A clash of the titans -- not quite.

Two of the three unranked Big Ten teams, Penn State (3-6) and Indiana (6-4), square off on Sunday at Rec Hall. Penn State coach Troy Sunderland knows that right now is the time to perform as the Big Ten schedule begins.

"Now is when it counts," he said. "The rankings and seedings for the Big Ten tournament are affected. It's also about the bragging rights."

The 184-pound bout, is an anticipated clash of two titans, No. 1 Viktor Sveda of Indiana against No. 10 Mark Becks of the Nittany Lions. Becks looks to knock off his second No. 1 seeded opponent after beating Oklahoma State's Pat Popolizio.

There is a mutual respect for both competitors. Hoosiers coach Duane Goldman praised Becks early season performance.

"Mark is a good wrestler," the tenth-year coach said. "He's (Sveda) got to respect everyone, and he's (Becks) no different. He is having a great year and will be entering the match with nothing to lose, and trying to win. He is very talented and Viktor better be to ready wrestle."

Coaching assistant Ross Thatcher has wrestled against Sveda many times, and has been helping Becks to prepare for the match. Thatcher spoke with Becks about Sveda throughout the season, but he has told him not to change his approach to wrestle one person.

"He's (Sveda) a hard-nosed kid who wrestles well in all positions on the mat," Thatcher said. " He wrestles hard for seven minutes in every match. I know that Mark can beat him, but he has to be ready to for seven minutes."

The Lions will welcome the return of their two suspended wrestlers, 141-pound Scott Moore and 149-pound Nate Watcher. Whether or not Moore will be in the starting is still unknown. Either, Moore or Eric Narkiewicz will be the representing the Lions at 141, depending on who wins the wrestle-off at practice.

Watcher will not be in the starting lineup against the Hoosiers, and his spot will be filled by redshirt freshman Jason Woodall. Watcher not starting is not related to his disciplinary suspension.

Adam Smith, who wrestled well at the Virginia Duals by posting a 3-0 record at 125 pounds, was diagnosed with walking pneumonia upon his return to State College. Smith will miss the Indiana match, and is out for seven to 10 days and then there is a needed recuperation period. Justin Kast, who started a majority of matches before the Virginia Duals, will be back in the starting lineup.

Most of the season has seen split-time between a trio of wrestlers at heavyweight. Sunderland said Pat Cummins will compete on Sunday.

"Pat Cummins will be given the opportunity over the next few matches and we'll see how he performs," he said.

The Lions, who have never lost to the Hoosiers, will be putting their eight game winning streak on the line.