LSU at Alabama

Recap

The Big Storyline: LSU pulled off the upset in Tuscaloosa after being written off by many going into the meet due to injuries to Alyona Shchennikova and KJ Johnson. LSU is continuing this season’s narrative of being able to thrive despite injuries to people who are key contributors. Alabama was able to take advantage of some loose home scoring, especially in the latter half of the meet, but couldn’t seal the deal on what should’ve been an easy meet to win. 

Implications: LSU jumped two spots in the national rankings and passed Alabama and Auburn to cement itself as the No. 2 team in the conference. Alabama was also able to pass Auburn, though this will feel like a missed opportunity to push even higher in the national rankings. 

Controversies: En route to its 49.700 total, Alabama’s beam rotation included both a 10 being thrown for a routine with a non-stuck dismount and a 9.8/10 split for a routine that left fans guessing what the judges were seeing.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 8 LSU at No. 9 Alabama 

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: These two teams have scratched and clawed their way up the rankings, after thoroughly rocky starts, to join the exclusive 198 club. LSU is riding high after upsetting Florida last week while Alabama picked off Auburn two weeks ago. Both teams have the grit and talent to cause further chaos in the rankings, but they’ll have to get through each other first. 

Update: On Wednesday, LSU announced that sophomore vault and floor specialist KJ Johnson is out indefinitely due to a broken foot and that senior Alyona Shchennikova is questionable for Friday’s meet due to a groin injury.

What We’re Watching: LSU sophomore Aleah Finnegan is on an unbelievably hot streak, earning 10s on three separate events in three consecutive meets. Can she do the unthinkable and finish her first Gym Slam on the road with a bars 10 in Tuscaloosa? 

What Else to Know Before Tuning in: There are fairly significant stakes at play: The SEC championship is only a couple of weeks away, and Kentucky is within striking distance of a spot in the evening session. Both the Tigers and the Crimson Tide are currently counting sub-197s and can’t afford an off meet.