Auburn at Arkansas

Recap

The Big Storyline: Arkansas was the favorite heading into the competition, but underrotation on vaults and floor tumbling passes ultimately cost it the meet. Auburn had a huge beam rotation and Sophia Groth, Sunisa Lee and Gabby McLaughlin were able to come up big when the team needed strong clean beam sets to end the meet. Arkansas freshman Cami Weaver suffered an injury on her vault landing, and her status is currently unknown.

Implications: All eyes were on the freshmen heading into this performance and neither team disappointed. Sophia Groth earned a huge 9.900 in her beam debut and Sunisa Lee debuted her collegiate floor routine. Arkansas’ Leah Smith showcased huge tumbling and the talent to become a top NCAA all-arounder. These two teams are just getting started and have unlimited potential to improve over the next four years. 

Records: Auburn’s 197.250 is the second-highest road score in program history.  Arkansas had a program record crowd with 10,375 fans present at Bud Walton Arena. Additionally, Arkansas has never scored 197.000 in its first two weeks of the season before. Arkansas senior Savannah Pennese had a career high 9.875 on floor.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 8 Auburn at No. 15 Arkansas 

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: Both Auburn and Arkansas have long since established themselves as top 20 teams, but they’re looking to crack the top 10 in 2022. With strong returners and exceptional freshman classes, either team could realistically have a breakout year. 

What We’re Watching: The bulk of Arkansas’ freshmen—including Leah Smith—missed the team’s opening meet due to COVID-19 protocols but could add a significant boost to the Razorbacks’ week one scores if they return here. Auburn looked sharp in Chapel Hill (especially on vault) but will likely need to break 49 on all four events to keep pace with a full Arkansas roster. 

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: This is shaping up to be a battle of the leg events: Auburn is currently ranked third nationally on vault while Arkansas is ninth on floor. Also worth noting, this will be the first-ever gymnastics meet inside Bud Walton Arena, aka “the Palace,” typically reserved for men’s basketball.