The highly anticipated wrestling matchup between Ohio State and Virginia Tech is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly waiting to see which team will emerge victorious. Both teams have a rich history of producing talented wrestlers, and this matchup promises to be an exciting one. In this article, we'll take a closer look at five key matchups that could potentially decide the outcome of the dual meet.
Matchup 1: 125 lbs - Malik Heinselman (Ohio State) vs. Collin Gerardi (Virginia Tech)
The first matchup of the day pits Ohio State's Malik Heinselman against Virginia Tech's Collin Gerardi at 125 lbs. Heinselman, a sophomore, has been on a tear lately, winning his last five matches in a row. Gerardi, on the other hand, has been struggling to find consistency, with a 5-5 record on the season. If Heinselman can get off to a strong start, he may be able to ride the momentum to a big win for the Buckeyes.
Key Stat: Heinselman's 14-3 record on the season, with 7 wins by fall
Matchup 2: 141 lbs - Sam Hillegas (Ohio State) vs. Bryce Andonian (Virginia Tech)
At 141 lbs, Ohio State's Sam Hillegas will face off against Virginia Tech's Bryce Andonian. Hillegas, a redshirt freshman, has been impressive in his first season as a starter, with a 15-4 record. Andonian, a junior, has been Virginia Tech's most consistent wrestler at this weight class, with a 12-5 record. This matchup could go either way, but Hillegas's quickness and agility may give him an edge.
Key Stat: Hillegas's 8-2 record in dual meets this season
Matchup 3: 157 lbs - Kaleb Romero (Ohio State) vs. BC LaPrade (Virginia Tech)
The 157 lbs matchup pits Ohio State's Kaleb Romero against Virginia Tech's BC LaPrade. Romero, a sophomore, has been one of the Buckeyes' most consistent wrestlers, with a 16-5 record. LaPrade, a junior, has been struggling to find his footing, with a 6-8 record. Romero's experience and skillset make him the favorite in this matchup.
Key Stat: Romero's 10-2 record in Big Ten dual meets this season
Matchup 4: 165 lbs - Ethan Smith (Ohio State) vs. Mekhi Lewis (Virginia Tech)
At 165 lbs, Ohio State's Ethan Smith will face off against Virginia Tech's Mekhi Lewis. Smith, a redshirt freshman, has been impressive in his first season as a starter, with a 14-5 record. Lewis, a sophomore, has been one of the Hokies' most dominant wrestlers, with a 17-2 record. This matchup has the potential to be one of the most exciting of the day.
Key Stat: Lewis's 10-0 record in dual meets this season
Matchup 5: 197 lbs - Kollin Moore (Ohio State) vs. Noah Adams (Virginia Tech)
The final matchup of the day pits Ohio State's Kollin Moore against Virginia Tech's Noah Adams at 197 lbs. Moore, a senior, has been one of the Buckeyes' most consistent wrestlers, with a 15-3 record. Adams, a sophomore, has been struggling to find his footing, with a 6-8 record. Moore's experience and skillset make him the favorite in this matchup.
Key Stat: Moore's 12-1 record in Big Ten dual meets this season
Gallery of Ohio State vs Virginia Tech Wrestling
FAQs
Who is favored to win the matchup between Ohio State and Virginia Tech?
+According to the latest rankings, Ohio State is favored to win the matchup.
What is the most anticipated matchup of the day?
+The most anticipated matchup of the day is the 165 lbs matchup between Ethan Smith (Ohio State) and Mekhi Lewis (Virginia Tech).
How many matches does Ohio State need to win to take the dual meet?
+Ohio State needs to win at least 5 matches to take the dual meet.
This matchup between Ohio State and Virginia Tech promises to be an exciting one, with several key matchups that could potentially decide the outcome of the dual meet. Be sure to tune in to see which team will emerge victorious.