The Bobcats don't exactly have warm, fuzzy feelings for Central Michigan, but the Chippewas aren't their biggest rival, either.
Similar to the competition between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, it's not really a rivalry if one team always wins.
The Bobcats host conference powerhouse and 12th-ranked Central Michigan tonight, aiming to take down the reigning Mid-American Conference champs. It's been a full decade since Ohio last beat Central Michigan in a regular-season dual meet. The Chippewas have won every conference title since 2001, the year Ohio triumphed in coach Joel Greenlee's fourth season.
Knowing that's it my senior year
and it's at our house I would love to get a win and a huge upset against them Germane Lindsey said. They're definitely a great team
but I think if our team believes in themselves
we'll get an upset tomorrow.
The Chippewas' roster features four All-Americans. Six Central Michigan wrestlers were ranked in the Jan. 18 NCAA Division I Wrestling Coaches Panel Ranking, including three in the top 10, at 133, 174, and 285 pounds. Greenlee was confident in the Bobcats' chances against Central Michigan, but said their losing streak against the Chippewas is hard to forget.
It's always in your mind
Greenlee said. It's in your mind when you're recruiting. It's in your mind when you're training over the summertime.
Tonight's match is the second in a string of nationally ranked opponents on Ohio's schedule. The Bobcats are coming off a 30-10 defeat by No. 11 American at The Convo Sunday.
A week from today, Ohio will face Kent State, which Lindsey said is the Bobcats' biggest rival because of the competition in recruiting. The Golden Flashes are ranked 35th in the country by Intermatwrestle.com. Ohio is ranked 44th.
You gotta do that to get ready for the MAC tournament and the NCAA tournament
Greenlee said of Ohio's tough schedule.
Greenlee struggled to decide whether a win over Central Michigan or Kent State would be most gratifying.
It'd feel good to beat both of them
to be honest
Greenlee said. I say Central's the best team in the MAC until somebody beats them.
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