Alabama at Arkansas

Recap

The Big Storyline: This meet proved to be as close as was promised, with the final results coming down to the final few routines for each team. Arkansas got off to a rough start on vault and never quite managed to overcome the deficit after the first rotation, although it came close on its final and best event, floor. 

Implications: If Florida had lost this week, Alabama was in position to fight for the title of regular season champion; however, the Florida win sealed that victory for the Gators. The Crimson Tide also passed the Razorbacks in the rankings this week, but both teams remain in a position to be in the night session at the SEC championship.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 7 Alabama at No. 6 Arkansas

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: Both Alabama and Arkansas had absolutely incredible performances last week. The Razorbacks scored their highest team total in program history and Kennedy Hambrick scored a program record in the individual all around with a 39.750. Not to be outdone, however, the Crimson Tide recorded their highest team score since Feb. 3, 2017, and both Luisa Blanco and Lexi Graber had outstanding all around performances as well. Alabama has the higher score ceiling here, but Arkansas has been more consistent throughout the season, so this truly could go either way. 

Need More Proof? As mentioned above, watch for outstanding performances by Luisa Blanco (who scored a sky-high 39.825 in the all around last week) and Kennedy Hambrick (who recorded an impressive school record 39.750 herself). The Crimson Tide also nailed all five of their 10.0 starts on vault, which could be the key to setting them apart from the Razorbacks early in the meet.