Fighting off a quick shot by Herbert in the opening seconds, top-seeded Askren was able to force Herbert to his back for two nearfall points as well. Scrambling across the mat in the most unorthodox final of the NCAAs, Askren was able to come out on top of another scramble to open a 6-0 lead after the first period.
After Herbert chose down to begin the second frame, Askren gave up a reversal to his opponent early in the period, then escaped to hold a 7-2 advantage. Countering another shot by Herbert with 17 seconds left in the frame, Askren was able to pin Herbert's legs to his back for another takedown, opening a 9-2 lead over his opponent.
Having completed two takedowns already, Askren chose neutral to start the third period, then finished a single-leg shot to make it to double-digit points, 11-2. With Herbert trying to roll him over, Askren caught both of Herbert's legs in his arms and pushed Herbert's back to the mat for another nearfall, winning the bout, 13-2.
"It was a battle," Askren said. "He never quit and made it tough on me to get the win, but I was never worried. I had the best position throughout the match. I'm glad I came away with the victory."
Askren's victory clinched a 45-0 season, the only undefeated season in the history of the Missouri wrestling program. Askren also set season records for falls (25), consecutive wins (45) and the record for most career falls at Missouri (61).
"What Ben's national championship does is open the door for the team that is here now," Head Coach Brian Smith said. "Future wrestlers have something to strive for and see that we have a national champion."
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