The Nonconference Schedule Drop

ILLINI Wrestling dropped their nonconference schedule. Fewer tournaments, more duals. This is what it looks like:

It is apparent that Coach Poeta has decided to change things up with regard to nonconference tournaments. There's only the Midlands on the schedule compared to three tournaments last season. 

We assume that the young-uns will be sent to Lindenwood or the MSU Open and possibly other tournaments. Gotta keep'em busy!

A ranking from toughest to easiest on the schedule of nonconference duals would look something like this: Missouri >>> Pitt >>> North Carolina > Navy > SIUe > Central Michigan. A couple things about this: We thought Navy would be tougher than UNC, but that's not what wrestlestat.com says. Also, Central Michigan has fallen on some hard times. Wow!

The battle for ILLINOIS is predicted to be a 29-3 slaughter in favor of the ILLINI over SIUe. Given what the transfer portal did to NIU and Northwestern, this will literally be the best of the best in the state going at it in the State Farm Center. Shout out to Daryl Thomas and the rest of the Cougar coaching staff for grabbing their team by the ear and dragging them up! 

The wrestlestat.com algorithm is less sanguine regarding the ILLINOIS - Mizzou dual. The machine goes with a 22-9 win for the bad guys. It will be quite a show with the Elams battling a Braunagel and a Luffman, Lucas Byrd versus Zeke Seltzer, Little Brawny versus O'Toole (don't sleep on this one, Danny gave him a go at the Tiger Style Invite last season), Cardani against Surtin, and the rematch between Edmond Ruth and Peyton Mocco (won by Ruth at the Tiger Style Invite). 

Dylan Connell is also predicted as a winner.

Who can forget Luuuke Luffman as a true freshman coming up big against Missouri in St. Louis? His win put the ILLINI over the top against the Tigers. If you've forgotten, here's a refresher: