Auburn at LSU

Recap

The Big Storyline: The clash of the Tigers came down to the wire, with LSU turning in a program-high 49.775 on floor to clinch the win. 

Implications: LSU jumped from eighth to fifth in the national rankings, leap-frogging Auburn in the process and taking second in the SEC. That said, this was by no means a definitive victory: Expect plenty of back and forth in the rankings before the postseason arrives. 

Records: LSU’s lights-out floor rotation came in front of the second-largest crowd in program history. In addition to her 10 on vault, Bryant earned a career high 39.675 in the all-around. Fifth-year Christina Desiderio also earned a career high on floor with a 9.950 in the lead-off position. Auburn tied its program record team score and saw its first perfect 10 in 18 years from Sunisa Lee on bars. Lee also secured the highest all-around score in program history.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 6 Auburn at No. 8 LSU 

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: The Battle of the Tigers is more competitive than ever. Auburn has smashed expectations so far this season, currently ranking sixth nationally and second in the SEC. LSU, meanwhile, only has two meets under its belt due to COVID protocol. Though still ranked a solid eighth overall, it has yet to break 197 this season. It’ll have to step up its game if it expects to keep Auburn at bay. 

What We’re Watching: Suni Lee had a breakout performance last week against Alabama, earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors. Consider her and teammate Derrian Gobourne officially on 10 watch.

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: Kiya Johnson is expected to make her 2022 floor debut, which should provide a much-needed boost to LSU’s floor lineup. Her teammate Haleigh Bryant was limited to two events last week due to plantar fasciitis but could add at least one other event, according to coach Jay Clark. Auburn head coach Jeff Graba said that we could also see vaults from beam standout Gabby McLaughlin and freshman Caroline Leonard.