Penn State wrestling set to host another top-20 opponent

Last Friday, No. 1 Penn State wrestling (9-0 overall, 2-0 Big Ten) took down No. 3 Michigan, 30-8. The Nittany Lions’ dominant showing over Michigan was their second double-digit win over a top-4 team, and again asserted Penn State as the best team in the nation.

Now, Penn State wrestling will look to continue its momentum as it hosts No. 20 Michigan State (7-3 overall, 0-3 Big Ten) at Rec Hall in State College, PA. The dual meet is set for 1 PM (EST) on Sunday, January 22nd.

Penn State wrestling dominates Michigan, looks to do the same vs. MSU

The nation expected Cael Sanderson and his Nittany Lions to dominate the 3rd-ranked Wolverines, though not many expected the score to be what it was. When it was all said and done, Penn State had tossed Michigan to the side and walked off with a 22-point win. The Wolverines were previously undefeated and came to State College with a great deal of road experience and four ranked wins.

Now, after disposing of the nation’s No. 3 team, Penn State wrestling faces another ranked Big Ten opponent: the 20th-ranked Michigan State Spartans. MSU comes into State College riding a three-meet losing streak (No 3 Michigan, No. 12 Minnesota, No. 24 Rutgers) and looks to change its fortunes against the country’s top program.

It goes without saying, but Penn State is favored by quite a bit in this one — especially with the meet being held in State College. Of Michigan State’s three losses this year, two of them have been on the road.

What’s next for Penn State wrestling?

The Nittany Lions’ dominant win over Michigan was impressive, but Penn State cannot afford to lose focus this year. Penn State’s 9-0 record is impressive — especially given how many ranked opponents it has faced — however, as we all know, the Big Ten is a gauntlet. From here, Penn State will face quite a few more teams of Michigan’s caliber.

After hosting No. 20 Michigan State, Penn State wrestling then hosts No. 2 Iowa at the Bryce-Jordan Center before hitting the road to face No. 8 Ohio State. Following the Ohio State meet, the No. 1 Nittany Lions will face No. 21 Indiana, No. 24 Rutgers, Maryland, and Clarion.

Penn State’s final two meets of the season should be easier as they are the Nittany Lions’ only two meets against unranked competition for the rest of the year. After Maryland and Clarion, Penn State wrestling will then turn its attention to Big Ten Championships and NCAA tournament.