NCAA Predictions
The Eve of the best three days in sports
This ones for my fellow college wrestling fanatics. I'd like to make a post as the eve of the national tournament is upon us, the best three days in wrestling, no doubt. Storylines, upsets, blood, tears, fanaticism, and above all, phenomenal world-class wrestling. From Round 1 to the finals.
Here are some thoughts that might be outside the box compared to other commentary you hear:
There will be more "upsets" at this tournament than ever before. If the conference tournaments were any indication of the craziness to come, then this national tournament will be absolutely wild. Penn State will dominate but will also face upsets. I'm boldly predicting that there will be an upset at either 165 (Mesenbrink has been a maniac this year, but he is beatable) or 184 (Starocci is going for his fifth title—thanks, extra COVID year—but Parker from UNI can beat him). Both upsets won’t happen, but one will.
There will be chaos and controversy in the quarterfinals and semis. A blown call will happen, and even with replay review, they will not get it right, making fans absolutely livid. My bet? It happens in an Oklahoma State vs. Penn State match (college fans, you know the storyline there). Potential matchups to watch for controversy: Bartlett vs. Jamison at 141 in the quarters, Haines vs. Hamiti in the semis, or the heavyweight semis, Hendrickson vs. Kerkvliet.
Buckle up. This one’s going to be insane.