Iowa men’s wrestling dominates Michigan State, 40-6

University of Iowa was all business with bonus points.

The Hawkeyes got back to their winning ways.

Eighth-ranked Iowa won all nine matches contested and recorded seven bonus point victories to trounce Michigan State, 40-6, in a Big Ten Conference men’s wrestling Sunday at Jenison Field House in East Lansing, Mich. The Hawkeyes have taken 11 straight duals from the Spartans.

“A lot of bonus points,” Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. “You got to love that. Solid, more importantly. You get bonus points because you’re solid. Nothing reckless, silly or goofy, but a lot of power. Staying in their best positions. That’s what we’ve got to have. Keep that going.”

Dean Peterson set the tone, opening the dual with a 12-2 major decision. Two-time NCAA finalist Drake Ayala (133), Kale Petersen at 141 and 149-pounder Ryder Block followed with three straight technical fall.

Ayala and Block tallied 21 points apiece, winning by 17 and 15, respectively. Petersen received his third start of the season. He handled Sean Larkin, 17-2, bouncing back from a loss to Ohio State two-time NCAA champion Jesse Mendez.

“I had a tough match Friday, so I regrouped, got tough and pushed the pace,” Petersen said. “I got myself tired and just scored a lot of points.”

Victor Voinovich III finished the weekend 2-0, beating Darius Marines, 7-3, at 157. He gave Iowa a 22-0 lead at the midway point.

After the break, Michael Caliendo (165), Patrick Kennedy at 174 and 184-pounder Gabe Arnold all recorded technical falls. The Hawkeyes totaled 13 bonus points.

“We love scoring points,” Petersen said. “When we score points that’s when we win. That’s our best wrestling.”

Iowa forfeited 197 and heavyweight Ben Kueter closed the dual with a 7-1 decision over Josh Terill. Iowa moved to 10-5 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes host Michigan for Senior Day Friday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, starting at 8 p.m.

“We’re going Friday night,” Brands said. “Quick turnaround. … That’s where we’re at. Progress. Every day, every hour.”

Iowa 40, Michigan State 6

AT EAST LANSING, MICH.

125 pounds – Dean Peterson (I) major dec. Nick Corday, 12-2; 133 – Drake Ayala (I) tech. fall Caleb Weiand, 21-4; 141 – Kale Petersen (I) tech. fall Sean Larkin, 17-2; 149 – Ryder Block (I) tech. fall Clayton Jones, 21-6; 157 – Victor Voinovich III (I) dec. Darius Marines, 7-3; 165 – Michael Caliendo (I) tech. fall D.J. Shannon, 22-4; 174 – Patrick Kennedy (I) tech. fall Connor O’Neill, 19-4; 184 – Gabe Arnold (I) tech. fall Ryan Boucher, 20-4; 197 – Kael Wisler (MSU) won by forfeit; 285 – Ben Kueter (I) dec. Josh Terill, 7-1.

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