No. 1 Iowa hosts No. 2 OSU in historic dual Saturday

IOWA CITY - It has all the makings of another classic dual between two of college wrestling's most storied programs.

The two top-ranked dual teams in the country meet Saturday night with a dual unbeaten streak on the line when top-ranked Iowa hosts No. 2 Oklahoma State at 7 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. With a 26-12 win over Indiana Friday night, Iowa extended its unbeaten streak to 84 duals, tying Oklahoma State's record (1959-66).

“The important thing is we're doing some good things to get a streak like that,” Iowa Coach Tom Brands said.

But Brands does not dwell on the streak with the Hawkeyes (7-0).

“We won't talk about it much, if at all,” Brands said. “I think the last time we mentioned it was this summer as a reason why you have a streak and that's because you guys are doing a good job and you have to keep doing a good job.”

Iowa's last loss was to Oklahoma State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in 2008. The closest thing to a blemish during the stretch was a tie with the Cowboys last year in Stillwater, Okla. Now the Cowboys (4-0) are trying to snap the streak so they can preserve the tie.

Parity in Division I wrestling because of downsized funding and scholarships makes it hard to dominate. Brands, however, doesn't buy that argument, saying consistent preparation can lead to prolonged success.

“Maybe it gets old to hear,” he said, “but every event is important to us and we try to win every event every time and that's not going to change.”

Iowa junior 125-pounder Matt McDonough was there in 2008 when Iowa lost and won by decision in last year's tie.

“There's always motivation,” McDonough said. “Not necessarily that it's Okie State but that they're the No. 2 team in the country right now and they're coming into Iowa City, Iowa, to knock our blocks off.”

The dual may draw a near-sellout crowd, promising a raucous atmosphere. The adrenaline will pump through wrestlers, coaches, and fans.

“You get up for it,” Brands said. “The emotion is supercharged when there's double the normal crowd, and it's an important meet.”

The meet will be a showcase for former Hawkeye Brent Metcalf, who has Olympic aspirations. Metcalf will face Canada's Haislan Garcia in a 145-pound exhibition freestyle match during intermission. Former Iowa and Oklahoma State heavyweight Steve Mocco also will wrestle an exhibition match.

Former Iowa wrestlers Ed and Lou Banach, Lincoln McIlravy, Randy Lewis, Joe Williams and Chuck Yagla will be special guests, signing autographs starting at 5:30 p.m. on the concourse.