Rutgers Vs Virginia Tech Wrestling Match Preview

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The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are set to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in a highly anticipated wrestling match. As two of the top programs in the country, this matchup promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive preview of the match, including key matchups, strengths, and weaknesses of each team.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have been one of the most consistent programs in the country, consistently ranking in the top 10 nationally. This season has been no exception, with the team boasting a 10-2 record and a 4-1 mark in the Big Ten Conference. The Scarlet Knights are led by a strong group of upperweight wrestlers, including junior 197-pounder Jordan Pagano and senior 285-pounder Razohnn Gross.

Pagano has been a force to be reckoned with this season, posting a 20-2 record and earning a No. 4 ranking nationally. Gross has also been impressive, going 18-4 and earning a No. 10 ranking. Other key contributors for Rutgers include sophomore 133-pounder Nicholas Aguilar (16-5), junior 149-pounder Anthony Ashnault (18-4), and sophomore 157-pounder Richie Lewis (15-7).

The Virginia Tech Hokies

The Virginia Tech Hokies have been one of the most improved programs in the country, jumping from No. 25 to No. 10 in the national rankings. The Hokies boast a 12-3 record and a 4-1 mark in the ACC Conference. The team is led by a strong group of lower-weight wrestlers, including sophomore 125-pounder Joey Dance and junior 133-pounder Kevin Norstrem.

Dance has been a standout for the Hokies, posting a 21-2 record and earning a No. 3 ranking nationally. Norstrem has also been impressive, going 20-4 and earning a No. 6 ranking. Other key contributors for Virginia Tech include senior 141-pounder Sal Mastriani (19-5), junior 149-pounder Solomon Chishko (18-6), and sophomore 157-pounder B.C. LaPrade (16-7).

Key Matchups

There are several key matchups to watch in this dual meet, including:

• 125 pounds: Rutgers' Jonathan Tropea vs. Virginia Tech's Joey Dance
  • This matchup pits two of the top 125-pounders in the country against each other. Tropea has been solid for Rutgers, posting a 15-8 record, but will face a tough test against the No. 3-ranked Dance.
• 133 pounds: Rutgers' Nicholas Aguilar vs. Virginia Tech's Kevin Norstrem
  • This matchup features two of the top 133-pounders in the country, with Aguilar's 16-5 record facing off against Norstrem's 20-4 mark.
• 149 pounds: Rutgers' Anthony Ashnault vs. Virginia Tech's Solomon Chishko
  • This matchup pits two of the top 149-pounders in the country against each other, with Ashnault's 18-4 record facing off against Chishko's 18-6 mark.
• 197 pounds: Rutgers' Jordan Pagano vs. Virginia Tech's Jared Haught
  • This matchup features two of the top 197-pounders in the country, with Pagano's 20-2 record facing off against Haught's 17-5 mark.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, which could play a major role in the outcome of the match.

Rutgers' strengths include:

• A strong upperweight lineup, led by Pagano and Gross
• A solid 133-pounder in Aguilar
• A experienced and battle-tested team, with several wrestlers having competed in the NCAA Tournament

Rutgers' weaknesses include:

• A relatively weak 125-pounder, with Tropea posting a 15-8 record
• A lack of depth at certain weight classes, which could lead to forfeits or losses in certain matchups

Virginia Tech's strengths include:

• A strong lower-weight lineup, led by Dance and Norstrem
• A solid 149-pounder in Chishko
• A young and hungry team, with several wrestlers looking to make a name for themselves

Virginia Tech's weaknesses include:

• A relatively weak upperweight lineup, with several wrestlers posting losing records
• A lack of experience at certain weight classes, which could lead to losses in certain matchups

Prediction

This match has the potential to be one of the closest and most exciting of the season. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and the outcome will depend on which team can capitalize on the other's weaknesses.

Prediction: Rutgers 20, Virginia Tech 15

The Scarlet Knights' strong upperweight lineup will prove to be too much for the Hokies, with Pagano and Gross earning big wins at 197 and 285 pounds. Aguilar will also earn a key win at 133 pounds, while Ashnault will earn a tough decision at 149 pounds. The Hokies will keep it close, with Dance and Norstrem earning wins at 125 and 133 pounds, but ultimately the Scarlet Knights' depth and experience will prove to be too much.

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