Michigan State at Michigan

Recap

The Big Storyline: Michigan State wowed the national TV audience on BTN, putting up impressive, clean gymnastics in a loss to the Wolverines. Michigan’s depth meet saw Natalie Wojcik and Abby Heiskell sit out a few events, meaning we got routines from Jenna Mulligan, Reyna Guggino and Abby Brenner we haven’t seen so far this year.

Implications: The Spartans proved they are a squad to be reckoned with as this group approached both its floor and total program records, numbers that seem likely to fall in 2022. Michigan State is making a strong case for the Big Ten night session. Michigan showed some depth, though still only used nine gymnasts, where it usually uses seven, and didn’t count any of the depth routines toward the team number. Still, the Wolverines were near-198 and remain No. 1 as January closes. Assuming the core five of Wojcik, Heiskell, Sierra Brooks, Gabby Wilson and Naomi Morrison remain healthy, the Wolverines look prime to stay in the top spot as we move to the middle of the season.

Records: Michigan’s 197.913 is the highest week four average in NCAA history.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 15 Michigan State at No. 1 Michigan

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: Do you want to miss the reigning national champions and first team to 198 in 2022 live in Crisler? We don’t! Add to it a young and exciting Michigan State team from just down the road in East Lansing, and this one should be a blast.

What We’re Watching: Don’t take your eyes off vault. Michigan sticks its Yurchenko 1.5s like it’s nothing, and Gabi Stephen notched a perfect 9.950 for her full last weekend. The Spartans are also a thrilling floor team on the heels of alumna Alina Cartwright’s choreography.

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: Michigan and Michigan State haven’t seen each other since Elevate the Stage Toledo in February 2020 due to COVID. The Wolverines own the all-time series against Michigan State 75-38.