#2 Oklahoma State at #3 Iowa Preview and Predictions

What better way to close out the regular season than a Sunday evening clash between the #2 and #3 teams in the country? Throw in the fact that those teams are two of the most storied programs in our sport’s history and heated rivals and we’re in for some fun. 

There’s an added element to this rivalry in 2024-25 as Olympic gold medalist David Taylor is in his first year leading the Oklahoma State program. Taylor’s addition has provided the Cowboys with a shot in the arm on the recruiting trail, with fan interactions and attendance, and with on-mat performance. 

The Cowboys come into Sunday’s match with a 13-0 dual record. They boast wins over #4 Northern Iowa, #6 NC State, #9 Virginia Tech, and #11 Iowa State. The eight-point win over Northern Iowa represents Oklahoma State’s closest dual of the season. They come into this dual ranked second in the nation. 

Taking a back seat to no one is Tom Brands’ Iowa Hawkeyes. The third-ranked Hawkeyes sport a 13-1 record with their only dual loss coming to top-ranked Penn State. They have wins over #5 Nebraska, #7 Minnesota, #8 Ohio State, and #11 Iowa State. 

Let’s take a look at what we expect to see from both teams weight-by-weight and make some predictions. 

125 lbs - #4 Troy Spratley (Oklahoma State) vs. #16 Joey Cruz (Iowa)

During the last few weeks, we’ve labeled matches involving Joey Cruz to be “closer than the rankings may indicate.” After a win over Minnesota’s Cooper Flynn on Friday and Northwestern’s Dedrick Navarro on Sunday, Cruz has risen in the rankings so that gap isn’t quite as wide. I still like how he’s competed lately and think that, with a home crowd behind him, he’ll be able to make this clash with Troy Spratley a one-takedown match. Spratley has been excellent throughout the season, finishing third at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and losing just twice in dual competition. Since Spratley’s most recent loss, he’s reeled off three straight wins, the last three of which involved bonus points. 

To see the full article purchase an InterMat Premium membership for $10 per month or $50 per year. This gives you access to the top coverage of wrestling throughout the season.
Click here to purchase your Premium membership today!