It's almost here!  With all the team race speculating and prognosticating going on, we finally get them both in the same gym to see how it will all shake out!  
With 73 ranked wrestlers and 7 (COUNT EM), 7 #1 ranked wrestlers there's no doubt this is as tough as it gets for a regular season tournament.  Combine that with some incredible unattached talent and we are ready for a dandy in Tennessee! 

Pre-seeds and (FloWrestling Ranking)

125

1. Nico Megaludis- Penn State (4)
2. Zeke Moisey- West Virginia (11)
3. Eddie Klimara- Oklahoma State (5)
4. Darian Cruz- Lehigh (14)
5. Drew Templeman- Wyoming (15)
6. Connor Schram- Stanford
7. Sean Russell- Edinboro
8. Emilio Martinez- Virginia
9. Dalton Macri- Cornell (20)
10. Brent Fleetwood- Central Michigan

Unseeded X Factors - Austin Assad - Michigan, Ethan Lizak - Minnesota

Photo: Tony Rotundo

I really like the looks of this weight.  WeÂ’ll have Nico Megaludis as a pretty sizable favorite in this field.  The Megalion has been solid this year in limited activity.  He suffered an OT loss to Joey Dance in the VT/PSU dual.  Apart from that match, NicoÂ’s only other match against elite competition was a 7-1 win over Schram of Stanford.  ThereÂ’s little to suggest that Nico is vulnerable here in this field.  Zeke Moisey has not been able to demonstrate that his NCAA performance was anything but an outlier having suffered losses to McGhee (twice), Petrov and Bresser.  He has the goods to make the finals here, but until I see that elite Zeke, I am not going to predict it.

Eddie Klimara has been a pillar of consistency for OSU the last few seasons.  He beats who he should beat but rarely notches wins that put him in the upper echelon of this weight.  I like his path to the finals, and though he lost the most recent match against Moisey, Eddie still holds a 2-1 edge over Moisey having beaten Zeke 10-2 and 5-3 last year.

Keep an eye out for Austin Assad.  HeÂ’s known more for his Freestyle accolades, so IÂ’m particularly intrigued by him against D1 competition.  HeÂ’s won some opens in his true freshman year but hasnÂ’t faced the elite competition yet.  He will here.

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Nico Megaludis - Penn State
2. Eddie Klimara - Ok State
3. Darian Cruz - Lehigh
4. Zeke Moisey - WVU
5. Drew Templeman - Wyoming
6. Dalton Macri - Cornell

133

1. Nahshon Garrett- Cornell (1)
2. Jordan Conaway- Penn State (9)
3. George DiCamillo- Virginia (4)
4. Kaid Brock- Oklahoma State (11)
5. Josh Martinez- Air Force (17)
6. David Pearce- Drexel
7.  Caleb Richardson- Penn (16)
8. Nathan Kraisser- Campbell
9. Sam Brancale- Minnesota
10. Keegan Moore- West Virginia

Unseeded X Factors: Garth Yenter - MSU

If youÂ’re like me, youÂ’re salivating at the possibility of a Brock/Garrett semi.  Kaid will have to get through Josh Martinez to make this matchup happen.  As great as I believe Kaid is and can be, I really want to see how he holds up in a 7 minute battle.  Skill for skill, not many can match his technical arsenal.  I donÂ’t think Martinez presents the style issue that a DiCamillo or Conaway would. So I see Kaid getting through that quarter, though it will certainly be a winnable match for Martinez who has been productive since moving up to 133.

Nahshon is a strong favorite here to not only make the finals but win the tournament.  ThereÂ’s very few people in the country who can match him point for point.  Nobody in this field is at that level offensively.  Look for Nahshon to cruise to a title here at 133.  

If DiCamillo can get by a pesky Caleb Richardson in the quarters, heÂ’ll have PSU All-American Jordan Conaway.  I believe DiCamillo really matches up well against Conaway.  I think his length will be a bit of a problem for Conaway.  Look for DiCamillo to control wrists from neutral and get to his single.  He can fire and finish both sides for his single leg and is extremely tough on top.  Conaway may have more offense, attacks and athleticism, but I think DiCamillo will control too many aspects of the bout.  So I have a DiCamillo/Garrett final with Nahshon winning comfortably.

I think Conaway matches up really well against Brock.  Both guys wrestle an exciting style.  Conaway needs to find a way to avoid the big moves against Brock.  Brock will need to be ready to brawl hard for 7 minutes.  I think Conaway gets him this time if they meet.  

CPÂ’s Predictions
1. Nahshon Garrett - Cornell
2. George DiCamillo - UVA
3. Jordan Conaway - PSU
4. Kaid Brock - OK State
5. Caleb Richardson - Penn
6. Josh Martinez - Air Force

Here's why I'm not picking against Nahshon any time soon:

141

1. Dean Heil- Oklahoma State (1)
2. Jimmy Gulibon- Penn State (7)
3. Joey McKenna- Stanford (5)
4. Tommy Thorn- Minnesota (16)
5. Bryce Meredith- Wyoming (12)
6. Randy Cruz- Lehigh (14)
7. Zach Horan- Central Michigan (15)
8. Kevin Devoy- Drexel
9. Kade Moss- Penn State
10. Javier Gasca- Michigan State

Unseeded X Factors: AC Headlee - UNC, Jared Prince - Navy Prep, Joey Ward - UNC, Zac Hall, Michigan

Why even bother predicting this weight.  After the mayhem that this weight has been all year, then the Midlands insanity  where the 2nd, 3rd and 4th ranked wrestlers in the country ALL were upset early, thereÂ’s very little hope for conventionality to occur.  That said, I believe Joey McKenna will be the guy to restore order.  The Stanford Freshman has looked the part early having beaten Jimmy Gulibon and Evan Henderson already.  McKenna is as positionally sound as anyone at this weight and has uncanny power and explosion.  

Conversely, Dean Heil brings a contrasting style of frequent attacks and high level scrambling.  He caught fire late last year en route to a 4th place finish at NCAAÂ’s.  HeÂ’s used the momentum of a fine NCAAÂ’s to catapult him to the top ranking at 141 after knocking off Kevin Jack off NC State.  Jimmy Gulibon was our preseason #1 at 141 pounds but has suffered losses to Solomon Chishko and Joey McKenna this year.  HeÂ’s a proven, solid entity but after watching his match against McKenna, I struggle to see how he gets by Joey in their potential semi.  He could have a tough match against Horan in his quarter as well, though IÂ’d expect him to get by.  

I love the 4-7 group of Thorn, Meredith, Cruz and Horan.  A lot of talent in that mix.  One of those guys could make waves. IÂ’ve been on the record of expecting big things from Randy Cruz, he could be the one to make noise.  Tommy Thorn may be poised to break out as well.

I like Joey McKenna to run the gauntlet and leave Tennessee with the #1 ranking.  I think Heil will struggle to open Joey up and get to his legs. McKenna will pick his spots and score to win what I expect to be a one takedown match.   

CPÂ’s Predictions
1. Joey McKenna - Stanford
2. Dean Heil - Ok State
3. Jimmy Gulibon - PSU
4. Tommy Thorn - Minnesota
5. Randy Cruz - Lehigh
6. Bryce Meredith - Wyoming

Check out Heil's win over then #1 Kevin Jack here:

149

1. Zain Retherford- Penn State (1)
2. Evan Henderson- North Carolina (6 at 141)
3. CJ Cobb- Penn (6)
4. Collin Heffernan- Central Michigan (10)
5. Jake Short- Minnesota (11)
6. Matt Cimato- Drexel (9)
7. Anthony Collica- Oklahoma State (8)
8. Pat Lugo- Edinboro (17)
9. Laike Gardner- Lehigh (18)
10. Paul Fox- Stanford

Unseeded X Factors - Fredy Stroker - Minnesota, Matt Frisch - The Citadel, Joey Galasso, Cornell, Chris Vassar - Gardner Webb

Zain Retherford is going to win this tournament. IÂ’m not going to over-react to his 2-1 win over Clagon.  That performance looks to be more of an outlier than anything.  Retherford has been on a bonus tear having only 2 of his matches been won by decision.  The 2-1 win over Clagon and an 8-1 win over Ken Theobold.  Retherford has gone from punishing rider to punishing turner from the top position.  Combine that with an already dangerous neutral game and youÂ’ve got one of the best guys in the country, regardless of weight.  

WeÂ’ll get our first look at Henderson up at 149.  I think heÂ’ll have a fine transition up to this weight class.  These two were in the same 141 field 2 years ago but didnÂ’t meet.  Both are complete monsters on top, but Zain will have a real edge on his feet.  I also think that Zain will find a way to escape against Zain (should he even choose bottom).  

ThereÂ’s a few very interesting Freshman in this field.  Fredy Stroker and Pat Lugo (who met in the Fargo finals this Summer) could both make deep runs.  Lugo is yet to lose this season.  Stroker has been solid in Open competition.  Anthony Collica looks to make his return.  I have been bullish about Collica for awhile, so IÂ’m not going to hold back now!  If heÂ’s healthy and on, he could play spoiler and make a run to the finals.  I wonÂ’t predict it since we havenÂ’t seen him look strong this year, but itÂ’s a real possibility.

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Zain Retherford - PSU
2. Evan Henderson - UNC
3. Anthony Collica - Ok State
4. CJ Cobb - Penn
5. Fredy Stroker - Minnesota
6. Pat Lugo - Edinboro

157

1. Jason Nolf- Penn State (3)
2. Joe Smith- Oklahoma State
3. Luke Smith- Central Michigan (8)
4. Mitch Minotti- Lehigh (13)
5. Dylan Cottrell- West Virginia (10)
6. Dylan Palacio- Cornell
7. Russell Parsons- Army (18)
8. Aaron Walker- Citadel (12)
9. Andrew Atkinson- Virginia (19)
10. Zack Beitz- Penn State

Unseeded X Factors: Vincenzo Joseph - PSU, Larry Early III - Minnesota

Woo doggy! What a weight!  Maybe itÂ’s not crazy deep but there are some must watch wrestlers here.  The Joe Smith dynamic throughout this season has been among my favorite subplots of this wrestling season.  HeÂ’ll face his toughest competition yet at the Scuffle with a potential rematch with Luke Smith looming.  That being said if Dylan Palacio is here and on point, he could take out Luke Smith and set up an incredible Joe Smith v. Dylan Palacio semi!

Vincenzo Joseph is as dangerous an x factor that we have in any weight.  Cenzo is a mega-talent.  Outside of Nolf, I donÂ’t think thereÂ’s anyone here he canÂ’t go with, including Joe Smith.  Jason Nolf is an obvious pick to take the title in my mind.  His relentless motor from his feet and improving top game have launched him towards the top tier of this weight class.

I think weÂ’ll get a Jo Jo v. Nolf final.  I like Nolf comfortably, like a 2-4 point range.  Beyond that I think the 2-6 spots are completely up for grabs by any number of guys.  ThereÂ’s just a lot of depth and evenness.  

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Jason Nolf - PSU
2. Joe Smith - Ok State
3. Vincenzo Joseph - PSU
4. Dylan Palacio - Cornell
5. Luke Smith - CMU
6. Mitch Minotti - Lehigh

165

1. Alex Dieringer- Oklahoma State (1)
2. Jim Wilson- Stanford (8)
3. George Pickett- Cornell (19)
4. Casey Fuller- Edinboro
5. Jake Faust- Duke (10)
6. Geno Morelli- Penn State
7. Shakur Rasheed- Penn State (16)
8. Ryan Preisch- Lehigh (18)
9. Garrett Hammond- Penn State
10. Logan Massa- Michigan

Unseeded X Factors: John Michael Staudenmayer - UNC

This weight doesnÂ’t have the zing of other weights but the dominance of Dieringer and the x-factor that is Logan Massa makes this a very intriguing match.  WeÂ’ve seen StanfordÂ’s Jim Wilson look solid, but heÂ’s also taken losses to Jake Faust and Steven Rodrigues this year.  If they do seed Massa at the 10, I really believe heÂ’ll make the finals against Dieringer.  HeÂ’s been on an utter tear in the opens heÂ’s entered with some incredible bonus point percentage as well.  His offense is consistent from his feet and he can get to legs against just about anyone.

Alex Dieringer wonÂ’t have to bat an eye this tournament, thereÂ’s not many in his league nationwide.  In this field, they really donÂ’t exist.  Dieringer bonusing his way through the tournament canÂ’t be ruled out.  

Another very interesting variable is the PSU 165 pound situation.  Hammond was the starter a year ago, Rasheed and Morelli have both seen starting time for PSU this year.  How these three perform this year could go a long way in determining the starting spot.  Morelli was seconds away from knocking off #2 Isaac Jordan.  Rasheed has had moments of brilliance including a pin over Connor Brennan.

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Alex Dieringer - Ok State
2. Logan Massa - Michigan
3. Jim Wilson - Stanford
4. Shakur Rasheed - PSU
5. Geno Morelli - PSU
6. Jake Faust - Duke

174

1. Brian Realbuto- Cornell (2)
2. Kyle Crutchmer- Oklahoma State (1)
3. Ethan Ramos- North Carolina (5 at 165)
4. Bo Nickal- Penn State (6)
5. Mike Ottinger- Central Michigan (10)
6. Jadaen Bernstein- Navy(15)
7. Ben Stroh- Wyoming(18)
8. Chandler Rogers- Oklahoma State
9. Brian Harvey- Army (17)
10. Casey Kent- Penn (16)

Unseeded X Factors: Nick Wanzek - Minnesota, Fox Baldwin - UVA

WeÂ’ve got a fantastic top 4 in this group.  Ethan Ramos adds a nice layer of depth, though IÂ’m still curious how heÂ’ll perform up at this weight.  Bo Nickal has looked the part of a National Champion in his first 2 months of college competition.  It began with a complete domination of Zach Epperly of Virginia Tech, then a pin of All-American Bryce Hammond of CSU Bakersfield.  Bo clearly added layers of offense and technique during his redshirt year.  HeÂ’s always had dynamic upper body stuff, but his leg attacks, particularly his ankle picks are looking pristine.  I donÂ’t know if IÂ’d describe him as a “good scrambler” or not, but what I do know is you donÂ’t want to get caught rolling around with him.  IÂ’m not necessarily referring to leg passes, but when guys start improvising and rolling, Bo brings them bad news.  In his match against Ricky Robertson he came out with such fury and pace that I think that in the process of running up a massive score, he wore himself out a bit.  I am curious to see if heÂ’ll keep coming out that hard, or if heÂ’ll regulate a little more.  

I think Bo wins this tournament.  Ottinger will be a tough, gritty quarterfinal opponent for Bo, but I think he has the offense to get by him.  After that heÂ’d face Realbuto.  As long as Bo is able to wrestle from underneath well enough, I donÂ’t know where Realbuto has an advantage over Bo.  I think Bo will be able to dictate from the tie well enough that Realbuto wonÂ’t be able to get to his high crotch.  If Realbuto is able to get to legs consistently against Bo (something we havenÂ’t seen much of yet), it turns this match on its head and I have no clue what weÂ’ll get.  

On the other side I donÂ’t see anyone breaking up the Ramos/Crutchmer semi.  Crutchmer has been healthy and clicking on all cylinders this season.  Ramos has been in and out of competition, nursing an injury.  Now with this move up to 174, IÂ’m taking more of a wait and see approach.  Crutchmer is a unique combination of power and speed.  His arsenal is vast from his feet.  I think he and Nickal are on a collision course for the finals.

I think weÂ’ll have an incredibly entertaining bout on our hands if we get Crutchmer/Nickal (or Crutchmer/Realbuto, for that matter).  If Crutchmer is powerful enough to blow through Nickals front line defense he could take the bout  That said, I like Nickal here.  HeÂ’s just got too many ways to score.  Certainly this match will be in the balance, but if you simply compare their performances against Zach Epperly where Crutchmer lost a dull 0 takedown match, Nickal was a dominant victor. Bo leaves Tennessee with a title and the #1 ranking to boot.

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Bo Nickal - PSU
2. Kyle Crutchmer - Ok State
3. Brian Realbuto - Cornell
4. Ethan Ramos - UNC
5. Mike Ottinger - CMU
6. Chandler Rogers - Ok State

184

1. Gabe Dean- Cornell (1)
2. Nate Brown- Lehigh (4)
3. Lorenzo Thomas- Penn (8)
4. Matt McCutcheon- Penn St (12)
5. Mat Miller- Navy(14)
6. Nolan Boyd- Oklahoma State (16)
7. Alex Utley- North Carolina (19)
8. Jordan Rogers- Oklahoma State
9. Jordan Ellingwood- Central Michigan
10. Austin Severn- Central Michigan

Unseeded X Factors - Austin Gabel - Virginia Tech, Bobby Steveson - Minnesota

Photo: Tony Rotundo

We seemed destined for the ump-teenth installment of Dean v. Brown.  Nate was going to head to the Midlands for this week but travel issues got in the way.  So heÂ’s Scuffle bound.  ThereÂ’s not a ton of history between Brown and Thomas, but I think theyÂ’ll hit in the semis and weÂ’ll see Brown take it.  He won their previous meeting 7-4.  ThereÂ’s a noticeable drop-off in this weight after McCutcheon in my opinion.  IÂ’d be pretty surprised to see anyone penetrate the top 4 from outside that group. The pecking order in terms of results is well defined: Dean beats Brown, Brown beats Thomas, Thomas beats McCutcheon.  ThatÂ’s at least how itÂ’s gone historically.  If itÂ’s going to deviate within that top 4, it will probably be with McCutcheon pulling an upset.

Gabe Dean is a pretty substantial favorite here and I see no reason to go against the defending champion here.  HeÂ’s looked as good as ever (scary thought) this year.  Brown has been able to give Gabe a few competitive matches.  Gabe has been able to get to legs and most importantly finish more and that has been the difference.  

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Gabe Dean - Cornell
2. Nate Brown - Lehigh
3. Lorenzo Thomas - Penn
4. Matt McCutcheon - PSU
5. Mat Miller - Navy
6. Bobby Steveson - Minnesota

197

1. Morgan McIntosh- Penn State (1)
2. Conner Hartmann- Duke (3)
3. Brett Pfarr- Minnesota (5)
4. Jake Smith- West Virginia (8)
5. Zach Nye- Virginia (13)
6. John Bolich- Lehigh (15)
7. Marshall Haas- Citadel (19)
8. JT Goodwin- Cal Poly
9. Vince Pickett- Edinboro
10- Scottie Boykin- Chattanooga

Unseeded X Factors - Frank Mattiace - Penn, Chip Ness - UNC, Trent Noon - Northern Colorado, Owen Scott - Cornell, Sam Wheeler - Cleveland State

These ainÂ’t your grandpaÂ’s 197 pounders!  Our top three seeds here ALL bring the goods!  They attack legs, can scramble like heck and turn (not just ride) from the top position.  Brett Pfarr has been a wrecking ball since moving up to 197.  His only loss is to JÂ’Den Cox and he has been winning by lopsided margins against everyone else.  That list that includes AA Max Huntley who he majored at CKLV. I am salivating at the thought of a Conner Hartmann v. Brett Pfarr semi.  Hartmann stays under the radar somehow, but this guy can flat out wrestle.  More people should be Conner Hartmann fans! I think that Hartmann is on par, if not superior in the scrambles to Pfarr.  Additionally, I think he has more consistent and safe offense on his feet.  I like both of these guys to make the semiÂ’s and I think Hartmann punches his ticket to the finals.

On the other side of the bracket I donÂ’t see anyone keeping #1 Morgan McIntosh from making the finals.  HeÂ’s looked quite tough this year and I donÂ’t see anyone having the offense to keep pace with Morgan.  Once in the finals weÂ’ll have a rematch from NCAAÂ’s last year where Hartmann upset McIntosh.  In this match we saw Hartmann counter McIntoshÂ’s low single and high crotch incredibly well.  It was only a 3-2 win, so a small adjustment by McIntosh in his finishing could yield a victory.  ThatÂ’s what I think weÂ’ll see here.  McIntosh will continue to get to legs (something Hartmann struggled to do against McIntosh) and will get the finishes.  Close win, but a win nonetheless for McIntosh.

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Morgan McIntosh - Penn State
2. Conner Hartmann - Duke
3. Brett Pfarr - Minnesota
4. Jake Smith - WVU
5. Zach Nye - UVA
6. John Bolich - Lehigh

285

1. Austin Marsden- Oklahoma State (4)
2. Mike Kroells- Minnesota (6)
3. Denzel Dejournette- Appalachian State (8)
4. Max Wessell- Lehigh (12)
5. Riley Shaw- Cleveland State (10)
6. Jared Johnson- Chattanooga (17)
7. Tanner Harms- Wyoming (18)
8. Billy Miller- Edinboro (16)
9. Nathan Butler- Stanford (20)
10. Jeramy Sweany- Cornell

Unseeded X Factors - Rylee Streiffel - Minnesota, Josh Marchok - Stanford

On to the big boys.  For team race considerations, this is a big spot for Oklahoma State.  Their All-American Marsden is a sizable favorite in this field.  Penn State will send Jan Johnson but he likely wonÂ’t be ready to contend for a placement yet.  Marsden will likely have a pesky and athletic heavyweight from Lehigh in his semi.  I think Marsden will be a bit too big and positionally sound to succumb to the areas that make Wessel dangerous.  

Meanwhile Mike Kroells has a great shot at the finals himself for Minnesota.  The 6th ranked wrestler in the country has had some rough moments this year having lost to Wessell.  HeÂ’s rebounded nicely, however with a win over Freshman Tanner Hall.

Dejournette hasnÂ’t faced much competition yet to know where he stacks up.  So IÂ’m going to err with the more proven guy in Kroells in that semi.  Kroells is an especially active heavyweight.  Against Marsden I believe weÂ’ll see the Cowboy victorious.  He holds great position and I donÂ’t believe will be victimized by the scrambling ability of Kroells.

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Austin Marsden - Ok State
2. Mike Kroells - Minnesota
3. Max Wessell - Lehigh
4. Riley Shaw - Cleveland State
5. Tanner Harms - Wyoming
6. Denzel Dejournette - App State

Team Race

Based on my predictions Penn State will win by a semi comfortable margin.  That said, just a few very small changes and itÂ’s back in OSUÂ’s favor.  Crutchmer, Brock, Collica, Heil and using Joe Smith as a scorer hold the keys.  They all could significantly improve on my prediction in reality and make this an incredibly tight team race.

CPÂ’s Predictions:
1. Penn State
2. Oklahoma State
3. Cornell
4. Lehigh
5. Minnesota
6. Penn
7. Stanford
8. Wyoming
9. UNC
10. UVA