Cowboys wrestling: OSU totals 32 takedowns against West Virginia | Sports

The Cowboys dropped two matches and allowed a takedown in only three of their matches.

After the 125-pound bout saw No. 8 Killian Cardinale get the best of freshman Zach Blankenship in major-decision fashion, the OSU Cowboys won four-straight bouts, not allowing a takedown in any one of them. No. 22 Wyatt Sheets would drop his match, giving up two takedowns and No. 6 Dustin Plott would give up a few takedowns in his match, but he would win with a decision. The Cowboys finished the final three matches without allowing a takedown.

Coach John Smith was displeased with the team’s effort to secure takedowns and allow them after Friday’s matchup with Northern Colorado. His displeasure must’ve done something in the room over the last two days as Sunday afternoon the Cowboys wrestled with more ferocity and effort not just offensively, but defensively.

OSU’s defense against takedowns were prevalent in all matches, except the 125-pound bout as there were six takedowns against Blankenship. There were only five throughout the rest of the dual for the Mountaineers.

For the Cowboys? OSU notched 32 takedowns against West Virginia. No. 25 heavyweight Konner Doucet got his offensive motor going more than usual by getting a takedown in his match while No. 12 Travis Wittlake tied his season-high in takedowns with seven, matching his total from Friday night.

The only two Cowboys to not score a takedown were Blankenship and Sheets against No. 12 All-American Peyton Hall Jr. in the 157-pound bout. Should the Cowboys continue to get the same results from their light-heavyweights and if Doucet can continue winning the battle matches, OSU could be in good shape getting into the grueling conference and Big 12 slate ahead.