Minnesota at Iowa

Recap

The Big Storyline: It looked like the Gophers were going to take this one leading into the final rotation, their margin increasing after each event. However, two falls opened the door for the Hawkeyes, who danced through with a stellar floor rotation. Once again, Minnesota threw out an otherwise outstanding meet with a counted major mistake. The Gophers are a better team than their last three scores would imply, but they’ll need to start putting together complete meets as we march closer to the NQS switch.

Implications: Iowa keeps proving that none of this great start is a fluke. It’s a team capable of a 197 with some cleaning up on bars and beam. It also proved it can play with the conference big kids. The Gophers are capable of a mid-197 with a big hit but keep throwing it away. With only three more road meets, it’s getting to be NQS crunch time. They’ll want to drop this one and their first away 195.000, so they can only afford one more road miss.

Records: This number is Iowa’s fourth-highest in program history. Minnesota’s 49.475 on floor is tied for its fourth-best on that event.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 11 Minnesota at No. 10 Iowa

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: Kathy Johnson Clarke and Bart Conner on an ESPN-produced meet in THE BIG TEN are you kidding?! That makes it can’t-miss on its own, but there’s a lot to unpack in this one. First of all, No. 11 at No. 10. Hello. Second, this is a rematch of the opening meet in the Big Ten when Iowa fell to Minnesota at Maturi Pavillion. Third, it’s a battle for conference placement. This is largely a fight for second in the conference, but also for first. Mathematically, either team could overtake idle Michigan for the top spot. Phew! (Iowa’s magic number is 196.850. Minnesota’s is steeper at 197.475).

What We’re Watching: Do not under any circumstances take your eye balls off your screen during the final rotation. Bathroom and snack breaks prior to the rotation beginning are recommended. Lexy Ramler, Ona Loper and Mary Korlin-Downs beam alternating with Clair Kaji, JerQuavia Henderson and Lauren Guerin floor: what a treat! Guerin has been public about her quest for a 10.0. Will having ESPN in the house help the magic happen? Or will Ramler and Loper steal the show?

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: Guerin’s start value problem from last week should be resolved, per a Larissa Libby tweet taking responsibility for the error.