Metcalf or Jenkins?

Does Penn State's No. 2 ranked 149-pounder Bubba Jenkins have a chance against No. 1 Brent Metcalf?

2008 Iowa vs. Penn State Dual Match: Brent Metcalf vs. Bubba Jenkins



If you ask me, Jenkins odds are slim to none. Although the junior all-American has posted 19-0 for the season he has sat out the last three duals with an ankle injury that he obtained against Indiana on Jan. 23.

So it's entirely possible that Jenkins won't be back on the mat when No. 22 Penn State hosts Iowa on Sunday. But if he is, he's got quite the match ahead of him.

Jenkins is clearly a tough guy - see his previous matches against Metcalf. But coming off of nursing an ankle, especially if it's weakened even a little more during Penn State's bout against Ohio State on Friday. Jenkins hasn't put his wrestling shoes back on since the injury, nor has he been able to take the starting stance. With that in mind, and the fact that he may have weight issues with a much more layed back work out this past week - the odds are definitely with Metcalf.

Let's say Jenkins does make weight and appears to be 100% ready to compete. I'm going to go with a win for Metcalf by a fall in the third quarter. Metcalf is not only on a match winning streak right now, he's also on a pinning streak. I'll give Jenkins the benefit of the doubt for most of the match, but I think he'll break in the third quarter and Metcalf will roll him on his back.

2008 NCAA Finals: Brent Metcalf vs. Bubba Jenkins