Well VT is 2-0 in duals against two ranked teams. We could just as easily be 0-2 and scratching our heads. The victory over Mizzou was misleading. NW moving Rivera up to 133 whether by design or weight issues was a good strategy. The match was a good one to watch as a fan – 5 wins and 5 losses with 7 bonus point matches – whew. Moore’s Fall was the difference (“moore” on that below).

Hard to tell where we are exactly after only two duals in the books. With OSU coming up there are some key matches that will serve as solid data points….and more importantly I think the Navy Classic will answer a lot of questions. (I plan on attending and this will be a fun day. Anyone know all the teams participating? I can’t seem to find a list anywhere on Navy’s site).

125#: Prata is 2-0 as he should be against some decent, but not great talent. Interestingly, Prata won both matches in EXACTLY the same manner; 2nd period escape and full ride in 3rd. The good – looks strong on top with leg rides. The bad – has not generated a single offensive point. Prata looks in good shape to go 3-0, but I am looking for a TD this coming weekend or I will start to become concerned that his potential this season will be capped. (NOTE : Too bad Myers got hurt, because this could be a special year for him. Anyone know how his surgery went?)

133#: Still a big unknown here. We don’t have enough data on Gerardi and Mizzou’s Hart sitting out last week did Gerardi no favors. That would have been a good match. I am a little disappointed in his giving up the major to Rivera, but I personally thought he looked decent in some spots. Next week will be a key matchup against a high quality opponent in Kinner. If Gerardi can keep this a very close decision either way that will be a positive takeaway.

141#: OK Moore has crushed another opponent, but I maintain my position last week that I am not sure I have seen anything new yet that will take him to the next level. Moore spent almost the entire first period trying to go upper body big move again – honestly I would have been more impressed if he was attacking the legs. He did get the late period leg TD which is encouraging, but this felt more like an accident. Just wish he started out attacking the legs. And he still hasn’t wrestled a full match. Next week’s match against Pletcher should tell us much more about Moore than the previous matches.

149#: I thought Robie summed this about as well as anyone could have. Thomas from NW may well be poised for a break out year that not many saw coming – that is yet to be determined. And yes, Moore had to face Mauller last week and a loss was expected. But it is HOW he is losing that is concerning. Moore has yet to score a SINGLE earned point – both were 1 pt escapes that were gimmies. And he looked completely wiped out against Thomas. Where is the reigning ACC champ? Where is the guy that looked good beating Andonian 6-2? Where is the evidence to support a top 15 ranking? Well, bad news is it does not get any better for Brent as Sasso is next up….sheesh. I will be looking to see how Brent responds during the Navy Classic. If he continues to struggle in Annapolis, then we might see a change at this weight.

157#: BC is exactly where he should be and maybe even a slight positive. Some might not like what they saw against Deakin NW, but I thought BC did OK. Deakin is a beast and the 2nd period TD should not have been awarded IMO. Actually the ref might have missed a point to BC for hands to the face. The only reason Deakin got that TD was he poked BC in the eye. BC did well to fight off some potentially big moves by Deakin. BC likely has Cleary next and I would look to see if he can win comfortably here.

165#: Yep. On a mission. McF should beat Smith this coming weekend, but if he adds another major that will put some folks on notice. Really, really like what I see here. McF is not keeping things close like he used to – he is punishing guys.

174#: Hughes did great getting 75% of every move complete and just couldn’t carry the momentum through to complete the moves and he ended up paying for it. This was one where I felt he could of pulled out the win. He had trouble rotating and keeps his hips balanced when in a very good position to score.

184#: Yep. Bolen is going to be special. I think he beats Wisman by more without the face mask. He looked good. Should be another big win this weekend. Bolen has some BIG matches later in the season.

197#: Smeltzer really looked much improved this weekend against Davison of NW. Almost pulled off a great upset win. Unfortunately got caught in the double under hooks and Davison was able to lock the hands and get Smeltzer’s hips pulled in. Bummer because I was really liking his chances at this point in the match. This week is going to be rough against K. Moore. Keeping it a decision loss will be a victory.

285#: What is not to like about what Borst is bringing this year?!?! He looks much improved, athletic and put on some good weight! 2-0 with two majors at HWY is good stuff.