The West Virginia wrestling team will travel to Athens, Ohio, to face the Bobcats (3-5) in hopes of recovering from a loss to archrival Pittsburgh last weekend.
The Bobcats, who will wrestle their final home match against the Mountaineers, are coming off a 22-18 win over Buffalo.
Ohio had its toughest match of the season against No. 16 Kent State. The Bobcats trailed by a mere three points at one point of the match. Kent State finished strong by winning four out of the final five matches.
Ohio's Jeremy Johnson leads the team with an undefeated dual record this season. The sophomore improved his dual record to 8-0 following a pin victory against Buffalo. His pin was his 10th of the year and his fifth consecutive victory.
Redshirt senior heavyweight Brandon Williamson rides a seven-match winning streak for West Virginia. Williamson, who earned his 20th win of the season last Saturday, rose in the national rankings this week alongside redshirt senior Matt Ryan at 184.
Joining Ryan and Williamson in the rankings this week is Shane Young (125), Nathan Pennesi (133), Michael Morales (141) and Lance Bryson (174).
The Bobcats are always a team that is put together well, being right in the middle of Ohio.
"They always put together a very solid team," said head coach Craig Turnbull. "They seem to wrestle very well. The two wrestlers that catch your attention are 174 and heavyweight. They're both nationally ranked. Those are two very important matches. I hope we come out intrinsically motivated for this time of the year. We have three dual meets left."
With three dual meets left all on the road, the Mountaineers will look for their best efforts before the Eastern Wrestling League and NCAA Championships begin.
"I think with three matches left, the wrestlers recognize that we have three opportunities left to really try to get our best wrestling out," Turnbull said. "It's just trying to get their best wrestling out going into the EWL Tournament."
As was the case with many of the matches this season, a strong start is key for success. It's been apparent that when junior Shane Young (125) starts off strong, other wrestlers build off a lead going into their matches.
"At the beginning, you set the tone," Turnbull said. "And when we get a good start, generally, it really seems to improve our wrestling. If we don't have that opportunity, someone's got to step up and create that momentum in the middle and get us back going. When we get a good start, it's very helpful.
"The 125 from Ohio University and Shane are 1-1 in their last two matches. This will be a good challenge for Shane. He's got an opponent who is very confident."
Action gets underway at 7 p.m.
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