When All-American wrestler Jake Strayer went down with a potential season-ending injury two weeks ago, Troy Sunderland had some big shoes to fill and a lot of questions to answer -- No. 1: Who could step up and replace Strayer?

Enter his former understudy: Garrett Scott.

When the newest USA Today/NWCA/InterMat Coaches Poll came out yesterday, Scott made his career debut as the nation's No. 9 141-pounder after two wins over ranked opponents. Strayer was previously ranked No. 11.

Scott and Strayer wrestled-off for the starting spot two weeks ago in practice. In that match, Strayer sustained a rib injury that Sunderland says will sideline him for "probably the next month."

After Strayer's injury, Scott started against No. 8 Illinois and hasn't looked back, instilling confidence in his head coach. The true freshman from Juniata Valley pinned the Illini's No. 11 Ryan Prater just 2:21 into the bout.

"Garrett really doesn't really have a lot of respect for his opponents," Sunderland said after the Illinois dual. "It's nice to see. He just goes out and lets it go."

Against No. 11 Michigan last week, Scott gave Penn State fans their money's worth when he nearly pinned then-No. 4 Kellen Russell in a physical match. Scott upset Russell, 4-3. It was only the Michigan grappler's fourth loss of the season.

Scott said he "doesn't feel pressure" when he wrestles, even against a wrestler of Russell's stature.

"I'm always pretty confident in my wrestling," Scott said. "I don't care what the kid's ranked. I'm going to go out and wrestle the same as I always do."

The wrestle-off and injury to Strayer came at a difficult time for Sunderland with the Big Ten tournament looming next month. Sunderland said it is important for Penn State to have a starter for the tournament, but it's been hard to determine with the injury to Strayer and limited practice time for Scott.

Scott has had issues with minor injuries this season and has also faced the possibility of wrestling at 149 pounds.

The injuries have limited the time Scott's can spend on the mat in practice.

"[Scott] hasn't been able to -- because of injuries, because of the wrestle-off -- practice a full, hard go," Sunderland said. "For the amount of practice he's got in, it's phenomenal [because of] the kid he was able to beat."

Sunderland said experience would not be a factor for Scott and he has a lot of confidence with him as the starter for the Big Ten tournament -- even though he's only started three conference matches.

"He's been involved in some high-level competition and he's pretty unaffected by that atmosphere," Sunderland said of the three-time high school state champion.

"That was pretty evident the other night."

Scott's teammates have faith in him, too.

Senior team co-captain Phil Davis called him "Superman" after his win over Russell.

"I'm used to having Jake in the lineup because its my third year wrestling with him so not having him is the lineup is different and I don't know what to expect," Davis said. "And then Garrett just goes out and completely puts the standard back at what I'm used to.

"It's just good to know that whoever is in our lineup at 41 -- it's quality."