DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team concludes its two-dual home stand against No. 3 Missouri inside Victor E. Court on Friday night at 7 p.m. 
 
The Huskies are 3-16 all-time versus Missouri with its last win coming in the 2002-03 season.   The Huskies defeated the Tigers, 21-16. 
 
"We are just focused on us, the way we compete, and the mindset going into the match," said NIU head wrestling coach Ryan Ludwig. 
 
Bryce Gorman (Manhattan, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central) leads the way for NIU.  The Huskie redshirt-junior was the lone scorer in the setback to North Dakota State last Friday defeating Cole Witzig, 8-4, at 184.  Gorman is 7-6 this season and holds a 33-33 record as a Huskie grappler. 
 
"He did a nice job and put up some nice takedowns," said Ludwig.  "What he did last week does not mean much in terms of this week, but he will bring it again and continue to step up his level of intensity through the MAC Championship."
 
The Huskies will face eight ranked wrestlers on Missouri's lineup.  The only bouts that do not contain a ranked grappler are at 125 with sophomore Brock Hudkins (Danville, Ind./Danville) or redshirt-sophomore Kirk Johansen (Glendale Heights, Ill./Glenbard North) going for NIU and at 285 with redshirt-sophomore Caleb Gossett (St. Charles, Mo./ Francis Howell Central). 
 
Preparation and practice this is week has been very important for the Huskies especially against a tough opponent against No. 3 Missouri. 
 
"Nothing changes," said Ludwig.  "It does not matter who you stand across the mat from, it is about the thing that you can control.  I think the guys are starting to take to that pretty well and we have had a great week of practice so far."
 
Live stats will be available through track wrestling and live streaming will be available through ESPN3.  Fans can also follow NIU's wrestling team on Twitter @NIUWrestling for the Missouri dual and throughout the 2017-18 season. 
 
Below are the Probable lineups for the Huskies and Tigers:
 
NIU Huskies (2-7 0-4 MAC)
125: Brock Hudkins (12-7) or Kirk Johansen (3-4)
133: Alijah Jeffery (14-10)
141: Anthony Rubino (1-15)
149: Nolan Baker (0-4)
157: Caden McWhirter (4-8)
165: Andrew Scott (5-12) or Jose Acosta (4-6)
174: Quinton Rosser (9-13)
184: Bryce Gorman (7-6) or Michael Aldrich (7-11)
197: Max Ihry (6-14)
285: Caleb Gossett (12-11) or Ross Sealby (3-8)
 
University of Missouri Tigers (16-0 6-0 MAC)
125: Aaron Assad (11-5)
133: No. 5 John Earneste (17-2)
141: No. 2 Jaydin Eierman (22-1)
149: No. 3 Grant Leeth (17-2) or Alex Butler (19-8)
157: No. 4 Joey Lavellee (23-1) or Keegan McCormick (2-5)
165: No. 20 Connor Flynn (18-7)
174: No. 4 Daniel Lewis (24-0) or Taylor Watkins (4-3)
184: No. 13 Canten Marriott (20-4)
197: No. 3 Willie Miklus (15-3)
285: Wyatt Koelling (17-7) or Jake Bolken (15-12)
 
–NIU–