That New Bracket Smell

Covering Wisconsin wrestling the way it deserves to be covered.

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

@jason__mcg The trade-off was MM got more ranked 80+ (on @WrestleStat) matches than Mendez, every single one of which both either TFed or Pinned.

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

Anyone want to talk about Mendez v Mesenbrink?

The pure stats favor Mesenbrink, as of now.

Mesenbrink (17-0):

0 Decisions
3 Majors
7 Techs
7 Pins

5.24 Team Points/Match

Mendez (19-0):

2 Decisions
3 Majors
9 Techs
5 Pins

4.89 Team Points/Match

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

@jason__mcg The PSU sked led to fewer highly ranked opps for Mesenbrink.

So-so teams DO have some good guys, so it's a bit random. PSU scheduled Okla, Drexel, Lehigh, Wyoming, NDSU, Stanford & the Black Knight, where MM got Long Island, Gardner Webb, UT-Chat & Army.

https://t.co/DGx7grUBwM

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

But Penn State and Mesenbrink didn't go to National Duals and have wrestled a significantly easier schedule.

Mendez has 8 wins in the Top 13 while Mesenbrink has just 6 in the Top 18.

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

Lastly, nobody loves that Penn State wrestles such a soft schedule. The problem with criticizing them is that the counter argument, "It works," is so strong.

If they start losing Hodges by going to the Black Knight instead of the National Duals, maybe it doesn't work.

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

But Penn State and Mesenbrink didn't go to National Duals and have wrestled a significantly easier schedule.

Mendez has 8 wins in the Top 13 while Mesenbrink has just 6 in the Top 18.

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

Anyway, I think the people arguing about this are not likely on Twitter, but I wanted to say my peace.

I'd love to have a chat though!

Also, how great is it to have 2 weeks between qualifying for state and wrestling it?? Extra time for chatter!

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

STATE SEASON!!!

The season of gigantic cardboard brackets and all the glory that comes with them, but also ...

... lot of complaining!

I hear 3 main topics (excluding seeding):

1) Change to 3 even divisions
2) Promoting teams up a division
3) Uneven sectionals

Let's Talk!!

[That New Bracket Smell @NewBracketSmell]

Instead, I think the solution requires slight tweaks.

You have to find ways to chop up the wrestling strongholds, and send them in multiple directions.

If you have a few good teams travel a little more, it'll help tremendously. And, they're the ones willing.