In CSU's first official Mid-American Conference meeting of the season, the Vikings on Feb. 5 faced the Central Michigan Chippewas, an opponent that was nationally ranked or receiving votes for the third time running. The host Vikings lost 21-15 on bonus points.

After CMU claimed the opening bout at 125 pounds, Vikings sophomore Logan Heil got his team on the board with his effort at 133. 

In a clash that featured four total reversals, two by each competitor, it was a third-period takedown by Heil that edged out the victory. 

Visiting Central Michigan then claimed the 141-pound bout to extend its lead in the overall team score.

CSU's redshirt sophomore Marcus Robinson was in control for the majority of his match at 149 pounds but was challenged to maintain control. Down 3-8 in the third period, Robinson's opponent drew a reversal to cut the deficit to three points. However, the CSU sophomore would not relent and hung on for the home team win.

Losses then followed for Cleveland State at 157 and 165 pounds by a combined three points, a small margin that would be the deciding factor in the Vikings overall loss, despite some excellent performances in the heavier divisions.

Redshirt freshman Anthony Rice started a Viking comeback at 174 pounds. He jumped out to an 8-2 lead after scoring a four-point near fall effort in the frame. Rice was able to neutralize his opponent from gaining any offensive points for the rest of the bout to secure the win.

Trailing 1-0 after two periods at 184, Vikings' sophomore DeAndre Nassar played a defensive strategy, posting an escape and then securing the lone takedown of the bout in the final frame to claim the win.

CSU junior Ben Smith upset nationally ranked Landom Pelham at 197 pounds to earn a gutsy victory. Smith trailed 2-1 after three minutes. However, he flipped a switch in the second period, accumulating a takedown and two back points to take the lead. Smith's escape point was the only scoring of the final frame as he held on for the 6-4 victory.

The victories from Rice, Nassar and Smith meant the team result would come down to the winner of the heavyweight bout. CMU's Matt Stencel, one of three current All-Americans in the visitors' lineup, claimed a dominant win at 285 to seal victory for the Chippewas.