The No. 20 MSU wrestling team won 14 of its 20 matches en route to two dominating victories this past weekend at Jenison Field House.
Led by pins from sophomore Andy Simmons and redshirt freshman Joe Williams and a technical fall from junior Darren McKnight, MSU overpowered an injury-depleted Kent State on Friday, 36-7.
On Sunday, the Spartans improved their Big Ten record to 2-0, outgrappling Ohio State 27-16, led by pins from sophomore Nick Simmons and redshirt freshman Bryan Harney.
Head coach Tom Minkel said he was happy with his team's performance, but realized the wins did not come easy.
"When you win, it always kind of looks easy," Minkel said. "But there are a lot of tough matches, and the team really stepped up, I think, both nights."
The Spartans (5-2 overall, 2-0 Big Ten) were focused on getting off to quick starts in both duals, which they did, winning the first five matches on Friday and the first four matches on Sunday.
"It's very important you know," Nick Simmons said of starting strong. "You need that momentum to get the guys going and get everybody into it quick, as quick as you can."
And the Spartans don't just value starting off matches well, but their Big Ten season, too.
"We are starting the real heart of our season as far as dual meets go," Minkel said. "Every match in the Big Ten is important, and so it's nice to get Penn State and Ohio State behind us."
The Spartans notched a big win from McKnight, who is ranked No. 19 in the nation in the 149-pound weight class.
McKnight was down 4-3 going into the third period, but after tying the match early in the period, scored a takedown with 40 seconds left to take the match.
Even though he was down late, McKnight said he didn't start to worry.
"I just know that if it's a close match I'm gonna win," said McKnight, who also scored a technical fall on Friday against the Golden Eagles. "If I'm within a few points, I don't worry about it.
"I will find a way to win."
Nick Simmons, ranked No. 3 in the nation in the 125-pound weight class, improved to 20-0 on the season and 6-0 in dual meets. His brother Andy also remained undefeated in dual meets, improving to 6-0 while bringing his overall victory total to 25.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Froese won his second and third dual meet victories of his career, scoring a major decision against the Golden Eagles and upsetting No. 15 T.J. Enright by default.
Also recording two victories during the weekend for the Spartans were senior Matt McCarty and Williams.
Junior Max Lossen won his second straight dual meet victory on Friday, 4-2, but lost a low-scoring match on Sunday, 2-1.
MSU still has the meat of its Big Ten season to go as six out of its next seven opponents are ranked in the top 25 starting this Friday at No. 8 Minnesota.
