Big Fives at Elevate the Stage Toledo Session Two

Recap

The Big Storyline: Michigan State and Nebraska stepped up to the plate and took advantage of another off day for Minnesota—especially on beam—for big results at Big Fives. The Gophers still looked off, with uncharacteristic mistakes from Ona Loper, who put her hand down on vault and fell on beam and a fall from Tiarre Sales on beam. Each team suffered from some hoppiness on the podium. The Huskers kept their landings more together than any of the other teams. 

Implications: Michigan State secured a night session berth to Big Tens with its four wins here. It will join Michigan, Ohio State and the winner of Minnesota versus Iowa (presumably—in past seasons a tied record, which Minnesota and Iowa will have if Minnesota wins next week, the tie break goes to the winner of the head-to-head matchup between the tied teams). Nebraska could also factor in mathematically, but it would require beating Michigan next week.

Controversies: In usual FloGymnastics form, the stream was terrible. It kicked us out more than once, and the commentary Natalie Brown had been doing the entire meet didn’t turn on until the last routine in the fourth rotation.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 6 Minnesota, No. 14 Michigan State, No. 35 Penn State, No. 36 Nebraska and No. 41 Rutgers 

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: Big Fives time! This meet acts as half of the Big Ten’s head-to-head conference matchups for the season, and drama is always high as teams compete in a championship atmosphere on podium at Elevate the Stage Toledo. This matchup is juicy. Minnesota is coming off a very tough day in a loss to Maryland in the second meet of a double. The Gophers just looked gassed and rested Mya Hooten on floor and Maddie Quarles. If they’re still showing fatigue, the Spartans are in prime position to steal this one. Michigan State blasted through its program record meet score last week for a 197.425—a number Minnesota has bested only twice this year—and will be hungry to keep that momentum alive. Rutgers and Nebraska have also been on an upswing, with solid performances in each of their last outings. Penn State is fresh off a strong performance at Michigan, too, so each team has fuel for this one.

What We’re Watching: Despite its struggles, Minnesota showed signs of its usual greatness on Monday, with a 10.0 for Ona Loper on vault in College Park. She and Lexy Ramler are capable of perfection every time out, and this meet is no different. The Spartans were without bars star Jori Jackard last week; she capable of a huge number, and if she’s back, she could be instrumental in helping the Spartans to another big total. The Nittany Lions rely heavily on fifth years Lauren Bridgens and Alissa Bonsall, both of whom could take the bars title with a clean hit. Nebraska’s best days this year have come when Kaitlyn Higgins and Kinsey Davis have been on; if they hit floor and beam, respectively, for big scores, the Huskers will be looking good. Rutgers needs Hannah Joyner and Belle Huang to have big hits to sneak ahead of any teams here; they’re both capable of stunning gymnastics. Emily Leese is also a secret weapon for the Scarlet Knights with her stickable Yurchenko 1.5. She could give the vault stalwarts a run for their money with a good landing.

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: The Big Ten championship is seeded by win/loss, so placement here is critical. Going into Big Fives, Minnesota and Michigan State are each 2-2 while Nebraska and Rutgers are 1-3 and Penn State is winless in conference play. Both the Gophers and Spartans will be striving for a win in Toledo to reach a 6-2 record and all but secure a championship night session berth.