Wisconsin's Evan Wick is ranked No. 2 at 165 pounds (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)BetDSI released betting odds on 12 matchups this weekend. Last weekend I went 4-0 on my best bets. While I'm not guaranteeing another sweep, I do see some great value on this week's board.
Below are my four best bets for this weekend.
Friday
Wisconsin +12.5 at Nebraska
Date/Time: Friday/9 p.m. ET
The Chris Bono-led Wisconsin Badgers head to Lincoln to face No. 11 Nebraska on Friday night. Wisconsin looked strong last weekend, picking up dominant wins over Kent State (37-13) and CSU Bakersfield (28-12). Nebraska will certainly be a step up in class for the Badgers, but look for it to be a very competitive dual meet that should fall within 10 points. The Huskers are coming off a 3-0 weekend at the Northeast Duals, but weren't firing on all cylinders, which is to be expected at the beginning of the season. Nebraska had a four-point victory over an upstart Utah Valley squad and a six-point win over Virginia. All-Americans Zeke Moisey and Chad Red -- along with NCAA qualifier Isaiah White -- took unexpected losses. Both Wisconsin and Nebraska teams have balanced lineups. The Badgers are led by No. 2 Evan Wick (165) and have seven wrestlers ranked. The Huskers have six ranked wrestlers, highlighted by a pair of third-ranked wrestlers, Tyler Berger (157) and Taylor Venz (184). Bono has always put an emphasis on dual meets and understands the importance of building a fan base. The Badgers are coming into the dual meet to win, not just stay competitive. It's a dual meet that could go either way. Grab the 12.5 points.
Saturday
Daton Fix (Oklahoma State) +3 vs. Seth Gross (South Dakota State) at 133 pounds
Date/Time: Saturday/7: 30 p.m. ET
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the early season, freshman Daton Fix, a multiple-time Junior world medalist in freestyle and Final X competitor, faces returning NCAA champion Seth Gross South Dakota State. Gross has not lost a match at 133 pounds since the NCAA finals in March of 2017. He's strong in all positions, especially on top, which is where he will look to win the match. Fix is dynamic on his feet and can score a lot of different ways. He certainly has the skill set to take Gross down, but Gross could also take him down, which makes for a compelling match. While Fix favors freestyle, he's a very strong folkstyle wrestler. After going 133-0 in high school, Fix won the Reno Tournament of Championships as a redshirt last season, which included wins over Ronnie Bresser of Oregon State and Sean Fausz of NC State. If it turns into a takedown battle, Fix will be in the match with a chance to win. Unless Gross gets a turn on top, the match should stay within three points, making Fix a value play.
Wisconsin -3 vs. Princeton
Date/Time: Sunday/ 1 p.m. ET
The Badgers host a tough, improving and well-coached Princeton Tigers squad on Sunday. Princeton is led by the nation's top-ranked 149-pounder, Matthew Kolodzik. In addition, the Tigers have an extremely talented true freshman in Patrick Glory at 125 pounds. Princeton will likely win three or four matches, but it will be tough for the Tigers to get a fifth win. The Badgers also have more opportunities to earn bonus points. This is a certainly a dual meet you will want to watch as it should be competitive with some exciting matches, but Wisconsin as only a three-point favorite at home is too enticing to pass up.
Ohio State-Arizona State Over 33.5
Date/Time: Sunday/2 p.m. ET
Ohio State will be without the services of All-Americans Myles Martin (184) and Kollin Moore (197). Both are in Bucharest, Romania, competing in the U23 World Championships. Even with Martin and Moore out, there are several All-Americans wrestling in this dual meet on both sides, including returning NCAA champion Zahid Valencia of Arizona State at 174 pounds. Valencia will almost certainly get bonus points against T'Shan Campbell or Ethan Smith. In addition, there will likely be bonus points scored in each of the first three weight classes. With such a low total (33.5), this will sail over.
Best bets season record: 4-0
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