Utah Valley Vs Nebraska Preview (Fri Nov 8 )

 

Utah Valley has been doing a great job of building themselves up and showing the wrestling community that they are one of the west coast programs that cares to be competitive.  They have some solid opportunities to step it up and wrestle well against a very tough Nebraska team.  Four matches in particularly stick out in this dual. 

Bridger Ricks Vs Caleb Smith
125

This was a good match the last time these two met, with Smith winning a tight 7-4 battle.  It'll be a god match again tomorrow.  Ricks, an NJCAA runner-up last year is currently looking for that first huge win, to prove himself as a DI material.  Getting a W against Smith would not only do that, but also show that he's in contention for All American honors.  A much easier said than done task.  Smith was an All American last year himself for good reason.  

Kase Mauger Vs Jacob Van Dee
133

Kase Mauger is a fifth year senior who has yet to make the NCAA DI championships, who usually bats .500 or even below it. The thing is, every season he usually pulls off one or two notable victories.  Could one of them be tomorrow against JVD? Probability is not in his favor against the Husker, but it's not at 0% either.  Being honest and realistic, we're probably looking at a solid decision for Nebraska here.  

Haiden Drury Vs Brock Hardy
141

Haiden Drury qualified for the NCAA DI championships as a freshman back in 2022.  Now he's a fifth year senior, in his final attempt to make it back.  With the way the NCAA DI qualification system works, a win over Brock Hardy would be HUGE for the Wolverine.  It's also very unrealistic.  Hardy is a two time All American, one who realistically has his eye on the NCAA DI title this year.  Staying in the match, keeping it to a decision, that in itself would be a win. 

Terrell Barraclough Vs Bubba Wilson
165

Looking very forward to this match.  Terrell Barraclough in his first real test as a Wolverine, pulled off a huge win against All American Hunter Garvin last week.  Another good win against a quality opponent like Bubba Wilson would be a great way to head into week four of the overall collegiate wrestling season.  The opposite is true too.  Bubba Wilson speaking talent, ability, heart and spirit, is an All American contender himself.  It's simply that the kid can't see to catch a break concerning health issues.  A win over Barraclough would be very big for the Husker.  A great way to start off the '24-'25 season.