No. 12 Illinois’ (3-0) first notable challenge has arrived as it faces No. 6 Missouri (1-1) in the home opener on Thursday. The team is coming off a monumental Nov. 9-10 weekend with wins against Binghamton and No. 13 Arizona State. Additionally, Illinois added a victory in the Journeyman Collegiate Classic. The Illini have won all duals in blowout fashion so far and are off to their first 3-0 start since 2021. Tomorrow’s matchup allows them to match their strong start from the 2020-21 season.
Historically outmatched
Illinois’ head-to-head record vs. Missouri isn’t the prettiest. The Illini have been outplayed 6-3 in their nine matchups since 2000. In their last matchup, the Illini were defeated 29-6 in an away fixture.
Illinois has a chance to make a dent in its head-to-head record tomorrow. Seven Illinois starters have scored double-digit dual points already, and four have a perfect record. This makes Illinois a formidable contender against a top-10 team despite its history.
Perfect start
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Illinois is off to a hot start, with wrestlers impressing throughout the lineup. Redshirt freshman Kannon Webster won the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award on Nov. 14 for his perfect 6-0 start to the season. Redshirt freshman Braeden Scoles (17), redshirt senior Zac Braunagel (16) and graduate student Jason Kraisser (15) make up Illinois’ top three-point scorers so far.
Illinois’ weakest point this season has been its performance in the 125 round. Junior Caelan Riley has lost all three duals. Interestingly, Missouri freshman Gage Walker has lost both of his 125-round duals as well. It might be a scrap, but the audience will see one of them getting their first win of the season.
Otherwise, the Illini have been phenomenal in other categories. They have been perfect between the 133-157 rounds so far. The Tigers, on the other hand, have only won one dual in those rounds. The records equal out as we move to heavier categories. Both Illinois and Missouri have lost two duals between rounds 165-285. Illinois’ defeats came in the 174 and 184, while Missouri’s defeats came in the 197 and 285.
Matchup-wise, the Illini have a favorable record. They have performed better in almost every round this year, but the Tigers are a top-10 program, and records can always change.
A wine and dine experience
Apart from an exciting battle between two top teams, Illinois’ home opener is set to be a one-of-a-kind wrestling dinner theater experience. There will be entertainment, a buffet and, of course, the dual. Dinner/entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the dual kicking off at 7 p.m. The fans will experience a top-12 wrestling dual with food, drinks and entertainment.
