Oklahoma at LSU

Recap

The Big Storyline: LSU rebounded from a heart-breaking loss to Kentucky—which saw a season-ending injury to star Kiya Johnson and a scary fall from freshman Bryce Wilson—with a gutsy and resilient performance at home against top-ranked Oklahoma. The Tigers kept pace with the Sooners right to the end (even leading after the second rotation), utilizing their bench to great effect and leaving no doubt that this team will not go down without a fight. 

Implications: The Sooners were uncharacteristically hoppy on their landings, and so drop to No. 2 (tied with Michigan) in the in-progress national rankings. Despite its 0-3 record, LSU takes over the ninth spot nationally and jumps to third in the SEC standings.  

Records: Alyona Shchennikova and Aleah Finnegan matched their career highs on floor. Jordan Bowers matched her career high in the all-around and set a new career high on beam. Ragan Smith matched her career high on bars. 

Controversies: The scoring for both teams was uneven at best and outright bogus at worst. The team and event winners are arguably correct, but the individual rankings are a total mess.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 1 Oklahoma at No. 10 LSU

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: This Big 12-SEC Monday matchup is one that’s been highly anticipated since schedules were first released last fall. The Sooners and the Tigers haven’t faced each other in a dual meet since 2016, where LSU came out on top with a 196.950. The Sooners are the heavy favorites after having the top overall score at the Super 16 and maintaining the No. 1 ranking after Week 1. LSU dipped down to No. 10 in the rankings but had a solid performance in Utah, especially on floor exercise. In an environment known for friendly home scoring, this one could come down to the last landing in the final routine.

What We’re Watching: The all-around battle for this meet is one that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. Jordan Bowers and Audrey Davis of Oklahoma both turned in 39.500-plus all-around scores at Super 16 while LSU had three all-arounders in Haleigh Bryant, Kiya Johnson and Aleah Finnegan. Both teams have the potential for additional all-around, too. Big 12 Newcomer of the Week Faith Torrez is an option for the Sooners and LSU has Alyona Shchennikova, who only missed competing on beam in the season opener. 

What Else to Know Before Tuning in: While LSU and Oklahoma have not met in a dual meet since the 2016 season, these two teams are by no means strangers. The Tigers and the Sooners have faced off against each other in four of the last five national championships—whether it be during the semifinals or the national final.