“I’ve always been really tough on top and bottom…but I’m working on getting my offense going,” he said. “I’m trying to let loose and show more of what I really have…just trying to get myself to wrestle to my potential.”

While Caputo and O’Connor certainly did their part Friday, Rutgers rode two pins and two major decisions to put the match out of reach.

HARVARD 29, FRANKLIN & MARSHALL 15

The Crimson opened its dual season with a bang, earning two pins and a technical fall to win its first match as a team. Harvard was rarely threatened, as the Diplomats forfeited the first two weight classes and nullified the Crimson’s disadvantage with a mutual forfeit at heavyweight.

O’Connor and Buxton notched impressive pins, downing their opponents in 2:30 and 2:00, respectively. Caputo also added a dominant performance, posting a 16-0 technical fall over Matt Latessa.

“Caputo was strong as ever,” Weiss said. “He’s just going to keep rolling.”

If Harvard continues to get such strong performances from its top individuals, the squad has the potential to keep rolling as well.

—Staff writer Max N. Brondfield can be reached at mbrondf@fas.harvard.edu.