Who’s more magical, the coach David Taylor or the wrestler David Taylor? The fans from the wrestling community might get into an endless debate on the topic. They have justified reasons, after all. Just a few weeks ago, Taylor finally drew the end line on his phenomenal career. He left the global stage with his head held high. After returning, he didn’t take any breaks and engaged himself in preparing his mentees in the Cowboys for the upcoming battle. It presented his struggle as well, but in the role of a coach. He had to fill in someone like John Smith’s shoes. So naturally, he would have to react accordingly. Did he do that? 

The test was in the 2024 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, and the Pokes passed it with full marks. Well, it was 192 team points! The second-best in the contest’s history! Yet, in the WIN Magazine’s TPI rankings, Penn State took away the crown. So, what then? Fret not; David Taylor entered with his magic wand and delivered something again. Now the OSU wrestling fans feel hopeful about having a bright future. Too many elements in a single wrap! Isn’t it? 

David Taylor makes it one out of one in the house

For the last several days, the echoes had been in the air. The Pokes’ fans whispered, “It is Bedlam week.” Specifically, on December 13, the Oklahoma Cowboys were scheduled to lock horns with the in-state rival Oklahoma Sooners. Remember, it was David Taylor’s first Bedlam duel as a coach. The Cowboys’ X-handle claimed it to be the 189th edition. However, the result remained the same, the Orange brigade reigning over the Red. This time, nine out of ten OSU wrestlers pinned down the rivals in OU’s McCasland Field House. The final points in the Bedlam duel stood at 35-3, giving every kind of edge to David Taylor’s pupils. Example?

In the Cowboys’ camp, the only defeat came when the tiebreaker decision went against Carter Young in the 141-weight category. Otherwise, everything remained smooth sailing. Dean Hamiti Jr. and Wyatt Hendrickson didn’t have to break much sweat to overpower their opponents in the categories. After CKLV, these were their added points. The momentum even pushed Reece Witcraft to claim his victory over better-ranked Cleveland Belton in the 133-weight category. That was the day for the Oklahoma Cowboys in the arena. But what was the take for the fans from this victory? After the 2024 CKLV, wasn’t this victory expected? A chunk of fans surely saw that victory coming. But for a large segment, the occasion was riveting, proving the reality of winning the CKLV challenge. They left a few comments on X, celebrating the hope. 

OSU wrestling fans sharpen their attack against the Sooners

First, the Cowboys wrestling fans aimed at the 20 consecutive victories in the Bedlam duels for David Taylor’s squad. One such fan commented, “And the streak continues for the 20th year!! Woot woot! Way to Go OSU!” The victory marked a humongous achievement for the Orange Brigade. Now they are tied with the longest winning streak in the series’ history. Moreover, it was the Cowboys’ ninth straight win against the Sooners in Norman. In the previous sessions, John Smith had the reins in his hand from the OSU fold. But this time, Taylor had the final say. Yet the result didn’t face any disturbance. 

That historical fact ultimately led a fan to pen, “New era, same results.” Also, the victory gave an enviable 15-1 record to the Oklahoma Cowboys in the last 16 duels against the ranked opponents. Per the diehard fans, that consistency matters most. Now they are sure about the Stillwater camp’s prospect. Undoubtedly, this prospect has been shaped better under David Taylor’s tutelage. This fact made a fan claim, “David Taylor has these guys kicking a** and taking names.” First, the 2024 CKLV and then the Bedlam duels—David Taylor’s protégés are flying high. These heroics earned praise from the fans. But did the same heroics keep the Sooners away from Stillwater?

The fans alleged that the Sooners didn’t keep matches in Stillwater in the upcoming days, fearing the rival’s strength. In that regard, someone quipped, “No wonder they didn’t want to make the return trip to Stillwater later this year.” Yes, OU hasn’t scheduled any duel in Stillwater. Last season, they came to Gallagher-Iba Arena to compete in the finale of the duel season. The result didn’t, however, please the guests. A few fans called this restriction a part of the clichés.

According to those fans, David Taylor’s team is way above the shackles. A fan mentioned the part with a defiant line: “Old fashioned beat down!! #GoPokes.” The vast NCAA season is on the cards, and the Cowboys will enter it with loads of confidence. Will this confidence help them against the Penn State NLWC? What do you think?