Tyler Knox & Lorenzo Norman Record Big Upsets In Stanford's Loss To Iowa
Tyler Knox & Lorenzo Norman Record Big Upsets In Stanford's Loss To Iowa
Stanford's Tyler Knox and Lorenzo Norman pulled off primetime upset wins against Iowa.
Though Stanford lost to Iowa 32-9, freshmen Tyler Knox and Lorenzo Norman were the bright spots for the Cardinals and pulled off big-time upset wins over All-Americans on Saturday afternoon. Check out the below article for a recap of both wins.
Knox Takes Out NCAA Runner-Up Ayala
After a forfeit at 125, #20 Tyler Knox got Stanford rolling at 133 pounds with a wild, 15-10 win over NCAA runner-up #3 Drake Ayala. In this match, Ayala got out to an early lead in the first period with the first takedown but Knox responded with an escape and takedown to lead 4-3 at the end of the first period. However, Ayala led 7-6 after the second period building his lead on another takedown and a stall point.
The third period is what won the match for Knox. Ayala came out aggressive and got in deep on a single but Knox scrambled through for a takedown to take a 9-7 lead. After an escape from Ayala, Knox got right back to his offense and secured another takedown to build a 12-8 lead. Ayala closed the gap for a moment with a reversal but Knox reversed Ayala right back for the 15-10 win.
133: No. 23 @knox_tyler01 takes out No. 7 Drake Ayala, 15-10 😤
— Stanford Wrestling (@CardWrestling) November 9, 2024
6-3 Iowa#GoStanford x #GoldRush pic.twitter.com/Dprptmr3o4
Knox just a freshman, had a solid redshirt year last season compiling a 10-5 record highlighted by a fifth-place finish at the 2023 CKLV. There, Knox recorded his best win of the year with an 11-3 major decision victory over Ohio State's Nic Bouzakis. Knox is off to a hot start this year and is now 4-0 with two notable bonus point wins already this season. With the win over Ayala, Knox will shoot up the rankings and has immediately inserted himself into the All-American conversation at 133 pounds.
Norman Notches Win Over Nelson Brands
At 174 pounds, freshman #21 Lorenzo Norman recorded a tight, 4-1 victory over 2023 All-American #4 Nelson Brands. In their match, Norman set the tone early and almost immediately fired off several doubles from space. Though Brands stopped the first few attacks, Norman's relentless offense paid off and he converted late on a single leg to take a 3-0 lead into the second period. The veteran Brands pressed Norman for the rest of the match, he never got that close to scoring. Though it was low-scoring, Norman controlled bout, displayed great defense, and never showed signs of fatigue against Brands' heavy hand fight.
174: No. 17 @LorenzoNormann holds on for a 4-1 decision over No. 6 Nelson Brands (IOWA) 💪
— Stanford Wrestling (@CardWrestling) November 9, 2024
18-9 Iowa#GoStanford x #GoldRush pic.twitter.com/pBZk2FLg7B
Similar to Knox, Norman had a great redshirt year last season for Stanford with the highlight of his season coming at the CKLV. There, Norman finished in seventh but put the country on notice when he defeated NCAA Champion Shane Griffith, 4-2. Despite that result, Coach Ayres preserved Norman's redshirt last season. Now, Norman looks ready to climb the rankings and will look to insert as a top contender at 174 pounds.