Nebraska’s Coliseum will be the stage for a showdown between two of the highest ranked wrestling programs in the country. Fourth-ranked Iowa State will take on third-ranked Nebraska in its final dual of the season.
ISU defeated Nebraska 20-19 in a tight dual at the National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in January.
NU Coach Mark Manning said he doesn’t care who the opposition is when the Huskers go to wrestle.
“It really doesn’t count any more than any other dual,” Manning said. “I don’t care if it’s Iowa State, Iowa or Iowa Community College. We want to wrestle well, no matter who the competition is.”
With multiple matches between ranked individuals, the 197-pound match stands out the most, especially for Craig Brester.
The Howells, Neb., native dropped a close match to No. 1 ranked Jake Varner in Cedar Falls.
Varner has been in Brester’s head all week.
“I’ve been thinking about it and the match went through my head a couple times,” Brester said. “You always want to wrestle a guy you’ve lost to.”
Brester said that several mistakes allowed Varner to score key takedowns in that first match.
“If I knock out those mistakes (then) I win the match,” Brester said.
There’s more on the line than just pride. The Huskers have a chance to make school history by going undefeated in Big 12 Conference play. The Huskers had the same opportunity last year before a 25-12 loss in Ames ended those dreams.
A win would also give Nebraska its fifth straight victory going into the Big 12 Championships. Manning said the winning streak has raised confidence levels.
“They are definitely gaining some momentum,” Manning said.
One wrestler who has done nothing but gain momentum all season is Jordan Burroughs. The 157-pounder has gone 27-0 this season. Burroughs said the accomplishment means a lot considering the tough wrestlers he has faced this year.
“It means I’ve beaten everyone I faced and I’ve faced a lot of top guys,” Burroughs said. He’s done all this while switching from the 149-pound class to the 157-pound class, but said he hasn’t switched his style.
“They need to adapt to me,” Burroughs said of his competition.
He expects to see something different on Sunday from Cyler Sanderson, whom he beat 12-4 at the National Duals.
“I don’t know if he is going to change his strategy up a bit,” Burroughs said. “I’m going to wrestle what works for me.”
What works for Burroughs is takedowns, which he set the single season record for last weekend.
He said it is a big accomplishment and he sees it as a stepping stone for continuing his strong wrestling into March.
His takedowns are also a stepping stone for technical falls and major decisions. Those results mean a lot to Burroughs.
“It gives me confidence,” Burroughs said. “It gives my team confidence and extra points. Every point counts.”
Manning knows every point counts. His team has escaped with wins several times this season because of the bonus points, and he expects this could be the case again against ISU.
“We’ve already wrestled once and we know what they do and they know what we do,” Manning said.
michaelshaefer@dailynebraskan.com
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