I believe this was a good match for Pitt in that there are a lot of good points to learn from. Despite the score, Pitt didn't get blown out and demoralized by the #3 team in the country. Pitt has weak spots that Ok St does not have - we all knew this. This was not a surprise. But Gavin is in his first year, his first recruiting class is still wearing red shirts, the guys he put out on the mat today competed.
Fenton is taking his lumps as most freshman do. We like to point to the Spencer Lees and Kyle Dakes of the sport but those guys are truly very rare. Most freshman, even the ranked high school guys, have a hard time just learning to practice at a collegiate level during their first year - let alone dealing with the physical and mental grind over a long collegiate season. This is why even the Daton Fixes typically red shirt. This is why most of Gavin and Co recruits have the luxury of a red shirt year. We will have a better idea how good Fenton is next year - if he can keep a good attitude through this one.
Micky was the example for how to compete. He was true to his style of wrestling and controlled the hand fighting, stayed aggressive, and won this match as much on his mental intensity as his athletic ability. He is leading the way for how a Pitt wrestler should " expect" to compete on a national level. Pitt fans are lucky to have this guy around for the next four years.
Another important point to note: I don't think Micky is so worried about Daton Fix when he is wrestling with Samat and Nico every day. Micky knows Daton is hoping he can be as good as Mickys work out partners some day. If Pitt fans want to see more performances like Mickey's and Meech's, help the RTC get some middle and upper weight.
Meech lost three take downs on essentially the same move. Two slide byes and a throw bye (I think). That was great for him to experience at this point as I doubt it happens again. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see that become part of his arsenal next time. I think it will fit in well with his athletic ability and wrestling style. I think the momentum really turned after the first period and that kid from Ok State knows it. Meech is learning so fast, I am really looking forward to NCAA's.
First of all Nino is a freshman that is ranked #12 in the country. He wrestled a red shirt senior ranked #10 and gave him everything he wanted. He apeared more tired than usual but he was very offensive in the first period. Pitt fans need to start riding the referees more when the opponents are stalling Nino took so many attacks and on top of that, the guys first move was to take two steps backward. Nino should have had two more stalling points awarded to him and /or pressuring the guy to open up would have been the advantage Nino needed.
Beside all of that in todays match... Nino seems to be taking a very small step back, that will certainly move him forward. This often happen with very good high schooler that have dependable technique that doesn't translate to stronger and more technically sound collegiate or international wrestlers.
Nino has always had that Jr high double leg where he dives out to attach the legs but always finished with his head down and on his knees. It cost him today when his opponent stayed on his feet and was able to keep Nino on his knees with his head down to go behind for take downs.
After the last few matches I think I can tell Gavin has been working with him on this, and Nino appears to be trying to adjust, but it isn't natural for him yet. It's a change that needs to happen to make it to the next level but the in between phase is frustrating. Credit Nino for working on this and trying to improve.
The converse of Nino is Rahmani. Maybe there is something else going on for Taleb - I have no idea. From my seat in the distance bleachers, it seems the scouts know his tricks and since Talib has not improved his fundamentals, he is struggling. He is still dangerous and has the athletic ability to be very good, but he seems to be questioning himself more now.
Stout also keeps improving. He still has room to improve (instead of pressuring forward, he hangs his hips to low when he is on top - for one thing - and it cost him today) but he is a lot more confident and getting better.
