141lb predictions:
It the old theory is true, that all great champions and dynasties always get criticized to no end, it is certainly true that Ohio State's Logan Stieber is indeed a great champion.
Since his first championship in 2012 against the heavy favorite, Jordan Oliver, Stieber has been scutinized to the point of relentless attack by anonymous forum posters around the country. But one, rather two, facts remain that Logan Stieber is a 2x NCAA Champion and looks to earn his 3rd title in 3 years this weekend. As anyone knows, who hasn't lived under a rock, the Buckeye junior took a loss to Penn State true frosh in mid-December in sudden victory. Last weekend in the Big 10 finals, it was Stieber that once again showed everyone why he is the clear cut favorite until someone beats him in March, as he dominated Retherford from their feet and the top position.
Retherford and Stieber will likely meet in the bottom half semi-final, but the endurance of the true freshman will be tested as he will likely see Khishignyam, Bright(who has wretled Retherford tight) and Dardanes just to get to Stieber. If Retherford were to get through this bracket to win his 1st NCAA title, he would be the clear cut tournament MVP.
In the top half, look for a Port/Carter semi-final bout, and we're going with the fresh Carter, as he is tested but has not endured the complete grind of the season.
The top half features GREAT 2nd round matches in Port/Spisak, Henderson/Vaith, Mecate/Durso, Dwieza/Dutton/Carter. The Dutton/Dwieza 1st round match is an interesting one, as the loser 'may' have an 'easier' road to AA honors (we can't believe we just said that outloud).
Lazor/Dardanes and Preston/Nevinger are also exciting 2nd round matches in the bottom half.
This weight class is loaded with talent, but we see the top 4 a cut above the rest, but you can never count out the likes of Dardanes/Durso. We're calling for Dutton and Mecate to round out the All-American honors.
Perhaps if Stieber can bring home a 3rd title to Columbus, he would be considered the 'luckiest' or 'worst' 3x Champ of all-time.
With that said, let the forum bashers add those comments to their list of things to talk about, we're glad we could provide some fresh ammo.
This is going to be a GREAT class to watch each and every individual bout.
OWN Prediction: Logan Stieber, Ohio State
Other Brackets: 125 / 133 / 149 / 157 / 165 / 174 / 184 / 197
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