Everything Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson said after his team's 39-0 win over Michigan

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State wrestling coach Cael Sanderson was unsurprisingly pleased with his team’s performance after a dominating 39-0 win over Michigan. It was the No. 1 Nittany Lions fifth shut out of the season. They won all 10 bouts and secured a 20-0 edge in the takedowns department en route to their 12th victory of the season.

“I think overall, we wrestled fine,” Sanderson said. “I think these guys went out and did what they needed to do. Michigan’s always got a tough team. Obviously, they got a great coaching staff, so their guys are going to be ready to go. But yeah, I think the guys wrestled well and it’s just getting ready for Sunday now.”

Watch the full post-match news conference and read everything else Sanderson had to say below.

On how Kyison Garcia performed filling in for Braeden Davis at 133 and Beau Bartlett’s win at 141

“I thought Garcia did a really good job,” Sanderson said. “He hasn’t wrestled since November, I don’t think. And so, that’s a big match for your first match, and the first time he’s wrestling in a dual meet, so I think he did a nice job. He scored his points and, and I think he probably learned a lot, and hopefully he can just continue to build off of that.

“I think Bartlett did what he needed to do to win the match, right? Wrestling an opponent, he’s seen several times, and, you know, a high-quality opponent.”

Did Penn State think Josh Barr should have got back points after reversing Josh Cardenas?

“At that point, we didn’t even worry about it,” Sanderson said. “Yeah, I mean, that’s good point. He won the match, and it wouldn’t have made a difference as far as team points or anything. But yeah, didn’t cross my mind. So thanks for pointing that out, actually. But yeah, it’s a hustle position there. He did a good job and just fought to the end. And he’s just going to keep getting better.”

On Luke Lilledahl’s win by fall at 125 pounds

“Luke’s doing a great job,” Sanderson said. “He’s, also a true freshman who is getting better every match and that experience. And, he’s just being creative out there to figure out how to lock up the cradle and get the team six points. That was a lot of fun.”

Will injured Penn State 133-pound starter Braeden Davis be back in action Sunday against Maryland?

“I don’t actually know the answer to that,” Sanderson said. “I mean, that’ll be a Sunday or tomorrow night, we’ll make a decision.”

What does the Lions’ schedule look like from now until Maryland on Sunday?

“This is kind of a three day kind of event, which is similar to the nationals,” Sanderson said. “So we like that, having two weigh-ins and wrestling over this period. But yeah, [Saturday] is just prepare for Sunday, right? It’s just get in there and get to manage our weight in this sport, which is a lot of what the training is based on. If you weren’tmanaging your weight, the training is probably a lot different. But, yeah, just get in there [Saturday], get ready to compete, and then we’ll do our thing on Sunday.”

On the team’s fifth shutout of the season

“I think we have really good team this year, and they’re very solid,” Sanderson said. “We have 10 good guys in 10 good weight classes, and we have guys that are ready to jump in there if the opportunity arises, as we saw with Kyison today. So yeah, we loveour team, and just going to keep getting better. I know that’s been said a few times. That’s always the plan.”

On having three BJC matches this year

“Yeah, we don’t think a whole lot about it, you know? I think [having them on] back to back [wekeends] is probably not ideal as far as getting fans here,” Sanderson said. “But we to wrestle over here. I think it’s enjoyable. And, I think these guys probably enjoy it. It’s good practice. It’s the environment, and going up on the stage, that’s what’s going to be like at the national tournament. And it gives more people a chance to watch our matches. Rec Hall’s just so small. But we love Rec Hall. But yeah, we kind of, whatever the Big Ten gives us, and then we go from there. And I like the Friday night match. I think there’s a lot of energy, and it’s fun. It’s a good atmosphere and environment. We obviously appreciate everyone coming out.”