133 Pounds:
The Favorites:
No. 1 Jordan Oliver, Sophomore (Oklahoma State), Record: 24-0
Oliver has been one of the most dominant wrestlers this season, collecting bonus-point wins in all but three matches, The Cowboy grappler won the Big 12 title and has wins over No. 2 Andrew Hochstrasser (Boise State) and No. 9 Devin Carter (Virginia Tech). Although he might not have faced the toughest competition throughout the year, his lightning-quick offense and tilting combinations rival anyone in the nation. In fact, Oliver can score in bunches so quickly, he has eight wins in which he either pinned or won by technical fall in the first period.
No. 2 Andrew Hochstrasser, Senior (Boise State), Record: 23-1
Hochstrasser won the Pac-10 title and has only lost once this season (lost to Oliver 5-2). The Bronco senior is tough to score on and has excellent mat presence. The 2009 NCAA fourth-place finisher at owns wins over No. 4 Tyler Graff (Wisconsin) and No. 9 Devin Carter (Virginia Tech) this and knows what it takes to make a deep run in March.
No. 3 Andrew Long, Sophomore (Penn State), Record: 15-1
Long has been a great addition to the Penn State lineup. A national runner-up at 125 pounds last year for Iowa State, Long was dismissed from the Cyclone's lineup in the offseason and eventually found his way to the Nittany Lions. The sophomore won the Big 10 crown and boasts two wins over No. 4 Tyler Graff (Wisconsin) and two wins over No. 8 B.J Futrell (Illinois). His offensive variations will keep in many matches and will no doubt be one to watch in Philadelphia.
No. 4 Tyler Graff, Sophomore (Wisconsin), Record: 33-3
Graff has put together a great sophomore season after finishing fifth at the 2010 NCAA tournament. The Big Ten runner-up owns wins over No. 5 Lou Ruggirello (Hofstra), No. 8 B.J. Futrell (Illinois) three times, No. 7 Tony Ramos (Iowa), No. 9 Devin Carter (Virginia Tech) twice and No. 10 Scotti Sentes (Central Michigan). The Badger grappler is solid in all areas and needs to figure out a way to get over the hump against the top contenders if he wants to take home the title.
No. 6 Mike Grey, Senior (Cornell), Record: 11-0
Grey battled injuries much of the season, but once he got back, the Big Red senior has shown the skills to make a deep run in Philadelphia. Grey owns a victory over No. 12 Rollie Peterkin (Penn) and has experience wrestling at the NCAA tournament. His time off will affect him, and he sits on the outside looking in as far as a serious title contender.
Others to watch:
No. 5 Lou Ruggirello, Senior (Hofstra), Record: 27-3
No. 7 Tony Ramos, Freshman (Iowa), Record: 21-4
No. 8 B.J. Futrell, Sophomore (Illinois), 24-7
Predicted Winner: Jordan Oliver (Oklahoma State)