Pitt @ Bucknell Friday 1-17

[wrestlingfan22]

An In-State matchup as we head out to Lewisburg for this one. Bucknell is a team that has some pretty solid guys and of course, we have a divided day in CPF's house. Not sure exactly what lineup we will see for either team but I will make a guess based on this past weekend.
125: Babin vs. Forfeit.
Bucknell forfeited 125 in both duals this weekend. They have 1 singular win at the weight class this season. I think this is a PITT FAVORITE
133: ????? vs Phipps
I have no idea if Vin is expected back for this one or not. If he is he could beat Phipps but I wouldn't bet on it. If not I think Chappell would go and be a major underdog. Based on Phipps past career (Blood Round last season) I think that despite some questionable loses this season (including Macho) he is the favorite no matter what in this one. BUCKNELL FAVORED
141: Ant vs Chappell
Dylan is wrestling very well this season, he is 14-4 overall and looks likely to be an NCAA qualifier once again. Based on common opponents this one is probably a toss up, but it is very hard to tell as both of these wrestlers are very up and down at times. However, Chappell has looked rather consistent this season so Ant will need to wrestle his best to get the win in this one. TOSS UP
149: Finn vs Davis
Davis appears to be Bucknell's starter this season. He is 9-4 on the year and pretty solid but I think there is a gap between him and Finn. Finn, I expect to come out with some fire in his belly after being benched vs. WVU for Kade (Which was the right decision IMO). However, Finn has done great this year in duals and I think can go out and make a statement with a big win in this one. PITT FAVORED
157: Evans vs Wirnsberger
Wirnsberger is 12-12 on the year, including a TF loss to Cholakyan who Evans just beat. He did win 4 matches in the same Midlands bracket as Evans including a nice win over Harrington from Harvard. Evans has been an incredibly consistent force in the lineup this year and I anticipate will continue that with another nice victory in this one. PITT FAVORED

1st Half: 3 Pitt Favored, 1 Toss Up, 1 Bucknell Favored

165: Keslar vs Mulvaney
Mulvaney is a returning NCAA qualifier who went 2-0 this past weekend over Rider and ISU. He has a strange loss by fall earlier this year but some real solid wins over BeauMan, Cerchio and Munguia from Rider (pinned Keslar). I think Keslar (or whoever we throw out there) can keep it close with Mulvaney but I don't think we have anyone consistent enough to get the win. BUCKNELL FAVORED
174: Augustine vs Takats
Takats was an NCAA qualifier as a True Frosh last year and is 13-4 on the year so far. He took third at Midlands including a nice win by MD over Alex Cramer. He doesn't have any glaringly bad losses this year and has some real solid wins. I do think this will be a close match, and hopefully one where Luca can continue his momentum but I am not positive. TOSS UP
184: Heller vs ???
Bucknell has three solid options at 184, however all three are wrestlers I would expect Heller to beat comfortably. This is a match where he should be able to get another nice controlled win. PITT FAVORED
197: Stout vs Bechtold
Bechtold is already making waves as a true freshman with a nice performance at Midlands. He has some other solid wins and throughout his career has been someone who makes big jumps. Stout beat him 10-3 at Midlands and has been on fire since his two early season losses. It will be interesting to see if Bechtold closed that gap at all. If the same Mac we have been seeing recently comes out I think he wins this one again. PITT FAVORED
HWT: Pitzer vs Shepard
Shepard is 7-9 on the year and has turned in some solid results but Pitzer is a level above and if the way he gritted out a pin this weekend against WVU is anything to go by I expect him to get the job done once again. PITT FAVORED

2nd Half: 3 Pitt Favored, 1 Toss Up, 1 Bucknell Favored

Overall: 6 Pitt Favored, 2 Toss Up, 2 Bucknell Favored
This is a dual I expect us to win. However, the toss-ups and 1 or 2 upsets going there way could make this a real bad loss for the team. If this team is as good as they have looked at times this year they will be able to pull this one out without sweating it too much.

 

[Cranberry Pantherfan]

I believe Tebo is getting nod this time at 133. Maybe Dylan can give him some pointers on Phipps. lol, I have already as he is pretty consistent on what he does, but that’s a tall hill to climb both experience and size wise. I think you will see a few different wrestlers than listed out of Bucknell. Bucknell will put a 25 out but no threat to Babin.

Mulvanney got injured in the loss at Maryland, but he looked really good at Virginia Duals. He is a scrapper and never out of the match and looks back to full strength.

Good write up, you do some good research.

Takats/Luca matchup is intriguing. I would favor Luca but Takats has surprised me a few times this year.

Stout/Bechtold curious to see this one also. Stout has the upper hand for sure, Bechtold is a scrapper and hard worker. Could see this being closer this time.

I agree, I see Pitt pulling this one out, Bucknell has a chance, has been recruiting well, depends on who gets bonus and if any upsets happen, as you mention.

 

[Cranberry Pantherfan]

If you are going to the match, its about a 3:15 drive from Cranberry, can be shorter if you drive fast, probably a little less if you're east of the City. Match is being broadcast on ESPN+ streaming.

Admission is Free - Wrestling in the smaller gym, Davis Gym, decent venue, small HS type gym, and not as nice as Sjoka Pavilion but its where they put most matches unless they expect a bigger crowd. Enter through main doors of Langone Center and up the stairs into gym.

There are some decent bars and restaurants in Lewisburg proper, Bull Run and Town Tavern, all the chains on the main highway coming into town.

 

[wrestlingfan22]

I believe Tebo is getting nod this time at 133. Maybe Dylan can give him some pointers on Phipps. lol, I have already as he is pretty consistent on what he does, but that’s a tall hill to climb both experience and size wise. I think you will see a few different wrestlers than listed out of Bucknell. Bucknell will put a 25 out but no threat to Babin.

Mulvanney got injured in the loss at Maryland, but he looked really good at Virginia Duals. He is a scrapper and never out of the match and looks back to full strength.

Good write up, you do some good research.

Takats/Luca matchup is intriguing. I would favor Luca but Takats has surprised me a few times this year.

Stout/Bechtold curious to see this one also. Stout has the upper hand for sure, Bechtold is a scrapper and hard worker. Could see this being closer this time.

I agree, I see Pitt pulling this one out, Bucknell has a chance, has been recruiting well, depends on who gets bonus and if any upsets happen, as you mention.

Thank you for the added info and praise!
I agree with you on Bechtold, I am incredibly high on him (and his younger brother) and would not be shocked if he gave Mac a scare in this one. Hope we see Tyler in this one and I am curious if he can put any tricks together against Phipps. It will be a big ask however to go up a weight class against a highly ranked vet.