Iowa (4-0) at
Iowa State (6-0)
  Dec. 7, 2003  Hilton Coliseum  Ames, Iowa
    So close - yet so far away. That is Iowa State's motto regarding the in-state rivalry this program has with Iowa. The last 30 times these two teams have met, Iowa has come away with the win. That is not to say Iowa has dominated every time. In eight of those 30 duals, the Cyclones lost by six points or less, a difference of one win.    Two years ago, Iowa State only won three matches in the December dual meet, but still only lost 21-16 as Mike Zadick toppled Billy Maldonado in the final match.    The last Iowa State win in this dual meet was in 1986, when the Cyclones won 23-12. It was the second win in-a-row for Iowa State over the Hawkeyes. And the last in 30 more tries.    How long has it been since Iowa State won a dual in this series? Northern Iowa head coach Brad Penrith and Illinois head assistant Jim Heffernan were defending their national titles and the Brands brothers were being recruited as seniors in high school.    This year, sports fans have seen the Cubs and Red Sox both keep their respective curses alive and Phil Mickelson continue losing to Tiger Woods. Other streaks? The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost 31 straight road games and the Detroit Lions have lost 22 consecutive road games. And we are all sick of hearing about Brett Favre's consecutive games played streak.    So... will this finally be Iowa State's year?    125: Luke Eustice (Iowa) vs. Grant Nakamura (Iowa State)  Two years ago, Eustice was an NCAA finalist. Last year, he was dominated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and had to forfeit the rest of the way due to injury. He seems to be healthy again, but has survived a couple of scares already this season, including a 10-9 tiebreaker decision over Nakamura at the Omaha Open just a couple of weeks ago. In fact, Eustice is 3-0 lifetime against Nakamura. One area where Eustice has always struggled is his defense. On his feet, he has a tendency to let opponents deeper than they should be. He has made strides in that area so far this season, which could help to catapult him back to the top of the NCAA ladder. In comparison, Nakamura has improved greatly on his feet. He has gone from being a virtual unknown to a strong All-American candidate this year. Like Eustice, he struggles defensively. All three times these two have met, there have been a lot of points scored. In a dual meet like this one, experience is a huge key. Eustice has never lost in this dual. Nakamura has - to Eustice.  TheMat.com Prediction: Eustice    133: Todd Meneely (Iowa) vs. Zach Roberson (Iowa State)  Meneely is the future of this program. He has a short and stocky build, which is a big reason he is not wrestling at 141 this year, though it was discussed early on. He also has a rugged style of wrestling. This always seems to benefit Iowa wrestlers, especially in a dual meet this big. Roberson is an All-American who could be a major key for the Cyclones. If he wrestles, he will surely be favored against the freshman Meneely. But the problem for Iowa State may be Roberson's knee, which has been banged up for a while now according to coach Bobby Douglas. He did not wrestle last weekend, and coaches are hoping that helped him recover enough to be in the lineup this weekend. However, an injured Roberson lowers his value, meaning Meneely could still pull out the win. Expect Meneely to come out firing on all cylinders and to put pressure on whoever he is wrestling. Meneely likes to wear his opponents down throughout the course of a match. He has great stamina, and in a meet where emotions are flying high, he will need as much as he can get. If Roberson does not wrestle, Jesse Sundell will be in the lineup. But this will be a decision that is made on Sunday.  TheMat.com Prediction: Meneely    141: Cliff Moore (Iowa) vs. Nate Gallick (Iowa State)  Over the last two and a half years, Moore has established himself as a major threat to capture a national title. He has become a dominating offensive presence on the mat, and he is one of the leaders of this Hawkeye squad. With the exception of last year's postseason, he does not make many mistakes. To help himself concentrate more on wrestling this year, he has moved up to 141. Gallick may still be at a weight class too big for him. Gallick has been very inconsistent this year. He has lost to a Division II wrestler but defeated Cory Cooperman, one of the best in the nation. Obviously, he is still adjusting to this weight class. Moore and Gallick have never faced off before. If Gallick wrestles to his ability, he should be able to at least keep this match close. Gallick wrestles a loose style. He does not seem to get rattled, even if he is behind in a match. This could play into his favor. Either way, expect a low-scoring match.  TheMat.com Prediction: Moore    149: Ty Eustice (Iowa) vs. Trent Paulson (Iowa State)  This is one of two pivotal matches in this dual meet. Eustice and Paulson met once earlier this season, and an escape by Paulson gave him a 1-0 victory. This one counts, and with riding time as well. Eustice has finally started to come into his own this year. This is great news for Iowa fans. He still gets a little apprehensive when it comes to being aggressive in big matches. Eustice must figure out ways to score in matches like these, or at the very least put enough pressure on his opponent to make mistakes. Paulson has a mature body and a mature style of wrestling for a freshman. This is a big match for him and his twin brother, Travis. If Paulson can keep Eustice stagnant for the better part of the match, he should be able to win this match. But Paulson likes to score points, and in front of a raucous home crowd, he will be attempting to score as much as possible. Paulson is one of the three reasons that Iowa State's future looks so bright. In his first major home match, don't expect him to disappoint the fans.  TheMat.com Prediction: Paulson    157: Joe Johnston (Iowa) vs. Travis Paulson (Iowa State)  Johnston is a bruising wrestler. Last season, a lot of wrestling critics thought he had a chance to win a national title, especially after he seemed to be peaking at the right time. But he did not place at the NCAA Tournament and has already lost three matches this season, including a 9-4 decision to Paulson at the Omaha Open. Johnston usually only seems to lose when he gives up a lot of points. In fact, in his 10 of his last 12 losses dating back to last season, Johnston has surrendered at least seven points. So the gameplan for Paulson should be easy - get to the magic seven-point mark. Johnston has great stamina, but his matches are easy to predict. When he gives up takedowns early, he usually either loses, or has to make a huge come-from-behind attempt, which also many times results in a loss. Johnston will most likely attempt to tire Paulson out in this match, but that isn't going to happen. Paulson is in great shape and has proven himself to be a very solid technical wrestler as it is. Look for a lot of points in this match, but mostly in Paulson's favor.  TheMat.com Prediction: Paulson    165: Cole Pape (Iowa) vs. Nick Passolano (Iowa State)  Pape has emerged as the starter for the Hawkeyes at this weight class. He is young and very inexperienced, which could cost him big time in this match. He has not had much big-match competition, if any at all. He is very good offensively, but has had breakdowns this season. There are points where he seems to freeze up on the mat. That cannot happ