NCAA Gymnastics: 5 must-watch meets this weekend
How are we already in week 9 of the NCAA gymnastics season? Say it ain’t so!
Although we aren’t ready for this season to be over, the regular season is quickly coming to a close, and the matchups just keep getting better! Keep reading for five meets (men’s and women’s) you must watch this weekend.
Friday, February 28
No. 2 Florida vs. No. 10 Georgia (Women’s) – 7 p.m. ET (SECN)
Also known as the battle of the Baumann sisters, this is Florida’s last SEC regular season meet. The undefeated Gators already secured the SEC regular season title last weekend, but don’t think that means they have nothing to lose. Georgia put an end to their perfect SEC season last year, and the Bulldogs could feasibly tarnish the Gators’ 8-0 overall, 6-0 SEC record tonight. Plus, the Florida-Georgia/Georgia-Florida (no one can ever agree!) rivalry is always one for the books. Oh yea, did we mention it’s in Athens? That’s a tough crowd for any visiting team.
Must-watch preview: Sister, Sister: The Florida-Georgia rivalry redefined
No. 14 Arkansas vs. No. 5 LSU (Women’s) – 8:15 p.m. ET (SEC+)
The fighting Tigers of LSU are coming off a 197+ (197.025 to be exact) road win over Missouri and back at home in the PMAC. Arkansas is looking to gain some momentum after a close home loss to Auburn last weekend. The Tigers certainly have the advantage, but don’t be surprised if the Razorbacks RISE to the occasion. This is also the first time we will see Arkansas’ first-year head coach Jordyn Wieber face off against the legendary D-D Breaux.
Saturday, February 29
No. 6 Denver vs. No. 1 Oklahoma (Women’s) – 12:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
This is another great top 10 matchup. It’s also a rematch of two of the final four teams from last year’s NCAA National Championship meet. Oklahoma already faced Denver once this season at the Metroplex Challenge on Jan. 25 and won, beating the Pioneers 197.525-196.575. On the Sooners’ side, freshman Ragan Smith is one to watch coming off a great meet against Stanford. The former elite standout won four titles in that meet (all-around (tie), beam, bars, and floor) and was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week. On the Pioneers’ side, sophomore beam specialist Alexis Vasquez highlights a talented group capable of upsetting the top-ranked Sooners. Vasquez has been the Big 12 Specialist of the Week five out of the past eight weeks and has two perfect 10s this season.
Must-read feature: Denver standout gymnast Alexis Vasquez perfect OK with not being perfect
No. 10 Minnesota vs. No. 2 Michigan (Men’s) – 1 p.m. ET (Watch)
NCAA men’s gymnastics is back after a weekend “off” while the men battled it out at the 2020 Winter Cup Challenge. With the regular season winding down and teams moving to five up, five count lineups, the pressure is on. This matchup in particular is exciting because both teams are currently undefeated in the Big Ten conference and are the (shared) defenders of the inaugural 2019 Big Ten regular season title. The Gophers are led by junior Shane Wiskus, who is coming off a huge weekend at Winter Cup. Wiskus placed second in the all-around and on vault, and he kept his spot on the U.S. Senior National Team. The Wolverines are on a momentum high. As a team, Michigan upset Oklahoma a few weeks back (416.500-408.900). Individually, freshman Paul Juda is on fire and was just named to the National Team as well for his performance this past weekend.
No. 11 California vs. No. 1 Stanford vs. Japan vs. Norway vs. World All-Stars (Men’s) – 7 p.m. ET (Watch)
This is probably the most exciting of the men’s meets this weekend because we’ll see domestic talent and international stars competing in the NCAA format, including reigning Olympic team gold medalist Japan. Read more about the Stanford International Collegiate Open here.
Which college meet are you most excited for this weekend?
