Bedlam wrestling: 'Anything can happen' when OU, OSU square off

“We are definitely not overlooking them,” said Oliver, ranked No. 1 in the country at 133 pounds with an 18-1 record. “OU-OSU is always a big rivalry. Anything can happen. Hopefully, we will go to OU and beat them pretty good.”

Oliver downed two ranked opponents last weekend in the National Wrestling Collegiate Association regional at Gallagher-Iba Arena to help send the Cowboys into this weekend's final four of the National Duals with Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.

The Fighting Illini defeated Oklahoma 21-18 Sunday at a NWCA regional in Utica, N.Y. The 12^th-ranked Sooners, 13-4, will have a tough row to hoe Thursday night against the top-ranked Cowboys.

OSU, 14-0, is the only unbeaten team left in the country.

The Cowboys have four wrestlers ranked nationally in the top three of their weight class with Oliver, second-ranked Jamal Parks and Alan Gelogaev at 149 pounds and heavyweight, and No. 3 Chris Perry at 174 pounds who dropped from 184 pounds where he was wrestling to start this season.

OU's highest ranked wrestler is No. 3 Kendric Maple at 141 pounds, who said the Sooners are looking forward to the challenge. The Cowboys defeated the Sooners 25-13 on Dec. 11 and have won four straight in the series.

“Bedlam is always fun,” Maple said. “We are always itching to get at them.”

Thursday night's dual will be the last action for the Sooners until the Big 12 Tournament in two weeks. OSU, however, will compete Sunday for the National Duals championship and then in a make-up dual in Stillwater on Feb. 24 against No. 10 Missouri.