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    Jim Gibbons •

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    Laces Up: Jim Gibbons previews 165 pounds



    Big Ten Network and ESPN wrestling analyst Jim Gibbons knows wrestling. One of the best broadcasters in the business, Gibbons knows what it takes to win an NCAA championship both as an athlete and a coach. Who does Gibbons see as the favorite coming into this year's NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in St. Louis? Who does he think will have a breakout performance and exceed expectations as Mr. Upside? Gibbons will be previewing each of the 10 weight classes leading up to the NCAAs. Follow Jim on Twitter at @JGibLacesUp and let him know what you think if his previews and picks.

    Alex Dieringer (Photo/Tony Rotundo)
    Oklahoma State's Alex Dieringer has been as dominant this season at 165 pounds as he was when he won the 157-pound weight class in last year's show. Dieringer has made a clear separation from the field and will be making his case for the Hodge Trophy. I think it will be interesting to see him enter the field looking to make our Olympic team. The USA is certainly deep in this weight class with Jordan Burroughs, David Taylor, Kyle Dake and now Alex Dieringer. He's that good.

    Nick Sulzer (Virginia), Isaac Jordan (Wisconsin), Bo Jordan (Ohio State) and Michael Moreno (Iowa State) round out the high placers in this weight class. Sulzer has been a leader on a good Virginia team. What else can be said about the Jordan cousins? It looks like they are both here to stay. Moreno is a tough guy looking to be a three-time All American. Like his father, who I coached, he's hoping his last season is his best

    Taylor Walsh and Nick Simmons (Photo/ IU Athletics)
    Dylan Palacio (Cornell) could be a good pick for Mr. Upside, but my pick is Taylor Walsh (Indiana). He is a big-time pinner but has had problems in his postseason career getting on the stand. He's got a junior high headlock with an Olympic champion finish. One of the reasons I believe Walsh gets there is the addition of Nick Simmons to the Indiana coaching staff. Simmons, aka The East Lansing Strangler, was a prolific pinner himself for the Spartans. The two have similar body styles for their weight class. The Simmons connection has instilled confidence in Walsh and it will show this weekend. I still get the biggest kick out of watching Nick Simmons in the corner. Trust me, if he's telling the ref something is illegal or potentially dangerous, the ref should listen. He is the expert in this field.

    Pick: Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State)

    Mr. Upside: Taylor Walsh (Indiana)

    Previews:
    125 | 133 | 141 | 149 | 157 | 165 | 174 | 184 | 197 | 285
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