The 2018 team national championship came down to one match Saturday night in Cleveland and it was Bo Nickal vs. Ohio State's Myles Martin in the 184-lbs. final. Had Nickal lost, Penn State no longer controlled its destiny. The table was set and Nickal pinned Martin to secure the team trophy for Penn State. With the win, Nickal was named the 2018 NCAA Championships Outstanding Wrestler.

Nickal winning Outstanding Wrestler was moderately controversial, though. There were plenty of worth candidates including teammates Zain Retherford, Jason Nolf and Vincenzo Joseph. Throw in Iowa freshman Spencer Lee, Ohio State's Kyle Snyder, Arizona State's Zahid Valencia and South Dakota State's Seth Gross and the reaction was what you might expect.

Penn States Bo Nickal named the tournaments outstanding wrestler by the coaches. I respectfully disagree with that vote. — Chad Leistikow (@ChadLeistikow) March 18, 2018

Bo Nickal getting OW was BS. Iowa, OSU, and PSU fans at the tournament all disagreed with that decision. There were several more deserving wrestlers. — Ryan Shellady (@ryanR3B3L) March 18, 2018

Outstanding wrestler is a tough award because as a whole, there are a number of deserving wrestlers. Nickal not only faced the pressure of winning his match, but the hopes of the team championship fell directly on his shoulders. Nickal delivered and it will be the match remembered for the 2018 NCAA Championship. A well derserved honor for Nickal and he was able to sum it up perfectly.