Ohio State at Penn State

Recap

The Big Storyline: This one started out all Nittany Lions after Penn State put up a stick clinic on vault that paired with a below-average bar lineup for the Buckeyes. Ohio State pulled it together on vault, and then ran away with the meet after a strong floor rotation. Penn State struggled on beam, an old foe from past season that has been better overall this year. The biggest highlight for each team is the very usable team totals, despite each having one off event.

Implications: Ohio State will take the top spot in the conference standings, with both Michigan and Michigan State idle this week. It also has a very respectable 196.780 NQS, a number that just a few years ago would’ve been a season best.

Controversies: The judging in this meet was so slow in the first two rotations. The bars judges were just not keeping things moving. The total meet time from first vault to last floor exhibition was nearly two full hours.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 13 Ohio State at No. 30 Penn State

Why You Should Make Time to Tune in: NQS is upon us, and after a 196.825 at Illinois on Monday, Ohio State debuted in the in-progress rankings at No. 11, a huge placement. The 2023 Buckeyes are the real deal, and another chance at a big away number before we officially move to NQS after this weekend is a good opportunity to secure a top-15 spot. Penn State is having a breakout year of its own and is especially good at home. A season best could give the Buckeyes a run for their money. Win/loss records matter for Big Ten conference championship seeding, and Ohio State is in the mix for the No. 1 seed. 

Need More Proof? Ella Hodges is on a huge roll for Ohio State on beam and floor while Nicole Riccardi has been dominant on bars. Penn State freshman Amani Herring is a bright spot and capable of big beam and floor numbers of her own, and Cassidy Rushlow has been nearly perfect on bars. We’re also on 10-watch for Buckeye Elexis Edwards on floor; she has a 9.975 this year.