There’s less than a week left until the start of the long-awaited 2021 season. While this year may look a bit different than we’re used to, the gymnastics is still the same—and it wouldn’t be a new season without some predictions. Taking a page out of The Athletic’s book, we’ll be answering one pressing question over the course of 10 days as we gear up for the first meet. Check out the previous days’ questions and predictions here.
Which team will be the first to score a 198 in 2021?
Winner: Florida (7 votes)
Runners-up: Oklahoma (5 votes)
Elizabeth: The easy and obvious choice is Oklahoma. The scores fly there whether it’s deserved or not, and I think even without a big scorer like Maggie Nichols on the roster, the team will still rack up the high numbers.
Talitha: I’m going with an SEC team, as we know how insane scores can get over there. Florida, perhaps?
Katherine: Florida and Oklahoma feel like the perennial 198 squads, but I’d say Florida will get the first one (and probably more than Oklahoma) this year.
Katie: I think Oklahoma will score the first 198 of the season, but I think Florida will end up as the national champion.
Emily M: Oklahoma. I have the Gators as my national champs, but I think the Sooners will continue to be the most immediately prepared team.
Brandis: Florida is my choice here, but Oklahoma is going to keep it close. Without Maggie Nichols’ starpower, I’m not sure the Sooners will have the big scores to be the first team to hit that mark.
Mary Emma: It’s between Florida and Oklahoma, but I’m going to go with Oklahoma because it has its first home meet first.
Jenna: This is very close between Oklahoma and Florida, but I’ll go with Florida since the Sooners no longer have Maggie Nichols.
Izzi: I think Florida is going to come out strong for the first 198. It is absolutely stacked this year and the lineups are full of potential 10s.
Tara: While it could easily be Oklahoma, I’m going to go with Florida. The team is stellar, and I’m predicting an all-SEC schedule will only increase the likelihood of a 198.
Claire: Even without the Maggie Nichols bump, Oklahoma will hit the 198 mark first (though I think Florida’s the team to beat for the national title).
Kalley: I’m going to go with Florida. I just don’t think Oklahoma will get there as easily without Nichols.
Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Talitha Ilacqua, Katherine Weaver, Katie Walsh, Emily Minehart, Brandis Heffner, Tara Graeve, Mary Emma Burton, Jenna King, Izzi Baskin, Claire Billman and Kalley Leer
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