With the 2003 NCAA Tournament just one week away, it has become clear that Oklahoma State is the favorite to win the team title, which would be the school's first title since 1994.    "It's something that each individual on this team wants very badly, probably even more than their individual goals," Cowboys head coach John Smith said. "As far as being the favorite, we have had a good year. If we go in the favorite, then we go in the favorite. Just keep in mind that this championship is going to be earned, not given away."    Oklahoma State is the only school that qualified 10 wrestlers for the NCAA Tournament in Kansas City, Mo., March 20-22. Smith, along with Minnesota head coach J Robinson and Iowa head coach Jim Zalesky, feels that this is a clear advantage.    "We have eight guys, Iowa has seven and Oklahoma State has 10. Your margin for error is a lot less, which can be pretty motivating in that you can't make mistakes," Robinson said.    Zalesky agrees that having less wrestlers than some other top teams can be a motivating factor. The Hawkeyes will only send seven wrestlers to the NCAA Tournament.    "It can be a motivating factor," Zalesky said. "We don't have the numbers going in. We don't have all the experience. Minnesota has more experience. You go in as underdogs. Each individual weight class is up for grabs, so the team title is up for grabs."    Oklahoma State has dominated all competition this season, capping off a perfect 17-0 dual season with a 45-point winning margin at the Big XII Championships. The Cowboys also defeated Minnesota (26-6) and Iowa (24-15) in dual meets this season.    The Cowboys return NCAA champion Johnny Thompson at 133 lbs., but Smith feels that he will need a lot more from the rest of his team in order to win the team title this year.    "I have a hard time believing we're going to win a national title without champions," Smith stated. "It could be a one-team race. It could end up being a three to four-team race. Obviously it depends on who shows up."    Two years ago, Minnesota set an NCAA record with 10 All-Americans, yet did not have an individual national champion or finalist in winning its first NCAA team title. Last year, the Gophers struggled to repeat while seeing both Jared Lawrence, 149 lbs., and Luke Becker, 157 lbs., capture NCAA titles.    "This is kind of a selfish tournament. If you take care of yourself, then you're going to take care of your team," Robinson said.    All three coaches agree that additions to their team's rosters have dramatically impacted their teams within the past season.    In the off-season, Oklahoma State added transfer Muhammed Lawal from Central Oklahoma at 197 lbs. The team also pulled true freshman Zack Esposito out of redshirt this year. Esposito has only suffered three losses this season and will most likely be seeded second at the NCAA Tournament at 141 lbs. Lawal has lost only four matches this year and should also receive a high seed.    After struggling to start the season, the two-time defending champions seem to be back on track. Minnesota won the Big Ten Championship last weekend and this squad has its eyes on a three-peat. The health of All-Americans Damion Hahn at 197 lbs. and Garrett Lowney at 285 lbs. has pushed this team towards the top of the title race, but the addition of off-season transfer Bobbe Lowe at 125 lbs. and mid-season transfer Derek Phillips at 141 lbs. has made this team more complete.    "Bobbe has made some great steps this last month," Robinson said. "Junior college and Division I wrestling are totally different worlds. He was seeded eighth and ended up sixth at the Big Ten Tournament. He's a tough kid, both physically and mentally, and we think that will help him at the tournament."    "Phillips is a hard worker and he definitely upgraded us at 141 with his experience. I am looking forward to seeing what he can do at the NCAA Tournament," Robinson added.    Becker also feels that this team is better than they were at the start of the year, but he also feels that learning how to peak at the right time of the year is a major factor to the Gophers early season struggles.    "I think we've done a real good job of peaking when we needed to at the end. The key for us is to come out and do what we need to do in Kansas City. This team is capable of a lot and we are excited for the tournament to finally be here," the 157-pound NCAA champion stated.    Iowa also made one addition to its lineup. In mid-season, Zalesky inserted freshman Joe Johnston into the lineup at 157 lbs. The Hawkeye coach feels that Johnston had an immediate impact.    "Joe is one of those kids that brings a lot to the room. He works hard every day and sets a great example," Zalesky said. "He has already proven that he can wrestle with and beat some of the top kids in the nation, and that alone has been a major improvement for us at that weight class."    Now, with all of the postseason conference tournaments out of the way, the coaches can concentrate on getting their teams ready for the big dance in Kemper Arena.    "We're looking to earn that title. I do believe that if we step out and wrestle to our capabilities, then we have a good chance to win it," Smith said.    While Smith is more diplomatic in his team's chances of winning the team title this year, Robinson makes it very clear which team is the favorite going into the tournament.    "They have good people at every weight. You've got to put a good performance in there to beat them," Robinson said. "Oklahoma State is favored to win and they need to win. The burden is placed on Oklahoma State."    TheMat.com will provide complete coverage of the NCAA Tournament. 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