2017 South Dakota State at Oklahoma State

Seth Gross Could Take Kaid Brock's #2 Ranking Today

Seth Gross Could Take Kaid Brock's #2 Ranking Today

In top-ranked Oklahoma State's dual meet against visiting South Dakota State on Sunday, January 22, seventh-ranked sophomore Seth Gross will present one of the most difficult challenges of Kaid Brock's OSU career.

Jan 22, 2017 by Christian Pyles
null

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

Kaid Brock has passed every test this year. From a longtime nemesis in Mitch McKee to the No. 1 wrestler in the country, Cory Clark, Brock has managed to get his hand raised each time. In top-ranked Oklahoma State's dual meet against visiting South Dakota State on Sunday, January 22, (live on Flo at 2 PM), seventh-ranked sophomore Seth Gross will present one of the most difficult challenges of Brock's OSU career.

Gross, who is bringing his prolific scrambling and top game to Gallagher Iba Arena, created a lot of early buzz when he started the season at a new weight, down at 133 after competing at 141 the year prior.

The points Gross has been able to put up are absurd. His lone loss was a 2-0 sudden-victory match against Midlands champion Eric Montoya -- a bout where they both rode each other out in the second and third periods.

Beyond that loss, he has seven pins, six techs, four majors and just one decision, a 6-2 win over Mitch McKee (whom he later majored). In addition to the big points, Gross has knocked off some tough competition, including a major decision over two-time All-American Earl Hall of Iowa State.

Both Brock and Gross are outstanding scramblers, though Gross is more scramble-reliant from neutral. If Brock is able to navigate Gross' counters (Gross will practically invite him onto his legs), he will be in a great position to win. So choosing bottom against the turn-happy Gross may not be necessary.

That said, Gross will go auto-top in a heartbeat (like SDSU assistant coach AJ Schopp), and make sure he gets a crack from that position where he can tilt and cradle with the best in the country.

Brock is so skilled and so fearless -- he isn't worried about making a mistake in the name of scoring more points. Against Gross, however, that one mistake could lead to the match getting put out of reach with his remarkable top skill set.

This dual has five total ranked versus ranked matchups. Coach Chris Bono's Jackrabbit's have been improving each year. They are 8-2 in duals so far this season. The Cowboys have also looked better each time out. So while Brock/Gross is the juiciest match of the dual, all 10 will be worth watching!  

No. 19 South Dakota State vs. No. 1 Oklahoma State
Date: January 22 | Time: 2 PM CT | Where: Stillwater, OK
Broadcast Info: WATCH LIVE HERE


Projected Lineups:
125: Ben Gillette (SDSU) vs. No. 11 Nick Piccininni (OSU)
133: No. 7 Seth Gross (SDSU) vs. No. 2 Kaid Brock (OSU)
141: Isaac Andrade (SDSU) vs. No. 1 Dean Heil (OSU)
149: No. 20 Alex Kocer (SDSU) vs. No. 2 Anthony Collica (OSU)
157: Logan Peterson (SDSU) vs. No. 5 Joe Smith (OSU)
165: No. 16 Luke Zilverberg (SDSU) vs. No. 4 Chandler Rogers (OSU)
174: No. 15 David Kocer (SDSU) vs. No. 5 Kyle Crutchmer (OSU)
184: Martin Mueller (SDSU) vs. No. 5 Nolan Boyd (OSU)
197: No. 9 Nate Rotert (SDSU) vs. No. 4 Preston Weigel (OSU)
285: Alex Macki (SDSU) vs. No. 8 Austin Schafer (OSU)