It’s been expected for most of the college wrestling season, but it’s now official: the Feb. 13 clash between Penn State and Ohio State at the Bryce Jordan Center will be No. 1 vs. No. 2.
This won’t technically be “official” until the next batch of rankings comes out, but with Ohio State taking care of No. 8 Iowa in Columbus Friday night, it’s all but confirmed that No. 1 vs. No. 2 will be happening.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Penn State.
It’s only been a little more than a year since Penn State last took on the No. 2-ranked team, and that was when Iowa came to the Bryce Jordan Center. That ended up being a good night for Penn State. PSU took care of Iowa 30-8, in a dual meet best remembered for Tyler Kasak lifting Jacori Teemer.
Penn State has won each of its 18 dual meets since then, and Ohio State is the only team standing between another perfect Big Ten season.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.But make no bones about it, this will be Penn State’s toughest opponent.
Eight of Ohio State’s 10 starters from Friday’s win are ranked in the top 10 of their respective weight classes, with five being in the top five and three being in the top two.
One of Ohio State’s starters, Jesse Mendez, is a two-time defending national champion at 141 and is ranked No. 1 in that class. At 125, Nic Bouzakis is ranked No. 2, which makes for an individual No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown with Penn State’s Luke Lilledahl.
The mega dual is scheduled to begin at 7 on the Big Ten Network.
