Penn State wins Big Ten dual meet title with comeback win over Nebraska

After an early deficit, Penn State wrestling came back and defeated Nebraska 22-13 to claim the Big Ten dual meet title.

The Nittany Lions fell in the first two bouts and were also without 133 starter Aaron Nagao. Right off the bat, Nebraska jumped out to a 7-0 lead.

The surprising result was Caleb Smith knocking off Penn State’s Braeden Davis by major decision at 125.

“We know who we have in our lineup and it’s a team effort,” Penn State coach Cael Sanderson said, per PennLive. “And if something doesn’t go our way, it just gives other people an opportunity to step up and help the team. We always want to win every match but we’ve got some stuff we can play with and we just have to get ready for the next one.”

Beau Bartlett got a win to put PSU on the board, although it was a close one over Brock Hardy. Nebraska’s top ranked Ridge Lovett (149) got a win over Tyler Kasak to keep the Huskers in the lead, 10-3.

Levi Haines closed the gap with a 10-3 win over Peyton Robb at 157. But still, the Nittany trailed 10-6 through five bouts.

“We were fine even though we were down at the half,” Penn State 174-pound starter Carter Starocci said. “That stuff kind of ticks me off a little bit. “We’ll keep getting better and our best wrestling is gonna be at the national tournament; that’s our main focus.”

The Lions trailed in a dual meet for the first time this season against the Cornhuskers. Mitchell Mesenbrink’s win, followed by Starocci’s tech fall gave Penn State the lead for good at 14-10.

Lenny Pinto made it interesting with a win over Bernie Truax as he gave the Huskers another win. However, Aaron Brooks and Greg Kerkvliet closed it out for Penn State.

Penn State defeats Nebraska wrestling: Results

125 – Caleb Smith (Nebraska) maj Braeden Davis (Penn State)  11-3
133 – Jacob Van Dee (Nebraska) dec Baylor Shunk (Penn State)  6-2
141 – Beau Bartlett (Penn State) dec Brock Hardy (Nebraska)  9-6
149 – Ridge Lovett (Nebraska) dec Tyler Kasak (Penn State)  7-3
157 – Levi Haines (Penn State) dec Peyton Robb (Nebraska)  10-3
165 – Mitchell Mesenbrink (PSU) dec Antrell Taylor (NEB)  9-5
174 – Carter Starocci (PSU) tech Bubba Wilson (NEB)  20-4
184 – Lenny Pinto (NEB) dec Bernie Truax (PSU)  8-6
197 – Aaron Brooks (PSU) maj Silas Allred (NEB)  17-4
285 – Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) maj Nash Hutmacher (NEB)  10-0