College gymnastics Week 6 preview: Rivalry meets, Stanford vs. OU part 2
This weekend in college gymnastics there are numerous compelling rivalry meets, ranked matchups, and a showdown between the two men’s programs that have dominated the last decade of NCAA titles.
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No. 11 Georgia vs. No. 12 Auburn
Can the Bulldogs pull off a rivalry win for the second week in a row? And continue to fuel the fire their new coaching staff seems to have ignited? After defeating Alabama last week for the first time since 2021, Georgia is on the road at Auburn, looking for its second consecutive victory over the Tigers in their home-and-home series (Georgia won at home in 2024, Auburn won their neutral meeting at the 2024 SEC championship a few weeks later). If they win, this would also be the Bulldogs’ first win at Auburn since 2017.
The two teams are neck-and-neck in the rankings at No. 11 and No. 12, with Georgia having the edge on average, 196.650-196.610. That being said, Auburn has scored a 197 this season (197.025 to be exact), coming at home against Oregon State a couple weeks ago. Georgia’s season high so far is a 196.975.
| Friday, February 7 |
| 8:00 pm | Georgia @ Auburn – Live Stats | Video (SECN+) |
No. 13 Stanford vs. No. 7 California
Last year’s Cinderella story, AKA Stanford, meets the 2024 runner-up in Cal – another rivalry meet sure to spark interest.
Stanford has been stronger out the gate this season compared to last year, already scoring two 197s. Last week, the Cardinal went 197.250 – its season high so far – against North Carolina. Leading the charge this season? All-arounder Anna Roberts, who has a high of 9.95 on vault and bars and 9.925 on beam and floor. She’s no doubt filling alum Chloe Widner’s shoes.
Cal has a pair of 197s this year as well, including a 197.175 last week against NC State and a 197.275 against LSU, Oklahoma, and Utah at the Collegiate Quad earlier this season. While still strong to start, the Bears seem to be pacing themselves a little better this year. Maybe not as “crisp” as they were last February, but they don’t need to be. They still have the potential to go far and make the Four on the Floor for the second year in a row. What Cal has been is a 9.9 machine; nine different gymnasts have gone 9.9+, many on multiple events. (They have 13 who have competed, for reference.)
| Friday, February 7 |
| 10:00 pm | Stanford @ California – Live Stats | Video (ACCNX) |
Best of the Rest
What other meets should you watch this weekend? Well, while there is no shortage of options (see the full schedule and how to watch here), here are our recommendations.
BYU vs. No. 21 Denver
Denver is averaging about a point higher in total team score, but this is still a compelling matchup against teams in neighboring states, especially after the Pioneers went 194.600 – a season low – against Arizona last week. The team is definitely feeling the loss of long-time star Jessica Hutchinson, but make no mistake: there are plenty of stars and those with star potential on the roster.
BYU’s average is dragged down by 194s and an ugly 193 from earlier in the season, but for the past three weeks, the Cougars have gone 195+. They could upset Denver if they continue that consistency and have a good day.
| Saturday, February 8 |
| 9:00 pm | BYU @ Denver – Live Stats | Video (MIDCO) |
No. 24 Clemson vs. No. 23 North Carolina
Closing out the weekend is an ACC showdown between No. 24 Clemson and No. 23 North Carolina.
In its second year as a program, the Tigers are finding their rhythm as a program, in general and with this particular roster. They’ve gone 196 once this season but have really been hovering in the mid-195s. Unfortunately, they lost standout Trinity Brown to an Achilles tear this past week.
North Carolina is off to a much better start than last season, scoring consistently in the 195s and no 193s or 194s like at this point in 2024. That’s good for head coach Danna Durante, who many figured was on the hot seat heading into this season. It’s not good for the Tigers, who are currently fifth in the ACC rankings compared to the Tar Heels, who are fourth. All six teams will qualify to the conference championship, but that 4-5 bubble will determine who competes in the afternoon session (seeds 5 and 6) and who competes in the evening session (seeds 1-4).
| Sunday, February 9 |
| 4:00 pm | Clemson @ North Carolina – Live Stats | Video (ACC) |
Men’s slate sees two top 5 matchups
All five of the men’s meets this weekend present compelling matchups, with four set for Saturday and No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 5 Ohio State to close the weekend. But the best matchup comes in No. 1 Oklahoma’s tri-meet Saturday evening, when they’ll face No. 3 Stanford – the reigning national champion – for the second time this season (note: they’ll also face Greenville – no men’s team erasure here).
Last time the Sooners and Cardinal met was at the Rocky Mountain Open in Week 2, when Stanford prevailed 328.850-327.200. That’s the Cardinal’s season high still, while the Sooners have since peaked at a 330.700.
Anyone who follows men’s gym know the Cardinal haven’t played all their cards this season just yet – not by a long shot – but a win for the Sooners would still show that Stanford is vulnerable and a sixth straight national title isn’t guaranteed. Still, the Cardinal doesn’t like to lose, especially to Oklahoma.
