Breaking down the competition

 

Utah Valley University (3-7, Western Wrestling Conference)

Utah Valley is looking to bounce back after a four-duel losing streak when they take on South Dakota St. and North Dakota State. The Wolverines have had key wins against Boise State and Buffalo as well as slim losses to Northern Iowa and Air Force each by less than ten points. Josh Wilson (149), Ethan Smith (165) and Avery Gardner (141) will look to make an impact this week.

 

Penn State University (9-1, Big Ten Conference)

Penn State is coming off of a huge win against Iowa to push them to the top of the polls for wrestling. The Nittany Lions have notable wins against Michigan State and No. 5 Ohio State. Before coming to UVU, Penn State will have completed a brutal road stretch against No. 7 Nebraska and No. 12 Michigan. The Nittany Lions have top-ranked wrestlers at 149 and 165 pounds.

 

South Dakota State University (3-4, Western Wrestling Conference)

Like the Wolverines, the Jackrabbits are a young team without any seniors and looking to build up their program. This will be a conference duel against Utah Valley for the Jackrabbits as they look to get the first conference win of the season. The Jackrabbits are coming off of losses to Air Force and Nebraska and key wins against Davidson and Northern State.

 

North Dakota State University (5-6, Western Wrestling Conference)

The Bison have had a bit of a rough season with losses to ranked opponents Nebraska, Rutgers, Missouri, Oregon State and Minnesota. The Bison are looking for more conference wins as they take on the Wolverines, having defeated South Dakota State earlier in the year. NDSU also has a bit more experience with more upperclassmen than the Wolverines and look to build on that success that the program is having this year.