Penn State at Auburn

Recap

The Big Storyline: A “non-gymnastics related health issue” meant another meet for Auburn without Sunisa Lee, keeping the Tigers from getting a massive score on senior night. Auburn still put up a respectable performance, led by Cassie Stevens’ all-around set, but with the standards of the SEC rising as the postseason approach, the score may not be enough. Penn State put up a top 10 program score and a season-high on the road, helping to solidify its postseason aspirations as regionals draw closer. 

Implications: Auburn was surpassed by Kentucky in the conference rankings, meaning that the Tigers will not be in the night session of the SEC championship. Auburn also fell out of the top 10 for the first time this season. Penn State rose five spots up to No. 33, making what was once an outside view of the regionals bubble seem much more plausible.