Kellen Russell dec Montell Marion 9-5

[Zapp Brannigan]

A lot of the same things said about Alton's first match with Russell, but the simple fact is he knows how to win matches.

Not really the "same" things, as they had 1 TD a piece in that match.

[yoces51]

Got a TD with 13 seconds left in the third period to tie the match, and then a TD and two backs 20 seconds into OT to win it.

Can he be called the "favorite" now?

I think Marion is the better wrestler after seeing the match today. I think we can all agree on this.

(this post was made by Chop...he was at the house today) I think Marion wrestled well, however I don't think that we can ALL agree that Marion is the better wrestler as he lost.

[Herkey#1]

A lot of the same things said about Alton's first match with Russell, but the simple fact is he knows how to win matches.

This is true. He does know how to win matches.

Marion will be tested pretty hard between now and Nationals so I think he will be ready the next time.

[JensenS]

Not really the "same" things, as they had 1 TD a piece in that match.

I think what he was insinuating was that after the first match there were a lot of Penn State fans making the argument that Alton was the "better" wrestler despite the fact that he lost, and that he would win the future matches.

He of course hasn't had much luck in terms of fulfilling those expectations.

[Gold]

Not really the "same" things, as they had 1 TD a piece in that match.

I have similar issues with the scoring. Escapes are overcompensated--especially given that you can start in the down position.

I still think Russell's track record in these situations says a lot for itself.

His track record at NCAA's is a different matter, though.

I think what he was insinuating was that after the first match there were a lot of Penn State fans making the argument that Alton was the "better" wrestler despite the fact that he lost, and that he would win the future matches.

He of course hasn't had much luck in terms of fulfilling those expectations.

Yes

[ban basketball]

I'm completely baffled by the qualms with the scoring system.

How should escapes be scored? Or, are you guys implying that maybe escapes should be scored at 1, and takedowns at 3?

[Gold]

3 point takedowns might be better, ban. The way it is right now isn't perfect, but it's the way it is and isn't a huge deal. People know that's how scoring works and it's pretty accepted, hasn't been changed every 5 years like freestyle.

I remember watching Reader/Lewnes this year and it was tied at one point. Reader had I think 2 TD's and an reversal, Lewnes 4 escapes and a takedown. Reader escaped before the third period ended to ensure the well-earned win, but I just didn't feel like it should have been a tie match because Reader had clearly outwrestled him in all three phases. The match should be on Flo.

[romes 1]

3 point takedowns might be better, ban. The way it is right now isn't perfect, but it's the way it is and isn't a huge deal. People know that's how scoring works and it's pretty accepted, hasn't been changed every 5 years like freestyle.

I remember watching Reader/Lewnes this year and it was tied at one point. Reader had I think 2 TD's and an reversal, Lewnes 4 escapes and a takedown. Reader escaped before the third period ended to ensure the well-earned win, but I just didn't feel like it should have been a tie match because Reader had clearly outwrestled him in all three phases. The match should be on Flo.

You say "clearly outwrestled", yet he cut him loose 4 times. Folkstyle is intended to show control over your opponent. I get the feeling that some of you don't value riding your opponent too much. If Reader shows more control on top the match is not even close. He obviously didn't do too well in this phase.

[bwh27]

Jordan Oliver's 8-7 win over Hochstrasser in the All-Star dual is another good example. He had four takedowns to Hochstrasser's one (at the very end of the match in garbage time essentially).