NU outranks OSU in upcoming wrestling match

The Nebraska and Oklahoma State  wrestling teams have somewhat reversed roles since their meeting a year ago.

In 2008, a young upstart Cornhusker squad was fighting its way through the national rankings and looking for respect. The Cowboys, ranked No. 2, had the home advantage and pride to defend.

Tonight No. 15 OSU will carry a 12-5 record into the Bob Devaney Sports Center to face 4th-ranked NU. It will be the first time NU coach Mark Manning has entered the dual against Oklahoma State with the higher ranked team.

But records and rankings aside, the Huskers know they're still facing the most dominant program in history.

"They're Oklahoma State," Manning said. "They've got a lot of talent on their team and a lot of talent in their program. But they've got a lot of pride, number one."

The Cowboys are expected to come in with a chip on their shoulders.

An NU breakaway, sparked by a Brandon Browne win by decision, highlighted last year's dual. Vince Jones and Craig Brester followed with decisions of their own in route to a 22-13 victory.

While the Huskers' strength at the larger weight classes has increased, the Cowboys have refined their lineup as well.

Seniors Newly McSpadden and Brandon Mason have both changed weight classes. McSpadden, who wrestled at 157 pounds last year, has jumped to a No. 14 ranking at 174 pounds while No. 10 Brandon Mason has dropped from 174 to 165 pounds.

NU's 165-pound Stephen Dwyer wasn't too worried about the changes.

"I've just been working on my own things," Dwyer said. "I'm not worried about him being bigger or more powerful. When he steps on the scale he weighs the same as me. I don't care what weight he used to be, he's 165 now."

Manning has said he only wants his wrestlers to worry about their own strategies and the aggression they bring to the mat. That philosophy has caught on nicely for 133-pound Matt Vacanti.

The sophomore recorded the only bonus point win in the Missouri dual Sunday. His major-decision win proved to be the tipping point for the Huskers' 16-15 victory.

"In that match I hit everything as hard as I could," Vacanti said. "I went as hard as I could the whole time and I didn't get tired. That's how I'm building off of it. I'm starting to believe I can go as hard as I can and make it to the end of the match."

While enjoying what he saw from Vacanti, Manning said there was plenty of room for improvement and that the Papillion native would have an opportunity to prove himself against a perennial power in Oklahoma State.

Nonetheless, the Huskers will be trying to keep the Cowboys from pulling an upset of their own. The team is expecting their largest crowd of the season.

Nebraska will host the match at the Devaney Center, rather than the NU Coliseum, for Pepsi's Pack the House night, at which all Pepsi products will be sold for one dollar.

"We hope our fans and people come out and support our program; it's a big match for us. It's kind of a marquee match-up with Oklahoma State's tradition," Manning said.

davehoufek@dailynebraskan.com