Current handwringing

[chasepollard]

It’s pretty odd the amount of polar oppo takes that can be had in a few weeks time. Not calling anybody out, just saying it’s odd.

Here are my takes:

Sprat - obvious improvements to me. He had a head scratcher, but go back and watch it. He didn’t navigate danger well, but he was putting his opponent in danger.

It was a brain fart, not a sign that he’s regressed or even the same.

33 - I love Reece, but he’s going to be what he is. Plus he’s been injured.

I don’t have much to say about Hughes, good or bad.

Injuries have been an issue here.

Tagen - he’s fine, I think. If he lays some more eggs, sound the alarm. He has quit trying score in TWO MATCHES. That’s it, two. If it’s three or four more, yeah, cut, something isn’t right.

Young - yeah, can’t really defend him and his shot conversion percentage.

Fish - just enjoy the ride! That’s all you can say?

He’s definitely better than he was and he’s a guy nobody wants to draw.

Amine - he’s improved some. His TD defense numbers are pretty damn strong. His offense has improved from the past.

DJ - yeah, much improved. Great job by him and staff.

Plott - yes, he’s better. It’s noticeable and he’s just unlucky to be behind some guys that will be considered greats.

Surber - I can’t really tell much of a difference except he finds ways to win.

Wyatt - well, yeah, he’s really good! Was good before is good now. We won’t know how much he’s improved until the semis in Philly.

Bottom line to me, it does look different for most guys. The transfers are “more” impressive but that doesn’t change the fact they’ve improved.

25 is just a complete buzz saw of 12-15 guys with the top 10 being sharp blades.

41 has no cause of worry yet.

49, yeah, I was sure hoping to see Young do much better, but he’s not.

The rest, yeah, it’s all good. The time to worry is during the Big Xii’s at this point.

 

[TheJimReaper]

I agree it’s probably not as bad as it looks. Just kinda makes you wonder what the regression is in some of the guys.

 

[Cowboy1989]

It’s pretty odd the amount of polar oppo takes that can be had in a few weeks time. Not calling anybody out, just saying it’s odd.

Here are my takes:

Sprat - obvious improvements to me. He had a head scratcher, but go back and watch it. He didn’t navigate danger well, but he was putting his opponent in danger.

It was a brain fart, not a sign that he’s regressed or even the same.

33 - I love Reece, but he’s going to be what he is. Plus he’s been injured.

I don’t have much to say about Hughes, good or bad.

Injuries have been an issue here.

Tagen - he’s fine, I think. If he lays some more eggs, sound the alarm. He has quit trying score in TWO MATCHES. That’s it, two. If it’s three or four more, yeah, cut, something isn’t right.

Young - yeah, can’t really defend him and his shot conversion percentage.

Fish - just enjoy the ride! That’s all you can say?

He’s definitely better than he was and he’s a guy nobody wants to draw.

Amine - he’s improved some. His TD defense numbers are pretty damn strong. His offense has improved from the past.

DJ - yeah, much improved. Great job by him and staff.

Plott - yes, he’s better. It’s noticeable and he’s just unlucky to be behind some guys that will be considered greats.

Surber - I can’t really tell much of a difference except he finds ways to win.

Wyatt - well, yeah, he’s really good! Was good before is good now. We won’t know how much he’s improved until the semis in Philly.

Bottom line to me, it does look different for most guys. The transfers are “more” impressive but that doesn’t change the fact they’ve improved.

25 is just a complete buzz saw of 12-15 guys with the top 10 being sharp blades.

41 has no cause of worry yet.

49, yeah, I was sure hoping to see Young do much better, but he’s not.

The rest, yeah, it’s all good. The time to worry is during the Big Xii’s at this point.

Fair assessment.

 

[chasepollard]

I agree it’s probably not as bad as it looks. Just kinda makes you wonder what the regression is in some of the guys.

It’s a tough season and a long one. We are on the backslide of that.

Maybe a few guys left hell training looking forward to post season (well ranked, looking ahead to the fun stuff, etc.?)

Maybe some guys are dinged up? Immune systems are down a little and guys could maybe have some crud? Maybe the cuts have been so clean diet wise and they ate a burger?

Really, who knows? Or I should say, most on here don’t really know. I’m just not that dissatisfied at all and would like to see a full season before I get upset.

 

[west2east]

Oklahoma st looks fine. It's a long year guys won't look great every match they wrestle.

 

[Travis25]

I feel good about Amine, Hamiti, Plott, and Hendrickson. I think they will all be AAs and big point scorers at NCAAs.

I have no idea what to expect from Sprat, Jamison, Fish, and Surber. I could see any of them finishing high AA or going 0-2. They have all shown flashes of greatness and then looked very beatable the next time out. These are the guys who will determine whether we have an okay season vs. a good season.

My expectations are not high for 133 or 149. 133 is probably the softest weight nationally, but neither of our guys is showing that they can take advantage. Hughes will be good some day, but the combination of the weight cut and shoulder injury is taking a toll.

 

[Wrestleks]

Projections last year vs this year at this time. Spratley aa/4th to 8th same as last year. Reese low aa round of 12 wrestling best of his career. Jamison aa/4th to round of 12 same as last year. Plott last year aa 1st or 2nd this year aa 3rd/ 5th (new blood Arnold,McEnelly, Foca). Surber hurt last year doesn’t count this year aa 5th/round of 12. Didn’t do transfers.

 

[SlickWillie2018]

I think I’d start wringing my hands if it’s the SSDD in year 3 of DT’s tenure at OSU. Reality is none of the guys on this roster are “his guys” yet, and although the previous staff did pretty damn well recruiting, the development left much to be desired.

 

[Cowboy1989]

I think I’d start wringing my hands if it’s the SSDD in year 3 of DT’s tenure at OSU. Reality is none of the guys on this roster are “his guys” yet, and although the previous staff did pretty damn well recruiting, the development left much to be desired.

Agreed

 

[Pokes1988]

Don't think we're all THAT much different from last year.

125 - Spratley still the same imo.
133 - Fix >>> Anyone we have
141 - Same
149 - Same, maybe slight edge to Williams
157 - Fish is about the same as Travis, maybe slightly better
165 - Olejnik = Amine
174 - Dean Hamiti is a beast, better than Thompson
184 - Plott is Plott, I think he's a little better this year
197 - Surber is Surber
HWT - Hendrickson light years better than Doucet

Main thing, we seem FAR MORE agressive this year, light years more. Aside from Plott last year, we didn't really have a lot of high scoring bouts, even Fix was kinda milk toast for most of the year. He'd win, but not an absolute ass beating we should see.

Hamiti and Hendrickson are what we should look to have at every class moving forward..

125/133/141/149 all need to be better and more consistent....But having 165/174/184/197/HWT on the backend is dominant and we should hope that continues.

 

[chasepollard]

Don't think we're all THAT much different from last year.

125 - Spratley still the same imo.
133 - Fix >>> Anyone we have
141 - Same
149 - Same, maybe slight edge to Williams
157 - Fish is about the same as Travis, maybe slightly better
165 - Olejnik = Amine
174 - Dean Hamiti is a beast, better than Thompson
184 - Plott is Plott, I think he's a little better this year
197 - Surber is Surber
HWT - Hendrickson light years better than Doucet

Main thing, we seem FAR MORE agressive this year, light years more. Aside from Plott last year, we didn't really have a lot of high scoring bouts, even Fix was kinda milk toast for most of the year. He'd win, but not an absolute ass beating we should see.

Hamiti and Hendrickson are what we should look to have at every class moving forward..

125/133/141/149 all need to be better and more consistent....But having 165/174/184/197/HWT on the backend is dominant and we should hope that continues.

Respectfully (you know I love ya) but this assessment is not indicative of what is or is not happening...and I think you're wrong on some of it.

125, is better. Sprat was around 20-5 at this point last year with a 30% bonus rate. This year he is 14-3 with a 50% bonus rate. I would say that is improvement.
133 cannot be compared to anybody we have at almost any weight. He is an all-timer.
141 is much better. Last year at this point he was around 15-6 with a 30% bonus rate. This year he is 13-3 with above a 60% bonus rate..which in fact, signals improvement.


Plott is much better in my eyes, but the numbers suggest very similar.
Surber appears similar, but he is winning this go around.

 

[Chasingthirty-five]

It’s been a “tough” two weeks after a lightning start to the season. We definitely have lost matches we shouldn’t have so @Pokes1988 review has a little recency bias I think. Otherwise I think it’s obvious we have made improvement across the board.

 

[Howie_Fartz]

Respectfully (you know I love ya) but this assessment is not indicative of what is or is not happening...and I think you're wrong on some of it.

125, is better. Sprat was around 20-5 at this point last year with a 30% bonus rate. This year he is 14-3 with a 50% bonus rate. I would say that is improvement.
133 cannot be compared to anybody we have at almost any weight. He is an all-timer.
141 is much better. Last year at this point he was around 15-6 with a 30% bonus rate. This year he is 13-3 with above a 60% bonus rate..which in fact, signals improvement.


Plott is much better in my eyes, but the numbers suggest very similar.
Surber appears similar, but he is winning this go around.

Agreed that 125 and 141 are definitely better, especially to the trained eye. Hand fighting and footwork are big tells. The riding is better for several guys. Troy needs to be patient and slow down. Tagen's issues are 100% mental and I'm hoping the coaches can figure it out as he has the physical ability for sure. I keep wondering if something is wrong with Luke. He's off compared to a month ago?

 

[Chasingthirty-five]

I keep wondering if something is wrong with Luke. He's off compared to a month ago?

I think there’s a lot of pressure being between Plott and Wyatt to keep the pace. Seems like he hasn’t been as sharp to me on his offense. Lunging more so.

 

[Cowboy1989]

Respectfully (you know I love ya) but this assessment is not indicative of what is or is not happening...and I think you're wrong on some of it.

125, is better. Sprat was around 20-5 at this point last year with a 30% bonus rate. This year he is 14-3 with a 50% bonus rate. I would say that is improvement.
133 cannot be compared to anybody we have at almost any weight. He is an all-timer.
141 is much better. Last year at this point he was around 15-6 with a 30% bonus rate. This year he is 13-3 with above a 60% bonus rate..which in fact, signals improvement.


Plott is much better in my eyes, but the numbers suggest very similar.
Surber appears similar, but he is winning this go around.

Spratley in particular is much better this year. I think some don't notice Plotts improvement, but nobody has touched him other than Keck and I think Keck has improved as well, almost taking out Starocci, on Penn State's all timer list.

 

[Pokes1988]

It’s been a “tough” two weeks after a lightning start to the season. We definitely have lost matches we shouldn’t have so @Pokes1988 review has a little recency bias I think. Otherwise I think it’s obvious we have made improvement across the board.

100%... Can't lose that many in essentially the two biggest matches in conference to date. Did just check Spratley, I misspoke on him, I thought he lost against UNI. I will say, he's much stronger and can get off bottom this year, which is already a HUGE plus... Hughes/Witcraft may suffer from consistent matches but Hughes at least has shown some upside. I hope either one can hold on.

We were higher ranked in 3 of the 4 matches against UNI (25/33/41/49) and lost 33/41/49
We split the rankings against ISU and lost 33/41/49

Not good if we want to compete for top #2. Still time to build back, but hate to see midseason lulls.

 

[chasepollard]

100%... Can't lose that many in essentially the two biggest matches in conference to date. Did just check Spratley, I misspoke on him, I thought he lost against UNI. I will say, he's much stronger and can get off bottom this year, which is already a HUGE plus... Hughes/Witcraft may suffer from consistent matches but Hughes at least has shown some upside. I hope either one can hold on.

We were higher ranked in 3 of the 4 matches against UNI (25/33/41/49) and lost 33/41/49
We split the rankings against ISU and lost 33/41/49

Not good if we want to compete for top #2. Still time to build back, but hate to see midseason lulls.

That is what I attribute any lackluster performance towards...late season (not mid) lull. You are within spitting distance of conference tourneys and the NCAA's. Which as a goal driven kid, you probably look past what is right in front of you towards the things you want the most.

I know this is a hot topic, but duals don't mean diddly right now, so it is probably pretty tough to mentally prepare. I hopefully believe this is just a scenario where guys are being caught looking over the fence a little. But, I truly believe that weight cuts and the grind get really cumbersome this time of the year.

 

[chasepollard]

Agreed that 125 and 141 are definitely better, especially to the trained eye. Hand fighting and footwork are big tells. The riding is better for several guys. Troy needs to be patient and slow down. Tagen's issues are 100% mental and I'm hoping the coaches can figure it out as he has the physical ability for sure. I keep wondering if something is wrong with Luke. He's off compared to a month ago?

Exactly!

Tagen has probably enjoyed his success enough to look all the way ahead to the semi's and mentally Wrestling that match. He's young, he's hungry and he's good. Then he gets his wind knocked out of him against a guy he knew he would beat (because he's mentally Wrestling in the semis in late March) and it can shake his confidence.

But yes, both of these two guys are significantly better. Head/hands use combined with footwork is night and day.

Yeah, Suber looks like he is hesitant to attack and relies on his scramble prowess? He looks hesitant on his feet for sure!

 

[west2east]

Exactly!

Tagen has probably enjoyed his success enough to look all the way ahead to the semi's and mentally Wrestling that match. He's young, he's hungry and he's good. Then he gets his wind knocked out of him against a guy he knew he would beat (because he's mentally Wrestling in the semis in late March) and it can shake his confidence.

But yes, both of these two guys are significantly better. Head/hands use combined with footwork is night and day.

Yeah, Suber looks like he is hesitant to attack and relies on his scramble prowess? He looks hesitant on his feet for sure!

Jamison is way better this year. Last year he was 0-2 at NCAAs. He looks more confident and he's handling the weight cut better

 

[Pennstate1985]

Late to your party but I agree with Chase. January results are unrelated to March results. Trust the process and let go of the performance wobbles week to week. The overall trend is still good.

Giving a pep talk to you guys felt dirty. I might take two showers after this post.

 

[Pennstate1985]

I remember Quentin Wright in 2011 for PSU. Went into B1Gs as the 9th seed I believe with a 12-6 record. He was a mess all season. Won his last nine bouts that season to take his first NCAA title. Sometime in late February the lightbulb came on. You never know when the teaching from the coaches takes hold. Quentin has always reminded me to take hope in every wrestler and never give up on anyone.

 

[Chasingthirty-five]

Quentin has always reminded me to take hope in every wrestler and never give up on anyone.

Wyatt Sheets first round loss to AA. Not comparing. Just made me think of that epic run.

 

[bwel9339]

I’m worried a little after this weekend. I don’t think I’m handwringing yet. 125 looks strong, he wrestled a stud from NC State and got caught against WVU. He is much stronger this year. I think he will be fine.

At 133, I’m not sure where to turn. I feel like we need to get behind Hughes. The UNI bout was concerning but that was a huge crowd and dual for UNI. I think Hughes gives us the best option come March.

141 appears all mental and he needs to be prepared for this Sunday. The Mizzou 141 lber is pretty tough, remember Fix barely beat him after they moved him up for that dual. I think it’s obvious Tagen is much better this season but his indecisive shots and lack of offense this past weekend were concerning. I worry about seeding more than anything, Big 12’s and Nationals.

149, Carter continues to get beat by inferior competition or equal competition. I think our biggest mental issues are at 141 and 149. Carter has got to turn it around or he may lose his spot next year.

157: Fish won yesterday and got screwed. That was a takedown. Not worried about him.

Based on the factors above, I’m starting to think we may struggle to finish 3rd at Nationals. I was hoping we would finish 2nd ahead of Iowa. I also believe it’s going to be tough to win in Carver in 3 weeks.

Some will probably say I am handwringing, I guess.

 

[3Gamma]

Did anyone expect better than 3rd this year at nationals and do we appear to be on track for that? I think so.

And we have yet to see a DT squad come March. I’m anxious to see how we perform.

 

[chasepollard]

I’m worried a little after this weekend. I don’t think I’m handwringing yet. 125 looks strong, he wrestled a stud from NC State and got caught against WVU. He is much stronger this year. I think he will be fine.

At 133, I’m not sure where to turn. I feel like we need to get behind Hughes. The UNI bout was concerning but that was a huge crowd and dual for UNI. I think Hughes gives us the best option come March.

141 appears all mental and he needs to be prepared for this Sunday. The Mizzou 141 lber is pretty tough, remember Fix barely beat him after they moved him up for that dual. I think it’s obvious Tagen is much better this season but his indecisive shots and lack of offense this past weekend were concerning. I worry about seeding more than anything, Big 12’s and Nationals.

149, Carter continues to get beat by inferior competition or equal competition. I think our biggest mental issues are at 141 and 149. Carter has got to turn it around or he may lose his spot next year.

157: Fish won yesterday and got screwed. That was a takedown. Not worried about him.

Based on the factors above, I’m starting to think we may struggle to finish 3rd at Nationals. I was hoping we would finish 2nd ahead of Iowa. I also believe it’s going to be tough to win in Carver in 3 weeks.

Some will probably say I am handwringing, I guess.

Nah, that’s not terrible handwringing.

But, don’t you ever concede to anything Iowa.

 

[CowboyMedic]

Did anyone expect better than 3rd this year at nationals and do we appear to be on track for that? I think so.

And we have yet to see a DT squad come March. I’m anxious to see how we perform.

I expected to compete with Iowa for 2nd. I don't think anyone is catching Penn St this year.

 

[bwel9339]

Nah, that’s not terrible handwringing.

But, don’t you ever concede to anything Iowa.

That’s exactly why I want 2nd place! I hate Iowa! I want to win in Carver but if we have guys wilt at UNI, our chances in Carver are going to be tough. Our favorites HAVE to get bonus points: 125, 174, 184 and HWT. They’re favorites sure will be trying.

 

[Pennstate1985]

That’s exactly why I want 2nd place! I hate Iowa! I want to win in Carver but if we have guys wilt at UNI, our chances in Carver are going to be tough. Our favorites HAVE to get bonus points: 125, 174, 184 and HWT. They’re favorites sure will be trying.

 

[Pennstate1985]

I see OSU finishing a close third to Iowa but nothing is set in stone. I would not be surprised if you guys finish second. In fact, I'm hoping you do. I currently see you guys within 10 points of Iowa.

 

[chasepollard]

I see OSU finishing a close third to Iowa but nothing is set in stone. I would not be surprised if you guys finish second. In fact, I'm hoping you do. I currently see you guys within 10 points of Iowa.

I hate you!

But, Iowa has been pretty bad at underperforming in March as a team.

 

[Pennstate1985]

I hate you!

But, Iowa has been pretty bad at underperforming in March as a team.

You mean good at underperforming. I give you guys a chance of finishing 2nd because I think DT is a better tournament coach than the Brands brothers.

 

[chasepollard]

You mean good at underperforming. I give you guys a chance of finishing 2nd because I think DT is a better tournament coach than the Brands brothers.

Haha, yeah, you got me!

 

[Harleycowboy]

Agreed that 125 and 141 are definitely better, especially to the trained eye. Hand fighting and footwork are big tells. The riding is better for several guys. Troy needs to be patient and slow down. Tagen's issues are 100% mental and I'm hoping the coaches can figure it out as he has the physical ability for sure. I keep wondering if something is wrong with Luke. He's off compared to a month ago?

My observation is College wrestlers improve the most between their entrance in college thru the beginning of their 2nd year. However there also is great improvement between that 2nd and 3rd year of college. Spratley, Jamison should improve and Surber because he is healthy should be better. I was excited but watching the last 2 weeks I think I will wait to talk about our great development until after the 2 big tournaments at the end of the year. I will give DT credit for much of the 2025 class getting commitments to other schools to change to us( Vega, Robideau, and Routledge). We will see how he does in the portal and more importantly what our 2026 class looks like. I am not panicking but I am reporting what I have seen in our last 3 duals. I was expecting a lot more than what we got. Also with transfers Hamiti, Fish had committed, and Hendrickson was a couple of visits and then committing to us. Also Oklahoma State and the Pay Pal guy have made a way bigger commitment financially to Cowboy wrestling and so our expectations should be much higher. I think we at least doubled our head coach's salary and paid the Assistant Coaches a much higher salary. Expectations are high but we are looking okay today but time will tell.

 

[PoOsKuE]

Spratley in particular is much better this year. I think some don't notice Plotts improvement, but nobody has touched him other than Keck and I think Keck has improved as well, almost taking out Starocci, on Penn State's all timer list.

What have you seen in Spratley and/or Plott that makes you think they've improved from last year?

They both have very similar results as they did last season. I could argue they've both regressed based on their results.

 

[TheJimReaper]

What have you seen in Spratley and/or Plott that makes you think they've improved from last year?

They both have very similar results as they did last season. I could argue they've both regressed based on their results.

Dude come on Spratley has absolutely improved. He definitely had a couple bad matches but he’s beaten some dudes this year.

 

[chasepollard]

What have you seen in Spratley and/or Plott that makes you think they've improved from last year?

They both have very similar results as they did last season. I could argue they've both regressed based on their results.

Go ahead and try to make the argument on Spratley. His record is similar with losses only to guys ranked in the AA range. His bonus rate has doubled.

I’m honestly curious to hear your points on Troy.

 

[oklahomaglory]

Also Oklahoma State and the Pay Pal guy have made a way bigger commitment financially to Cowboy wrestling and so our expectations should be much higher.

Paycom guy, if its Pay pal guy, the investment would have been way higher and we would have a separate training facility by now. lol

 

[Air_Thurman]

We weren't going to wake up over night and be Penn State. This is going to be a long process. It is part of the reason I was a fan of redshirting everyone.

 

[Howie_Fartz]

Go ahead and try to make the argument on Spratley. His record is similar with losses only to guys ranked in the AA range. His bonus rate has doubled.

I’m honestly curious to hear your points on Troy.

Agreed. Better in all positions. He's given up a few TDs lately but its still way less than last last year. He doesnt get rode either and the top game has won him some tight matches against some studs (Caleb Smith). That's something we didnt see at all last year. Troys biggest issue is getting in to much of a hurry to score points and getting out of position. And lets face it, that is easily remedied.

@Harleycowboy, you mentioned guys getting better their second year. Can't argue with that, its absolutely true. But I definitely think its more than that. Remember its was Gilman that turned psu's Braeden Davis from a guy who was supposed to be a room guy into a total freaking stud last year. Cael wasnt upset that DT took Kennedy with him but he wasnt happy at all with Gilman leaving. Troy will continue to develop better under Gilman. I do agree that the biggest test for DT and Co will be the last 2 big tournies of the year. But ultimately those are every coaching staff's biggest tests.

 

[chasepollard]

Agreed. Better in all positions. He's given up a few TDs lately but its still way less than last last year. He doesnt get rode either and the top game has won him some tight matches against some studs (Caleb Smith). That's something we didnt see at all last year. Troys biggest issue is getting in to much of a hurry to score points and getting out of position. And lets face it, that is easily remedied.

@Harleycowboy, you mentioned guys getting better their second year. Can't argue with that, its absolutely true. But I definitely think its more than that. Remember its was Gilman that turned psu's Braeden Davis from a guy who was supposed to be a room guy into a total freaking stud last year. Cael wasnt upset that DT took Kennedy with him but he wasnt happy at all with Gilman leaving. Troy will continue to develop better under Gilman. I do agree that the biggest test for DT and Co will be the last 2 big tournies of the year. But ultimately those are every coaching staff's biggest tests.

Actually, I don’t know that we’ve had a guy get ridden like a carnival pony all season? I mean, literally, I don’t think we’ve had one argument here about a guy getting off bottom?

That may be a sign of strategy in the sport, or coaching or both?

We’ve also (everybody, not just transfers) have scored offensive points at a much bigger clip. I can’t find those metrics again quickly, but we’ve had an increase in offensive production of ober 30%.

Top, not real sure on that? I’m pretty sure David and company would much rather cut guys and take them down again.

So, to my handwringing point, we are better in 2/3 positions for sure. I also expect a decent showing in Tulsa and then an explosion of bonus in Philly.