The Hoosier state often likes to pride itself on basketball, but tonight, we're settling things on the mat. The Hoosiers of Indiana may not be ranked at the moment, but rest assure that they'll give the #15 Boilermakers all they can handle in this inner state rivalry. Going to be some good matches in this one.
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| #22 Jacob Moran Vs #1 Matt Ramos 125 |
While he's had a few scares here and there, thus far Matt Ramos remains undefeated, and the forerunner for the NCAA title in the minds of many who study the results and put together the rankings. On paper this one looks to be a major for the Boilermakers, and it may very well turn out that way. Ramos after all already owns a 15-6 major over Jacob Moran. Then again, it might not, as Moran gave Ramos a closer match in a 7-1 decision in their other meeting.
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| U.R. Angelo Rini Vs U.R. Dustin Norris 133 |
Neither Angelo Rini or Dustin Norris are currently ranked at the moment, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if both were top 33 by '24-'25's end. Indiana as rankings suggest is the underdog within this mano-a-mano, so bonus points will be essential if the crimson & cream is going to make a push to upset the black & old gold. Rini majored Norris the last time the two met in a 12-1 decision. Indiana will need him to rack up the points once again.
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| U.R. Henry Porter Vs #27 Greyson Clark 141 |
Henry Porter has yet to make the NCAA tournament & he is currently unranked, but he did put together 22 wins as a true freshman two seasons ago, and among those wins, some notable victories. He'll be the longshot in this match against 2024 NCAA DI qualifier, but I wouldn't completely count him out.
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| #12 Tyler Lillard Vs #33 Stoney Buell 165 |
There are so many great stories to the matches in collegiate wrestling & here is one to get hyped and excited about. Tyler Lillard has shown remarkable advancement thus far this year, really stepping it up and showcasing his talents winning a Midlands title earlier this season. Going into this match, he is 0-3 against Stoney Buell, as the Boilermaker owns 2-1, 5-1 & 4-2 decisions over the Hoosier. Beating someone you've never beaten before, can give you that mental edge that can be so vital in this sport. At the same time though, Buell has to already feel very confident stepping out onto the mat. He knows he can beat Lillard, he already has three times. If he can do it a fourth time, that would be huge for his confidence, as well as his ranking.
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| #32 D.J. Washington Vs #21 James Rowley 184 |
As far as I'm concerned D.J. Washington is one of the most underrated and overlooked wrestlers in the country. It seems whenever he has a mishap, the rankers examine it with a fine-tooth comb, but when he pulls off a nice victory, they audition for the part of Mr. Magoo. Speaking of a nice victory, if he can defeat James Rowley later tonight, that would be a very nice victory. Easier said than done, as Rowley plans to send both Washington & the Hoosiers back to Bloomington with a loss. I wonder though, if Washington is to win this encounter, if he'll go up in the rankings, or stay at #32. I would certainly hope in the least he wouldn't slip in the rankings, but stranger things have happened before.
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| #23 Gabe Sollars Vs #29 Ben Vanadia 197 |
If you're watching this dual live, stream or on television, trust me when I say this; this match at 197 is very important to both teams. Important to Indiana in any hope of upsetting Purdue & important to Purdue in putting to rest any idea of being upset. Ranking Vs result in this one. Sollars has the higher ranking, but it was Vanadia who won the head to head in a 6-3 s.v. the last time the two met. Look for another outstanding match between these two, with "who's the best DI in Indiana?" on the line.
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| #22 Jacob Bullock Vs U.R. Hayden Filipovich HWT |
Much like teammate Tyler Lillard, Jacob Bullock has demonstrated why they might not get as much credit for it as they deserve, Angel Escobedo and staff are making positive changes in the Hoosier wrestling room. I think Bullock has the tools and ability to be an All American if he performs up to his capabilities this year. He demonstrated what he can do by making the Midlands finals earlier this season. Let's not put the cart ahead of the horse though. Can't overlook anyone and that includes an unranked, but tough Hayden Filipovich. Bullock should pull off this win without much problem, with bonus points not out of the question. Still would be sharp and alert though, Filipovich is a risk taker and could go for some big moves in this match.
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