2016 Keystone Classic

PSU's Top 6 Biggest Matches Of The Keystone Classic

PSU's Top 6 Biggest Matches Of The Keystone Classic

Penn State's biggest matches at the 2016 Keystone Classic at Penn.

Nov 19, 2016 by Christian Pyles
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Keystone Classic

Date: Sunday, Nov. 20 | Time: 9 AM ET | Where: Philadelphia, PA
Broadcast Info: WATCH LIVE HERE

Penn State will be the star attraction for Sunday's Keystone Classic.

The reigning NCAA champions are sending their full starting lineup plus a number of backups. There are a few key weights and matches for this group of Penn State starters.

Here is who the Nittany Lions have registered for the Keystone Classic.

125 - #10 Nick Suriano, Patrick Higgins
133 - #8 Jered Cortez, George Carpenter
141 - #11 Jimmy Gulibon, Kade Moss, Dom Giannangeli
149 - #1 Zain Retherford, Gary Dinmore
157 - #1 Jason Nolf
165 - Vincenzo Joseph, Caleb Livingston
174 - Geno Morelli, Shakur Rasheed
184 - #3 Bo Nickal, Devon Van Cura
197 - #9 Matt McCutcheon, Kellan Stout
285 - #10 Nick Nevills

6) Geno Morelli, Penn State vs. Casey Kent, Penn
Should this match go down, it's a great measuring stick for Morelli. Kent was a man possessed last year at NCAAs but can have moments of inconsistency.  Morelli is consistent but has yet to notch a top five win in his career.  For Morelli and Kent to reach this point, they may have to navigate a field that includes Johnny Sebastian, a high-powered Sophomore for Northwestern and PSU's talented Shakur Rasheed.  


5) #8 Jered Cotez, Penn State vs. #9 Dom Forys, Pitt
This will assuredly be a blast, if it goes down. Forys piles up double-digit points as often as anyone in the country. Cortez looked like a dynamo in his first two matches, but the competition was notably suspect relative to this field. Now Cortez will be challenged by not only Forys but also Kevin Devoy and Caleb Richardson.  Both have spent time in the rankings during their careers.  

4) #9 Matt McCutcheon, Penn State vs. #8 Ryan Wolfe, Rider
In general, this field is pretty solid with Frank Mattiace and Kellan Stout also in the mix. McCutcheon notched two solid wins already at 197. On Sunday, his competition will improve when he will likely face Rider's Ryan Wolfe. A win here further solidifies McCutcheon as a potential top 8 guy at this weight.

3) #10 Nick Nevills, Penn State vs. #6 Denzel Dejournette, App. State
Since Nevills downed Dejournette at the Southern Scuffle, things have been pretty difficult for the PSU sophomore. In his next match, Nevills suffered a season-ending injury against Austin Marsden. Dejournette steadily climbed the rankings the next season, while Nevills battled injuries. Now both seem to be clicking. Nevills can make his push towards the top 10 with a win over the Appalachian State senior.

2) #1 Jason Nolf, Penn State vs. Bryce Brill, Northwestern
A few years ago this match was a serious discussion. With Nolf ascending as the most prolific bonus scorer this side of Logan Stieber (aside from perhaps his teammate, Zain Retherford) and Brill struggling with injuries, the discussion changed. If Brill can come and simply compete with Nolf and challenge him in a few positions, it could tell us plenty about where Brill is and could be come March. 

Brill Takes Out Anthony Ashnault:

1) Vincenzo Joseph, Penn State vs. #5 Chad Walsh, Rider
Cenzo is probably the most talented unranked guy at any weight. Walsh is a lethal turner and pinner. Joseph showed some vulnerability in his match against Subjeck, going to his back twice. If this match goes down, I'll be ecstatic to see Joseph's adjustment for someone as dangerous as Walsh.

Other Great Potential Matches
#5 Chad Walsh, Rider vs #15 Te'Shan Campbell, Pitt
#10 Matt Cimato, Drexel vs Mike Racciato, Pitt
#10 Nick Suriano, Penn State vs Vito Pasone, App State
#3 Casey Kent, Penn vs #20 Johnny Sebastian, Northwestern


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