Despite being at the No. 7 rank, Ohio State Buckeyes have been making waves throughout the collegiate wrestling world. In a recent matchup, Ohio State locked horns with the long-term arch-rival Michigan Wolverines for the 92nd time in a dual meet at the Covelli Centre last Friday. Soon after coming up on the wrestling mat, Ohio State was dominated by the opponent team, Michigan Wolverines. Despite having amazing wrestlers added to the team’s roster, Ohio State could not overcome intense pressure from the opponent team. At one point they were trailing 16-6.

But, the story took an unexpected turn from there. Riding on 2 massive victories in 184 and 197 kg weight classes, Ohio turned the tables. In the end, the final blow was dealt in the heavyweight category to bring Ohio a nail-biting 20-19 win. A social media post recently showcased this incredible feat of the Ohio State.

Ohio State Buckeyes’ heavyweight’s heavy blow to Michigan

Although the Ohio State wrestling team was ranked above the Michigan Wolverines on Friday, the Bucks had minimal chances of winning the showdown. The major reason behind this unwanted circumstance at the arena was the absence of three of its higher-ranking starters, including All-American Carson Kharchla. But there was one Nick Feldman in the heavyweight category. 

At a critical moment, he went into the fight against Michigan’s No. 4 wrestler Lucas Davidson. Ohio stood 17-19 at that moment. In a battle that kept the spectators at the edges of their seats, Feldman stunned Davidson with a 4-2 victory, while pulling off the 20-19 victory for OSU. Throughout this fight, the valiant crowd of the Covelli Centre cheered for Feldman, which he acknowledged after the match.

“That stage and this opportunity is something that God has given me. He’s given me such a great environment, such great people to wrestle for. I think there’s no better place in the world than the Covelli Center, than Ohio State. So it’d be a shame if I didn’t go out there and show the world what I can do,” Feldman said. The Ohio State Wrestling’s official handle also thought that.

Therefore, to reminisce about the triumphant victory against Michigan Wolverines, it took it to their Twitter account and posted a small clip of the showdown, while borrowing Feldman’s words, “𝐍𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐡𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞.” Amid Feldman’s heroics, contributions by other Buckeyes can never be overlooked. 

The battalion that sealed the deal

Michigan’s Beau Mantanona got a bout against Bryce Hepner of OSU in the 165kgs category. That is when the OSU sensed blood for the very first time. Spectators were quite sure about No. 10 Mantanona’s win as the wrestler scored a quick takedown over Ohio State’s wrestler. Besides this, Mantanona took a lead of 7-0 by taking Hepner to the wrestling mat by his shoulders. However, in an incredible happening, Down by 9-5, Hepner made an astonishing comeback. He scored to open the third bout after initiating the showdown on the bottom.  

Then Hepner was allowed to make an escape at 10-7 bout. After escaping from Mantanona’s grip, Hepner scored a takedown by taking the opponent wrestler from his neck and leg. Finally, Hepner rolled to count two more points. This made Ohio State pass with flying colors with a remarkable 12-10 win. OSU was still trailing 16-9. But other OSU men were not ready to let Hepner’s effort go.

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So even after Rocco Welsh fell in 174kg, the rest of the battle was led by Ryder Rogotzke in 184kg and Luke Geog in 197kg. As they pulled up OSU till 17 points to Michigan’s 19, the remaining work was sealed by Nick Feldman.

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