The Mount: Week 8 Previews and Predictions

Week eight of the NCAA gymnastics season is packed with high-stakes matchups, fierce rivalries, and major postseason implications. From top-ranked teams fighting to secure their spots in the national standings to underdogs looking to shake things up, this weekend’s slate promises drama, intensity, and standout performances. LSU looks to capitalize on its momentum against Kentucky while Alabama and Auburn battle for SEC survival. Meanwhile, powerhouse programs like Utah, Oklahoma, and UCLA face critical tests that could impact their postseason seeding. Whether you’re here for the upsets, the rivalries, or the race for NQS perfection, these are the must-watch meets you won’t want to miss.

Must-Watch Meets

LSU at Kentucky

Friday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. ET | SECN

Prediction: 81.6% LSU, 18.4% Kentucky

The Tigers are riding high after defeating the Sooners last week, posting a season-best 198.050—the second-highest score by any team this season. For many, this victory symbolizes a potential power shift, with LSU seemingly dethroning Oklahoma as the top team in the game. However, despite the statement win, the Tigers actually dropped a spot in the overall rankings due to a lackluster 196.600 road performance sticking in their NQS. This upcoming away meet presents a crucial opportunity for LSU to replace that score and make a push for the No. 2 spot, currently held by the Bruins.

Meanwhile, Kentucky has been the model of consistency this season, with all its scores falling within a narrow eight-tenth range. That steadiness has paid off, securing the Wildcats the No. 9 spot in the overall NQS rankings, just 0.045 behind Missouri. While they aren’t in a precarious position like Alabama, Kentucky still needs a strong showing to solidify its standing and potentially break into the top four as conference championships approach.  

Notes about the predictions: Looking back on the season so far, Kentucky’s chances of defeating LSU at home peaked at 32% following its season-high performance in week three. However, the Wildcats haven’t surpassed that mark since while LSU has posted several strong scores, causing Kentucky’s odds to dip below 20%. One key factor in this matchup is LSU’s inconsistency on beam during away meets, where the Tigers have yet to score above a 49.250. If that trend continues, Kentucky’s chances of winning rise to 35%, and with an event win factored in, those odds could climb to 43%.

Auburn at Alabama

Friday, Feb. 21 at 8:30 p.m. ET | SECN

Prediction: 65.4% Alabama, 34.6% Auburn

If intrastate rivalries are your thing, this is a must-watch meet. It’s also a pivotal one for both Alabama and Auburn in terms of NQS implications. As the lowest-ranked team in the SEC, Alabama needs to post another 197+ score to avoid slipping into the ninth-place danger zone—putting the Crimson Tide at risk of being the only team left out of the SEC Championships.

Auburn, on the other hand, managed to drop its season-low 195.950 road score but still needs another 197-plus away performance to hold off Georgia and Arkansas. Strong showings from either of those teams this week could easily push Auburn down in the standings.

Notes about the predictions: Auburn’s chances of defeating rival Alabama at home have steadily climbed throughout the season, but the Tigers will want to avoid a repeat of last week’s sub-49 bars performance. Another slip on that event would give Alabama a 90% chance of taking the meet. However, the Crimson Tide has its own trouble spot to watch. A repeat of its 48.550 or lower on beam would likely swing the advantage back to Auburn, giving the Tigers an 85% chance of securing the win.

Denver at Utah

Friday, Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. ET | ESPN+

Prediction: 94.3% Utah, 5.7% Denver

Utah returns home after narrowly escaping Tempe with a win and now hosts a Denver team that seems to have finally found its footing following a rocky start to the season. The Red Rocks struggled on beam last weekend, scoring below 49 for the first time since 2022. Competing at home should help ease some nerves, but they’ll be under pressure to prove that the beam issues were just a one-off.

Denver, on the other hand, is eyeing a strong road score as it secures its NQS after this meet. With a mid-194 already on the books, the Pioneers will want to post a cleaner performance to avoid that score weighing down their average for much longer. Competing in an arena known for generous scoring could be just the boost they need.

Notes about the predictions: Denver’s chances of winning this meet have steadily declined throughout the season, and even after a strong performance last weekend, its odds only improved by 1%. To boost its chances to 55%, the Pioneers will need to claim victories on both beam and floor—events where consistency has been a challenge this season. However, if the meet unfolds as projected, Utah holds a 27% chance of winning by half a point or more.

Florida at Oklahoma

Friday, Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. ET | ESPN2

Prediction: 74.3% Oklahoma, 25.7% Florida

Fresh off a home victory that featured perfect 10s from Leanne Wong on beam and Sloane Blakely on floor, the Gators head to Norman to take on a Sooner team hungry for redemption. Florida will be aiming for a strong road score to boost its NQS and solidify its spot in the evening session at SEC Championships.

Oklahoma, meanwhile, is coming off a tough loss at LSU. While the Sooners delivered a solid performance, landing struggles proved costly. Though their No. 1 ranking isn’t at risk this weekend, a home win would provide a much-needed confidence boost as they dive deeper into SEC matchups.

Notes about the predictions: Oklahoma and Florida are evenly matched on both vault and beam this season, with simulations giving each team a 50/50 chance of posting the higher score on those events. However, the Sooners hold the edge on bars and floor, with a 78% and 64% chance of winning those events, respectively. For Florida, the key to an upset lies in outperforming Oklahoma on its strongest events. If the Gators can take either bars or floor, their chances of toppling the No. 1 team jump to 61%.

Upset Alert

Ohio State at Penn State

Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. ET | B1G+

Prediction: 53.2% Penn State, 46.9% Ohio State

Ohio State and Penn State have both been hampered by injuries to key gymnasts, leaving them near the bottom of the Big Ten standings. With less than two-tenths separating these teams, this meet is expected to be a closely contested battle. Both the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes will be aiming for a score of 196 or higher. This is especially important for Ohio State, as posting a third 196-plus road score would significantly boost its NQS chances.

Notes about the predictions: This matchup is expected to be incredibly close, with Penn State holding a slight edge, largely due to the continued absence of Payton Harris. If Harris were to return to the lineup this weekend, Ohio State’s chances of winning would rise by 17%, making the Buckeyes the favorites. However, even with her return, it may be unrealistic to expect her to hit her usual numbers right away. Without Harris, Ohio State’s best path to victory lies on beam, where an event win would give the Buckeyes an 80% chance of taking the meet.

Ivy Classic

Sunday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. ET | ESPN+

Prediction: 77.1% Penn, 16.6% Yale, 5.5% Brown, 0.8% Cornell

Penn is aiming for back-to-back Ivy Classic titles this weekend, after claiming the championship last season for the first time since 2020. The Quakers have been steadily improving throughout the year and are coming off a season-high 195.100 last weekend, so they should enter this weekend with confidence as they look to secure another Ivy Classic victory.

Yale has also posted some strong scores this season, but the Bulldogs will need to put together a complete performance and aim for higher 48+ event totals to challenge Penn. Meanwhile, Brown and Cornell are less likely to take the win based on the data, but both teams have had standout performances this season. Emily Ford and Sophia Dewar of Brown, as well as Avery Byun and Sydner Beers of Cornell, have delivered strong routines that will contribute valuable scores toward their NQS.

Notes about the predictions: Penn is favored to win the Ivy Classic this weekend, largely thanks to the performances of Skyelar Kerico and Jordan Barrow. Without either of them, Penn’s chances of victory drop by 10%. Yale could boost its chances to 43% with an event win on beam, while Brown and Cornell will aim to dominate bars, giving them a 32% and 15% chance of winning, respectively. If Penn counts two or more falls—something it hasn’t done since Week 3—Yale would become the favorite, with a 44% chance of claiming the title.

Central Michigan at Kent State

Sunday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. ET | Free live stream

Prediction: 72.6% Central Michigan, 27.4% Kent State

Central Michigan sits in the top half of the MAC and has gained momentum in recent weeks. Against host Kent State, the Chippewas aim to shed early-season 193s and prove their conference-leading 196.000 can be replicated on the road. Led by upperclassmen Luciana Alvarado-Reid and Hannah Appleget, they’ve shown strong gymnastics early in the season but still have room for growth with their young roster.

Kent State, eager to move past January’s 193s, will need to rely on its strong floor performance to stay in postseason contention. Sophomore Nene Alvine, stepping up as an all-arounder after a freshman year limited to beam, has been key, with four hit routines essential to the Golden Flashes’ success.

Notes about the predictions: Central Michigan’s consistent performances over the past four weeks have boosted its win chances from 60% to over 70% for this MAC matchup. Kent State will need to outscore Central Michigan on bars to have a 64% chance of winning. However, this outcome only occurs if the Chippewas score below 49 on bars—a feat they haven’t hit since week three.

UCLA at Michigan

Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. ET | BTN

Prediction: 87.6% UCLA, 12.4% Michigan

Currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, UCLA is poised to clinch the win over Michigan in what should be a routine meet. The Bruins’ next goal is likely clearing the 198 mark, a feat well within their capabilities. Michigan, with a young roster, has found its footing in recent weeks. While the Wolverines’ chances of winning are slim, they’ll have the advantage of competing in their home arena. Accustomed to being at the top of the Big Ten, Michigan will be aiming for at least a high 196 to improve its ranking.

Notes about the predictions: UCLA is expected to extend its win streak by defeating Michigan this weekend, but if the Bruins count a fall, Michigan’s chances of pulling off the upset rise to 54%. The Wolverines’ best shot at an event win is on bars, where they have a 37% chance of coming out on top. Both teams, however, will be focused on building their NQS scores and climbing the rankings. Michigan currently sits in 15th but could potentially move up to 11th next week with a 196.950, a scenario we predict has a one in three chance of happening. UCLA, now ranked second, has a 52% chance of scoring at least 197.400 to avoid slipping to 5th.

Wondering how we came up with the predictions for each meet? Read more about our methodology.

There’s Other Stuff Happening Too

We’d be remiss to let a preview for week eight go by without bringing up these additional areas of interest.

• Michigan State’s home matchup against Rutgers is expected to be an easy win, but last week’s road duel at Nebraska proved to be much tougher than anticipated, with the outcome decided in the final routines. This week is crucial for the Spartans to bounce back, especially with the high-stakes UCLA vs. Michigan meet happening nearby.
• Speaking of Nebraska, the Huskers face a tough challenge in their road meet at Minnesota, a team that quietly posted a strong 197.375 last weekend. That score outperformed season highs from the likes of Alabama, Michigan, and Missouri. Keep an eye on another big performance from the Gophers this week.
• California has had difficulty replicating last year’s national runner-up performance, but flashes of brilliance have emerged, including Mya Lauzon’s recent perfect 10.0 on floor. This week’s home meet against Pittsburgh could be another highlight, especially with the anticipated debut of Ondine Achampong on beam.

Fantasy Corner

If you’re playing fantasy gymnastics this year, you want to do the best you can, right? We have you covered with tips and tricks all season long in Fantasy Central. Managing editor Emily Minehart and data editor Dara Tan will be bringing you the latest updates on injuries, scoring statistics, sneaky waiver wire targets, and more.

CGN Pick’em

Brandis (Last Week: 4-1; Overall: 23-12)

• Auburn at Alabama: Alabama
• Florida at Oklahoma: Oklahoma
• Ohio State at Penn State: Penn State
• Ivy Classic: Penn
• UCLA at Michigan: UCLA

Elizabeth (Last Week: 3-2; Overall: 27-8)

• Auburn at Alabama: Alabama
• Florida at Oklahoma: Oklahoma
• Ohio State at Penn State: Ohio State
• Ivy Classic: Penn
• UCLA at Michigan: UCLA

Emily M (Last Week: 3-2; Overall: 26-9)

• Auburn at Alabama: Alabama
• Florida at Oklahoma: Oklahoma
• Ohio State at Penn State: Ohio State
• Ivy Classic: Penn
• UCLA at Michigan: UCLA

Jenna (Last Week: 4-1; Overall: 26-9)

• Auburn at Alabama: Alabama
• Florida at Oklahoma: Oklahoma
• Ohio State at Penn State: Ohio State
• Ivy Classic: Penn
• UCLA at Michigan: UCLA

Rebecca (Last Week: 3-2; Overall: 26-9)

• Auburn at Alabama: Auburn
• Florida at Oklahoma: Oklahoma
• Ohio State at Penn State: Penn State
• Ivy Classic: Penn
• UCLA at Michigan: UCLA

Week 8 Guest: Aaron

• Auburn at Alabama: Alabama
• Florida at Oklahoma: Oklahoma
• Ohio State at Penn State: Ohio State
• Ivy Classic: Pennsylvania
• UCLA at Michigan: UCLA

Want to join in on the predictions? Tag us on social media with your picks then tune into the meets to see how well you do!

How to Watch

Looking for more info on how to watch your favorite gymnasts and teams in action? Head to our master schedule for all the scoring, video, and live blog links, or head to our annual “How to Watch” article to see what platforms you have access to with various streaming services.

READ THIS NEXT: NCAA Gymnastics Power Rankings, Week 7: Upsets Shake up the Top 4

Article by the editors of College Gym News