Let's see, McDonough is a two-time national champion. He's wrestling a stone's throw away from where he grew up. He will have the Hawkeye contingent reinforcing every good deed he does. If it weren't for the inspiring and improbable story of Anthony Robles, we would be talking about the next four-time national Champion. Sounds like a no-brainer. McDonough outworks an overwhelmed Waters in the finals.
133: Logan Stieber (Ohio State) over Tyler Graff (Wisconsin)
Graff knocks off Ramos in the semis, but doesn't have what it takes to upend Stieber, who is the sport's next big thing.
141: Kendric Maple (Oklahoma) over Hunter Stieber (Ohio State)
Maple has been nothing short of dominant this year, and will knock off the younger Stieber in a matchup of unbeaten wrestlers.
149: Jordan Oliver (Oklahoma State) over Donnie Vinson (Binghamton)
There is no doubt that Donnie Vinson has been on a tear lately, but his dominance has come at the hands of mediocre competition. Jordan Oliver has proven he can be as dominant (or more) at a bigger, more comfortable weight class. Oliver caps off an impressive career by capturing his second NCAA title.
157: Derek St. John (Iowa) over James Fleming (Clarion)
Derek St. John knows what it's like to be on the big stage having lost to Kyle Dake last year in the NCAA finals. James Fleming's obscure storybook career ends in front of the Hawkeye faithful.
165: Kyle Dake (Cornell) over David Taylor (Penn State)
David Taylor may say he doesn't consider himself the underdog, but he knows what we all know: Kyle Dake owns him. Taylor wanted nothing to do with him at the 2012 Olympic Team Trials, and has competed valiantly this season out of obligation. Some people say it's hard to beat someone three times in a season. Ask Lincoln McIlravy and Chris Bono what they think.
174: Chris Perry (Oklahoma State) over Logan Storely (Minnesota)
Chris Perry follows in brother Mark's footsteps after capturing his first title. Somewhere, Mark Smith feels vindicated.
184: Ed Ruth (Penn State) over Robert Hamelin (Lehigh)
I made the mistake of betting against Ed Ruth last year. After seeing him tear through the 174-pound weight class last year before pummeling Nick Amuchastegui in the finals, I learned my lesson. I won't make the same mistake twice. Ruth wins in dominant fashion.
197: Quentin Wright (Penn State) over Dustin Kilgore (Kent State)
Quentin Wright is the present day Johnny Thompson. He is a gamer. Didn't Dustin Kilgore use up his eligibility three years ago? This one seems all too scripted.
285: Tony Nelson (Minnesota) over Dom Bradley (Missouri)
Minnesota heavyweight pedigree continues after Nelson tops Bradley in a riveting pushing contest.
Team:
1. Penn State
2. Iowa
3. Minnesota
4. Oklahoma State
5. Cornell
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