“Mock MATNESS” Deep Dive: 174 lbs.
This is where we take a closer look at individual weight classes. The Brackets have been released for the 2024 NCAA Div. 1 Wrestling Championships and “Mock MATNESS” has now turned into legit Bracket Predictions! There is no shortage of controversy with the 174 lbs. weight class. We have injury concerns, wrestler’s being called overrated and underrated, juicy quotes all over social media, and ONE “ticked-off” 3x Defending Champion!
Jersey Controversy?
1st Round: Former NCAA Champion Mekhi Lewis will square off against our beloved PIG 🐷. I’m taking Lewis. Andrew Sparks picked up a win against Carter Starocci recently, this time we are picking Starocci to win, since he will actually “Toe the Resilite” -Shane Sparks. Some (CP) say that Brody Conley will UPSET Justin McCoy but he ain’t us. McCoy advances.
Shane Griffith will be healthy enough to knock off Faison
Peyton Mocco UPSETS Austin Murphy
MJ Gaitan wins a nailbiter versus Pasiuk
2nd Round: We’re taking Patrick Kennedy in another UPSET (major decision) that simply shows how GOOD the Big Ten is. Peyton Mocco gets a big move early in the 1st, swipes are seen but the challenge brick from the Buckeyes corner comes flying in. After the review, the takedown is confirmed but without any back points. Rocco Welsh gets back on his horse and comes back to win in an absolute thriller 12-8.
Shane Griffith (another former NCAA Champ) barely holds on against McCoy
Lennox Wolak defeats Luca Augustine
Mekhi over Jackson Turley to set up the “Quarterfinal of the Century”
Quarterfinals: When the brackets were revealed, everyone and I mean EVERYONE had this match circled. Defending 3x National Champion Carter Starocci will face 2019 National Champion Mekhi Lewis. The Penn State wrestler comes out swinging as he is still fired up over the #9 seed, apparently. Mekhi is taken down at the :29 second mark but is away with the escape at :36. The score remains 3-1 deep into the 1st period when Carter fires off another shot to warrant a stall warning, however Lewis’ defense holds supreme. Another escape makes it 3-2 Starocci. Mekhi goes for a tricky shrug near the edge of the mat, reminiscent of their Final in 2022 but no score. Starocci is up and out quickly in the third period 4-2. Starocci with a beautiful “pick” to get a takedown and up 7-2. ⭐️ could probably ride Lewis out, but he decides to send a message with a cut and another takedown. Although Carter gets the TD, he is unable to grab another stalling call in the process and the match finishes 10-3 with :57 seconds riding time.
Kennedy UPSETS Griffith
Ruth holds serve against Welsh
Devos defeats Wolak
Semifinals: Edmond Ruth seems befuddled and confused by Devos’ style/gameplan, never gets his offense going and loses late controversially. A week from now, the NCAA will announce that the referees got the call wrong and apologize for the mistake.
Starocci defeats Kennedy
Finals: This one wasn’t really close at any point. Many believe this weight class was WON over a week ago when Starocci announced that he would be wrestling and then being given the #9 seed, well that fueled the 🔥! Carter Starocci becomes the 1st 4x National Champion from Penn State!