The duo’s unique strategies have led them to winning records this season with Rizqallah maintaining a 17-10 record and Jacobs holding a 22-9 record — tying sophomore 149-pounder Dan Osterman for the most wins on the team this season.

“(Jacobs) is kind of a spontaneous wrestler,” head coach Tom Minkel said. “In other words, he’s got really good balance and goes really hard, but sometimes his reactions are different than what you would expect — just a little unconventional.”

Recognizing the success his uniqueness has brought, Jacobs is unsure when he developed his unusual strategies. Wrestling in his own way has given Jacobs crucial wins for the Spartans (9-9 overall, 1-8 Big Ten), specifically against Michigan’s Aaron Hynes in sudden-victory overtime on Feb. 18.

“I’ve always wrestled in a unique way,” Jacobs said. “It’s just how I wrestle.”

Minkel described Rizqallah’s style as “funky,” and it allows him to twist a shot taken at him into a takedown. Especially as a heavyweight, his flexibility gives him an edge over most opponents.

In MSU’s 30-9 loss to then-No. 3 Penn State on Feb. 4, Rizqallah’s unorthodox style and unheard of moves led him to victory, taking down then-No. 5 Cameron Wade in an 8-2 decision.

“Especially in my weight class, you get bigger people who don’t have as much balance,” Rizqallah said. “It’s really hard to take a heavyweight down, and if I’m really agile and flexible and I can keep jumping, it tires them out.”

After successful dual seasons, the Spartans are expecting a lot out of Jacobs and Rizqallah as they head into the Big Ten championships this weekend. Minkel said because they’re unpredictable, he expects them to have a successful weekend.

“When you run into (Rizqallah) or (Jacobs), you’re in, you think you’ve got a takedown and you think things are going to finish,” Minkel said. “Then they don’t, so it can be disconcerting to your opponent.”

Falling out
After losing four starters — including seniors 141-pounder Joel Trombly and 165-pounder Ben Boudro due to injuries — MSU has had big holes in its lineup.

With some wrestlers dropping out early in the season, the Spartans have struggled with their weaknesses against their tough Big Ten opponents, but everyone makes an effort to compensate for what the team lacks.

“It’s kind of handicapped us right out of the gate, and in a few weight classes — it’s just not a fair match, so that’s been difficult,” Minkel said. “But at the same time, we all know that’s the situation we have, and there’s not much we can do about it.”

Despite the struggles, MSU said the weakness built up the team’s character and has made everyone stronger in the long run.

“I feel like we always end up coming from behind in matches, which is hard to do, especially in the Big Ten where everybody’s good,” Osterman said. “But it’s made us stronger, and we’re coming together.”