The Hawkeyes came out on top of the CyHawk dual with a 29-6 victory over Iowa State. And, yes, if you watched our “College Face-off,” I won with a projected final score of 31-6 to Jeff’s was 23-9. Trust me this is the first of many wins. Photo of Spencer Lee by Ben Strandberg.

Tom Brands improved to 41-1 in duals against Iowa State as a competitor, assistant, and head coach, per Andy Hamilton.

Iowa has won 16 straight CyHawk duals which means they have not lost since I was born, so essentially – I’m good luck.

 

#2 IOWA 29, #11 IOWA STATE 6

125 — #1 Spencer Lee (IA) tech. fall #7 Alex Mackall (ISU), 17-2; 5-0

133 — #2 Austin DeSanto (IA) major dec. Todd Small (ISU), 16-5; 9-0

141 — #12 Ian Parker (ISU) dec. Carter Happel (IA), 6-4 SV1; 9-3

149 — #5 Pat Lugo (IA) dec. #4 Jarrett Degen (ISU), 4-2; 12-3

157 — #11 David Carr (ISU) dec. #2 Kaleb Young (IA), 6-1; 12-6

165 — #2 Alex Marinelli (IA) dec. #20 Chase Straw (ISU), 13-7; 15-6

174 — #4 Michael Kemerer (IA) major dec. #16 Marcus Coleman (ISU), 14-5; 19-6

184 — Nelson Brands (IA) dec. #7 Sam Colbray (ISU), 4-3 TB1; 22-6

197 — #4 Jacob Warner (IA) major dec. #23 Joel Shapiro (ISU), 11-2; 26-6

285 — #12 Tony Cassioppi (IA) dec. #16 Gannon Gremmel (ISU), 6-0; 29-6

 

Spencer Lee is still Spencer Lee

Some may of thought Spencer Lee was hurt or not looking the best after only beating unranked Fabian Gutierrez of Chattanooga 16-5 while others said that he looked a little bit tired after the first period.

Though he may not have looked his best last week, I think he proved today that everything is fine and he is the 2x National Champion Spencer Lee that we all know. He came out firing against Alex Mackall of Iowa State, who he beat last year 13-4. 

He was able to make quick work of Mackall and get the 17-2 tech fall in 2:58. He really got his offense on his feet and was able to get a couple of unconventional turns on top. 

 

David Carr is Pretty Dang Good

The Junior World Champ was able to come out on top of his bout against the #2 wrestler in the Nation, Kaleb Young. The match lived up to the hype as there were several high intensity scrambles. 

As I said in our preview show, Kaleb Young’s scrambling ability is underrated. A lot of people overlook his ability to scramble, but against Carr he was able to get out of some crazy situations.

Props to David Carr for going out there and wrestling a very focused match. He was determined in the closing moments to get a takedown and ended up getting a takedown right to backs. 

I am already looking forward to Young vs. Carr Part II.

 

Nelson Brands is at 184 and he is a Serious Threat

Nelson Brands has just beat two ranked guys the last two weeks, including the #5 ranked wrestler in the Nation. Could he be at 184 all season long for the Hawkeyes?

After beating #17 Matthew Waddell of Chattanooga 8-4, he comes out in the Hilton Coliseum against a top five opponent in a big rivalry dual and is able to get the job done in a grueling bout.

Brands was able to beat #5 Sammy Colbray 4-3 in the first tiebreaker. Again, he was able to get to his attacks from neutral and, if he gains a little bit of weight, I think he could be a true threat come March – which would be a huge boost to the Hawks.

 

The Hawkeyes are For Real

The Hawkeyes came into Ames and really made a statement beating the Cyclones 29-6 and winning 8 out of the 10 matches. A lot of people thought this match was going to be much closer and that Iowa State had a chance to top their in-state rival. However, Iowa really showed the wrestling world that they will be a dangerous threat. Granted if a couple of the close matches, 184 and 149 specifically, go the Cyclones way, they are right in that dual. Also, with Penn State losing to Arizona State Friday, Iowa will likely move to #1.