestled great and deserved the chance to determine the outcome.
141: Bartlett is just tough. He was the better wrestler that night and it happens. Mendez will get him back. Curious to see if Bartlett wants to keep looking like the guy in the elevator on Hangover though with that stache and hair, it seems intentional.
149: Said it above really. Dylan fought it out like a champion. Be proud of that my guy, one of the hardest workers on the team from Day 1. Already an AA but I think he's primed for a big run in March.
157: I will emphasize how poignant this one is. It should have been Sammy Sasso's night, either at 157 or 165. It's not fair what happened to him. Moving on from that, Canon was on fire from every position against a really good opponent. Leg attacks on point and a hammer on top, I could see defeat in the 2nd period.
165: Hard pass, we knew what would happen.
174: I don't need to repeat it. I hope he can get him back next time.
184: Ryder had to go with big moves, especially against who I think is the best wrestler in the nation not named Gable.
197: That was going to happen, move on.
HWT: I'm a tad concerned here. Feldman looks really off and it's not a weight issue. At his prime, he gets a tech fall. What I saw was pretty lackluster. Diving in on straight shots and hanging out on bottom. Hopefully it's just a lapse, he needs to find the gas tank quick.
All of above being said, proud of this team and Ryan has made the most from this roster so far. Let's see how B1G and Nationals go, but I'm very pleased with this season so far.