There has been a lot of focus on the possible trials finals matchups this weekend, such as Kyle Dake vs Jordan Burroughs, and David Taylor vs Kyle Dake. But in order for those big matchups to happen, these wrestlers still must win the challenge tournament.

One such wrestler Taylor may have to go through is Pat Downey III, someone who has never been afraid to voice his opinion to the world. [tweet url="https://twitter.com/ThePatDowney/status/871081276467445764" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
There is an interesting divide in the wrestling community about being braggadocious on social media and making bold proclamations in a public forum. Downey's presence runs right through that divide.

After not wrestling in over three months, and not wrestling freestyle since June of last year, Downey went through a gauntlet of seven All Americans at the U.S. Open, beating five of them en route to a fifth place finish. His two losses came to Penn State wrestlers, losing to David Taylor 10-0 and then Bo Nickal 12-2. But Downey also beat two-time NCAA champ Gabe Dean, who he had previously called out. [tweet url="https://twitter.com/ThePatDowney/status/872147626107572228" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]



Based on our recent seed projections, Downey will meet Nickal in the first round. Downey's contention at the time, and still is now, that he attributed his losses to rust and gassing out.
 
If his matches from the Open are any indication, they will be appointment viewing for those watching at home and those in the arena. He has embraced the public perception of him, which ranges from loudmouth to villain, and also that he does not have a club sponsoring him at this time. [tweet url="https://twitter.com/ThePatDowney/status/871057105192706050" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
How will Pat Downey do this weekend in Lincoln? Make sure you're tuned in to Flo at 10 am central on Saturday morning to find out.