Buffalo Bulls Wrestling vs. #23 Ohio Bobcats Preview / GameThread

After securing their first MAC dual meet victory in the Stutzman era by knocking off nationally ranked Old Dominion, the Bulls return to the mat today to face the nationally ranked Bobcats.

#23 Ohio Bobcats (7-3, 2-3 MAC)

All-Time Series: Ohio leads 16-3

Last Meeting: UB lost 24-13

2015 Common Opponents: The MAC, Clarion

Event Date/Time/Location: 24 January, 2 PM, Alumni Arena

Event Coverage: Bull Run, ESPN 3

Projected Matchups

125: Kyle Akins (Buffalo) vs. Shakur Laney (Ohio)

133: Bryan Lantry (Buffalo) vs. Cameron Kelly (Ohio)

141: Brandon Lapi (Buffalo) vs. Noah Forrider (Ohio)

149: Colt Cotten (Buffalo) vs. Zach Wilson (Ohio)

157: Tim Schaefer (Buffalo) vs. Spartak Chino (Ohio)

165: Tyler Rill (Buffalo) vs. Austin Reese (Ohio)

174: Muhamed McBryde (Buffalo) vs. Cody Walters (Ohio)

184: Joe Ariola (Buffalo) vs. Andrew Romanchik (Ohio)

197: James Benjamin (Buffalo) vs. Phil Wellington (Ohio)

285: Jake Gunning (Buffalo) vs. Jesse Webb (Ohio)

What to Watch For

The other day the Bulls were able to do something across the board that they hadn't been able to do in a dual meet all season: win close matches. Schaefer, McBryde, and Benjamin all won in crunch time and that was the key for UB taking home the win - and it will be a key for UB to take home a win against the Bobcats.

In addition to closing out close matches like they did against Old Dominion, the Bulls will also need to rely upon bonus point wins. Ohio has a solid lineup featuring a few former national qualifiers and they aren't to be triflied with; so, UB will need to make every match count and not give Ohio any bonus points, while taking bonus points where they can get them.

I'll be looking at Kyle Akins, Colt Cotten and Jake Gunning to be the spark plugs for the UB lineup to start, continue and finish the momentum for UB. Winning early and building momentum against a tough Bobcat squad will give UB a distinct advantage.

This will be an exciting match to watch, for sure. John Stutzman's squad is gaining momentum and confidence and will put up a good fight against another nationally ranked conference opponent.