Originally published at: OSU Wrestling: No. 3 Cowboys Beat No. 5 NC State 34-3
Cael Hughes pinned the No. 7 wrestler at his weight.
The score is somewhat deceiving, but every opponent wrestled us tough, even though a few of their guys were all defensive. Loved the crowd and all the excitement our team brings to the mat every time
3 Likes
Living in Alabama, so it is so nice to be able to watch the matches on ESPN+.
I agree with your statement. If I compare the NC State Team score 34-3 to the WVU score 34-9, it actually looks like the WVU match was closer. In reality the individual matches and the takedown totals lead to a different story. In the WVU match, OSU won the takedown battle 26-4. I am not sure of the exact count in last night’s match, I would guess it was something like 16-4. The WVU match had most of the matches with bonus points, not so much in the NC State match.
As someone who remembers the Chesbro and Joe Seay years and fondly looks back at the early 2000’s when we truly dominated, it is nice to see and feel the excitement in watching the matches. These guys seem to have a much more aggressive style and be offensive oriented. This is noted by the differential in the takedown margins and the bonus points.
As much as I loved John Smith, it was time for new blood. I am also grateful for how Smith has passed on the torch to Taylor and is still a strong supporter of the program and in attendance of the matches.
Not to sidebar, but this example of perhaps overstaying your welcome and new blood could certainly apply to that area just west of GIA. Those offices in PBS would benefit from new blood. Hoping that HCMG is taking notice of what Coach Taylor is doing.
3 Likes
Gundy used to come to wrestling matches. But I guess he’s afraid to show his face there now.
Please say that a LOT LOUDER! 
Of course there can’t be a wrestling article without someone taking a shot at Gundy.
1 Like
Really impressed with what Hughes and Fish did. Spectacular moves, especially considering that Hughes did this with an obvious injury. He belongs at 141, but Tagen claims that spot. Good to see some of our top guys really challenged in this dual. I don’t worry at all about Spratley. I like Fish at 157 because I had some doubts about Teague Travis. The lack of offense from Amine could be a problem at NCAA tournament. At this point, barring injuries, we look likely to place third. An accomplishment compared to recent finishes of 18, 13, and 10. I expect the Iowa dual to be brutal, and I hope no one gets injured. They are taught to physically punish their opponents. Carry over from the days of Gable.