By Dan D’Addona.
The Big Ten swimming season continues with several key matchups this week. Here is what to watch for:
Meet of the Week: Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
The top showdown in the Big Ten comes on Thursday this week as Wisconsin faces rival Minnesota.
Both Wisconsin teams are coming off narrow defeats to SEC power Auburn last week.
The No. 12 Wisconsin women lost 164-135 to No. 11 Auburn. The men’s meet was even closer as No. 6 Auburn defeated No. 16 Wisconsin 156-144.
This time the Badgers face the Golden Gophers, ranked No. 22 in the women’s poll and No. 25 in the men’s poll.
The Wisconsin men were led by the freestylers. The freestyle events got off to a superb start.
Cannon Clifton broke his own pool record in the 50-yard freestyle, winning in 20.12 seconds to earn a NCAA provisional cut. Clifton also won the 100 free in 44.56. Brett Pinfold won the 200 freestyle (1:38.10).
Victor Goicoechea won the 1,000 freestyle in 9:17.86 with teammate Matt Hutchins second in 9:22.51. Later, it was Hutchins who won in the 500 freestyle (4:27.65) while Goicoechea was second in 4:37.12.
In the women’s meet, Wisconsin freshman Beata Nelson won the 100-yard backstroke in 54.40 to earn a NCAA ‘B’ cut standard in her first individual collegiate race.
Minnesota’s season opener at Florida State was canceled because of Hurricane Matthew.
Last season, the Gophers fell just short in Madison, Wis. The men lost by a score of 159-141, while the women lost by a score of 152-148.
Michigan at SMU Classic
This weekend, one of the best under-the-radar invitationals of the season will take place at SMU. The Mustangs will host several big-conference opponents, including USC and UCLA. The No. 4 Michigan women will head there after an unprecedented tripleheader sweep against Louisville last weekend at home. The Wolverines received top performances from several of its leaders, including Yirong Bi, Siobhan Haughey, Gabby DeLoof, Catie DeLoof and diver Kristen Hayden. The Wolverines are looking to continue that domination at SMU.
Eastern Michigan at Northwestern
On Friday, Northwestern hosts Eastern Michigan in Midwest men’s showdown. Generally when a Big Ten team faces a Mid-American Conference team, the heavy advantage is to the Big Ten. The Wildcat’s can’t overlook the Eagles, however. Eastern Michigan has won dozens of MAC titles and is a good early-season test for any Big Ten opponent.
Penn St. at Virginia Tech
The Nittany Lions head south for a couple of ACC crossover showdowns. This week, Penn State heads to Virginia Tech. The Penn State women are ranked No. 25 and need a good road trip to begin to enter the conversation of being a contender in the Big Ten.
Nebraska at South Dakota St.
On Friday, Nebraska hits the road for a dual meet at South Dakota State. The Corn Huskers are coming off of a strong performance last week in a win over Iowa State.
In that meet, Erin Oeltjen swept the top spots in the backstroke events, including a winning time of 56.64 in the 100-yard backstroke and added a time of 2:02.01 in the 200 backstroke.
