Penn State Wrestling Preview: Lions Roll Into Michigan State
After dominating Michigan on Friday night, the No. 1 Penn State wrestling team lingers in the state for another Big Ten road match at Michigan State. The Nittany Lions can extend their win streak to 50 consecutive matches against the Spartans, who will be huge underdogs.
Penn State (5-0) vs. Michigan State (7-2)
When: 1 p.m. ET Sunday
Where: Jenison Field House, East Lansing, Michigan
Streaming: BTN+
About the Nittany Lions: Penn State stretched its win streak (dating to the 2019-20 season) to 49 matches at Michigan, which had very few answers in the match. Penn State dominated Michigan 27-9, winning eight of 10 bouts and not allowing a takedown through the first seven. Redshirt freshman Mitchell Mesenbrink (165 pounds) delivered the show-stopper, dominating three-time All-American Cameron Amine 12-1 in a bout that foreshadowed a potentially deep postseason run. Mesenbrink dictated the terms to Amine, pressing the senior into three stalling penalties. Amine basically ran from Mesenbrink, who still scored a pair of takedowns. Penn State's Carter Starocci did not wrestle, telling FloSports after the match that he is day-to-day and plans to wrestle against Michigan State. However, Penn State could run a different lineup against Michigan State to rotate in some new wrestlers. David Evans, Terrell Barraclaough and Josh Barr are just a few names to watch, if coach Cael Sanderson decides to mix his lineup.
Penn State vs. Michigan State matchups to watch
Michigan State (0-2 Big Ten) won just four bouts Friday against Rutgers and might struggle to get half that against Penn State. Senior Caleb Fish, ranked 10th at 165, got a win against Rutgers and could deliver a follow-up test for Mesenbrink. Otherwise, Michigan State doesn't have another wrestler ranked in the top 20. Sunday's match really affords Penn State an opportunity to test its wrestlers in making weight twice in three days and then give some backups a chance to compete in a Big Ten road match.
How to watch Penn State vs. Michigan State wrestling
Unfortunately, the Penn State-Michigan State match isn't on Big Ten Network. Fans will need a subscription to BTN+, the network's streaming service, to watch. For more information, check out BTN+.
More Penn State Wrestling
Penn State routs Michigan in Big Ten road match
No. 1 Penn State blanks Indiana in Big Ten opener
Top-ranked Penn State dominates Hofstra at Rec Hall
Penn State goes 4-1 at NWCA All-Star Classic
Penn State wins five titles at Army Black Knight Invitational
Lions showcase veterans, new talent at Journeymen Classic
Penn State's David Taylor, Zain Retherford win world titles
Penn State sets dates for 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.