DEPTH FAVORS GOPHERS EIGHT FROM 2001 CHAMPION RETURN.(SPORTS)

Byline: PETE DOUGHERTY Staff writer

As the NCAA Wrestling Championships unfold this week at Pepsi Arena, pockets of fans will begin to cheer for matches that don't even involve an athlete from their school.

Such is the sophistication of the typical NCAA wrestling fan. It also highlights the complex nature of scoring for the championships, which will be contested Thursday through Saturday.

Under any system, Minnesota is the solid favorite to repeat as the team champion. To unseat the Golden Gophers, contenders such as Michigan, Iowa, Oklahoma State and Ohio State will need help from other schools to offset Minnesota's overall balance.

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