UNIVERSITY PARK– Penn State wrestling fans were surprised to see starting 141-pounder Braeden Davis not in the starting lineup last Friday against Michigan.
Instead, true freshman Nate Desmond competed for Penn State against veteran All-American Dyaln Ragusin, and Desmond not only held his own, but he won, getting a thrilling triumph in sudden victory.
Penn State Wrestling: True Freshman Beats All-American in Big Ten Debut
Desmond impressed enough for some to wonder if he would be the guy at 141 for this Friday’s showdown against No. 1 Ohio State at the Bryce Jordan Center.
But coach Cael Sanderson confirmed to reporters Wednesday afternoon that Davis will be good to go.
WHAT CAEL SAID
“We couldn’t wrestle Davis,” Sanderson said. “He had a skin issue. So Desmond was ready to go. He stepped up and did a great job.”
Sanderson then specified that Davis’ issue for Friday was separate from the injury he sustained the previous week.
Before Penn State’s dual meet against Nebraska, Davis burned his hand on a scotter battery, Sanderson confirmed to reporters days later.
This injury caused Davis to flex his hand at multiple points during the match. Now, Davis will be back on the mat, where he’s 8-2 with an 80% bonus point rate, ranking No. 12 at 141.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.His opponent Friday night might be the best wrestler in the country at any weight class.
JESSE
Penn State fans are well familiar with Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez due to his battles with Beau Bartlett over the past several years.
This season, Mendez is the best he’s ever been, starting the year 17-0 with a bonus-point rate above 88%.
It will be a tough battle for Davis, but the junior has a Big Ten title at 125 and an All-American finish at 133.
This year, moving up to 141, Sanderson is expecting Davis to give it his best against the best competition possible.
“Davis is a competitor, and I’ve said that a lot, but we have a team of competitors,” Sanderson said. “He’s going to give his best effort, and go compete hard, and he’s shown what he’s capable of. We have to keep inching along and he’s going to be ready to rock here at the end.”
No. 1 Penn State vs. No. 2 Ohio State is scheduled to begin at 7 on the Big Ten Network.
