The Big Ten is showing how tough a conference it is at the NCAA wrestling meet in St. Louis, Mo.
After Day 1, three of the top four teams are from the Big Ten. And Minnesota is not in that group. The Gophers are back at No. 11 with 14 points, but still possibly dangerous. If, that is, the Gophers can stomp on some conference opponents.
Five of the seven Gophers still alive will face a conference foe in their first match Friday. Beat him and they not allow help the U's cause, they gain a little in the standings.
Here's a look at the matchups:
Championship bracket -- quarterfinals:
133: Chris Dardanes, top seed and 25-0, vs. Kevin Devoy, Drexell, eighth seed.
157: Dylan Ness, third seed and 30-2, vs. Brian Murphy, Michigan, 11th seed.
174: Logan Storley, sixth seed, vs. Michael Evans, Iowa, third seed.