Missouri’s wrestling team is looking to redeem itself after losing for the first time in almost two years to No. 4 Oklahoma State 23-9 last week when they take the mat against No. 7 ranked Oklahoma at the Hearnes Center Saturday. The afternoon match should be a win for Missouri with a few key matches that could help individual wrestlers on their quest for the national championship.

The match will be a chance for Missouri to get back in winning mode as they look ahead to the end of this month and early next month’s national duals and championships. Here are three things the team must do to win the dual:

**Capitalize on the 174-197 weight classes:** Missouri’s wrestlers should dominate here. At 174 pounds, senior Blaise Butler had a huge win against Oklahoma State’s Kyle Crutchmer during last Friday’s bout and should continue that momentum and score big points for the team. Sophomore Willie Miklus, who has dominated this season despite a loss to Oklahoma State’s Nolan Boyd, should get the win as well.

Rounding out the triple threat is senior J’den Cox at 197 pounds, who has a 19-1 record this season and should easily score bonus points if not a fall for the Tigers.

**Don’t count out Zach Synon:** Wrestling the defending national champion in Oklahoma’s Cody Brewer at 133 pounds might seem like a mighty task for No. 11 Zach Synon, but don’t be so quick to assume the winner of that match. Synon pinned Ohio State’s Johnni Dijulius at home early in December, and he proved that he was a tough wrestler who can come up strong in big matches. With his tall, lanky and strong structure, Synon is able to take control of his opponent, and with his quick feet and fast movements, most of his opponents don’t know what hit them.

**Gain back momentum:** Losing a 37-straight dual win streak has to hurt. Missouri, however, cannot let this loss define the team’s season. The team needs to gain back the energy it had in December as it works to get to the national championship in early March. The key is to wrestle for the entire match and not lose the enthusiasm that often disappears when a wrestler is trailing after the first period. If every wrestler can attack right away and use strong control to gain points on their opponents, Missouri can start a new win streak.